21st Apr 2026 01:20
(Alliance News) - Rio Tinto PLC on Tuesday reported improved first quarter production, citing resilient operations across its portfolio amid evolving conditions in the Middle East.
The London-based miner said Pilbara iron ore output in the first quarter ended March 31 increased 13% to 67.8 million tonnes from 60.1 million tonnes in the same period a year earlier, while sales increased 0.5% to 61.2 million tonnes from 60.9 million tonnes.
Global iron ore production increased 12% to 82.8 million tonnes from 73.7 million tonnes, while sales increased 2.1% to 75.7 million tonnes from 74.1 million tonnes.
Bauxite production for the period fell 11% to 13.3 million tonnes from 15.0 million tonnes.
Alumina output increased 6.1% to 2.0 million tonnes from 1.9 million tonnes, while aluminium production grew 0.7% to 840,000 tonnes from 829,000 tonnes.
Copper production on a consolidated basis climbed 8.9% to 228,600 tonnes from 209,800 tonnes.
Chief Executive Simon Trott said: "Operating excellence drove 9% YoY copper equivalent production growth across our portfolio as the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine continues to ramp up as planned and our integrated aluminium business, again, delivered a strong performance.
"The unmatchable mix and scale of our portfolio has ensured growth and supply chain resilience against changing operating conditions as we continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East. Our stronger, sharper, simpler way of working is enabling us to move at pace to achieve productivity benefits across the business."
Rio Tinto lifted exploration and evaluation spending to USD180 million in the first quarter, up from USD141 million a year earlier, driven by work at Resolution Copper in Arizona and higher activity in the copper product group. Copper accounted for just over half of total spend, with central exploration and iron ore making up most of the remainder.
The miner also reported it implemented initiatives delivering USD650 million in annualised productivity gains, supported by operational improvements and streamlined central functions. It added it is pursuing further throughput and cost‑efficiency measures to build on these gains in the coming years.
Rio Tinto reaffirmed its full year guidance of Pilbara iron sales between 323 million to 338 million tonnes, copper production within the range of 800,000 to 870,000 tonnes, and bauxite production of 58 million to 61 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, alumina production is still expected between 7.6 to 7.8 million tonnes, and aluminium at 3.25 million to 3.45 million tonnes.
Shares in Rio Tinto were up 0.6% at AUD173.46 in Sydney on Tuesday morning, while shares in London closed 1.3% lower at 7,348.00 pence on Monday.
By Judy Amaca, Alliance News reporter Asia-Pacific
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