16th Jan 2008 07:01
Rio Tinto PLC16 January 2008 Date: 16 January 2008 Ref: PR596g Fourth quarter 2007 operations review Commenting on the quarter and full year production results, chief executive TomAlbanese said: "Rio Tinto has pulled out all the stops to boost production in2007 while our safety record has continued to improve. Investment to expandcapacity in recent years is paying off with record volume growth in manycommodities. We are driving the business at record pace, as these strong numbersclearly show. "In 2007, we set annual production records for iron ore, bauxite, alumina,aluminium, refined gold, and refined copper on a like for like basis. Withsignificant expansions in iron ore and aluminium and the contribution of theAlcan acquisition, which created the world's leading aluminium producer, we areset to see an acceleration of this growth in 2008. "Against a background of record prices for many of our commodities and with astrong outlook for the demand for our products in the developing markets, welook forward with confidence." • Rio Tinto's iron ore production set a new annual record at 179 milliontonnes in 2007. On an attributable basis 2007 iron ore production was 145million tonnes, a nine per cent increase on the 2006 total. • Fourth quarter attributable iron ore production was also a record, 11per cent ahead of the fourth quarter of 2006 and seven per cent up on theprevious quarter of 2007. • The Pilbara operations continued their rapid expansion with the Hamersley mines raising production by 17 per cent compared with the fourth quarter of 2006. At the end of December 2007 the Pilbara ports were operating at a rate of 190 million tonnes per annum (164 million tonnes on an attributable basis). • Rio Tinto's newest iron ore mine, Hope Downs, commenced production in November 2007, three months ahead of schedule. With the first expansion already approved, it is expected to reach 30 million tonnes annual capacity in 2009 - a rapid and sizeable increment to production in the Pilbara. • Fourth quarter bauxite, alumina and aluminium production were at record levels, increasing by 74 per cent, 133 per cent and 287 per cent respectively compared with the same quarter of 2006. This followed the Alcan acquisition and its subsequent integration with effect from 24 October 2007. On a proforma basis, excluding the Alcan acquisition, quarterly and annual production records were set for bauxite and aluminium. • Mined copper production was five per cent higher than the third quarter of 2007 primarily reflecting increased throughput at Kennecott Utah Copper but decreased by 14 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2006, mainly due to lower grades at Kennecott Utah Copper and Northparkes. • Rio Tinto's position as a significant gold producer was confirmed by its 2007 share of mined gold production of 1.2 million ounces, a 23 per cent increase over 2006. • Fourth quarter production of refined copper and refined gold rose 65 per cent and 98 per cent respectively above the 2006 fourth quarter level, reflecting a full quarter of production at the Kennecott Utah Copper smelter after the scheduled maintenance in the fourth quarter of 2006. • Fourth quarter uranium production was 13 per cent higher than the prior quarter but 14 per cent lower than the 2006 comparative period. The Ranger operation processed higher grade ore following the implementation of dewatering strategies and optimisation of the mine plan, offsetting reduced Rossing production due primarily to lower grades. All currency figures in this report are US dollars unless otherwise stated IRON ORE AND IRON Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06 Hamersley 28,782 +17% +6% 107,828 +16%Robe River 7,529 +3% +18% 27,301 -3%IOC (pellets and concentrate) 2,248 -11% -5% 7,768 -18% In an iron ore market as tight as ever experienced, the success of the PilbaraBlend product was evidenced by sales achieving the benchmark price throughoutthe year. In December 2007, Rio Tinto announced it would place up to 15 million tonnes ofiron ore in the spot market in 2008, recognising both very strong demand foriron ore and the gap between benchmark and spot prices, under which Rio Tintohas made sales at up to $190 per tonne (compared with the current equivalentbenchmark price of $85 per tonne). In November 2007, Rio Tinto announced the approval of the $2.4 billiondevelopment of two new mines, Brockman 4 and Mesa A (Rio Tinto share $2.0billion), with eventual annual production expected to reach 22 million tonnesand 25 million tonnes respectively. Both mines will commence production in 2010,and Brockman 4 has potential to be expanded to 36 million tonnes annualcapacity. Plans were unveiled in the first half of 2007 to lift iron oreproduction capacity from the Pilbara to 320 million tonnes per annum by 2012,and a conceptual roadmap was outlined in November 2007 to add a further 100million tonnes per annum in the Pilbara. A feasibility study to 320 milliontonnes per annum is well underway and will be completed in 2009, and thepreference is to expand port facilities at Cape Lambert. In addition, a $71million feasibility study was approved for Hope Downs 4, as part of the projectto increase Pilbara annual capacity to 320 million tonnes in 2012. Hamersley and Robe River The record production and sales figures for the quarter and the year wereachieved as the cumulative effect of expansions and improvements to the supplychain flowed through the Pilbara system. This result was achieved despite a 30hour impact on shipping and rail from a cyclone in late December. Fourth quarter rail performance showed a 14 per cent increase on the previousquarter, setting a new record for tonnes moved by rail. Mainline trials of automated train operations underway near Tom Price have sofar proved successful and this project remains on track for widerimplementation. A long-term lease was established to underpin construction ofthe purpose-built Remote Operations Centre near Perth's domestic airport, whichwill eventually see rail operations and other Pilbara-based functionstransferred to Perth and is expected to lead to more efficient operations. HIsmelt The HIsmelt plant had a strong fourth quarter with production of 44,789 tonnes.The plant reached operation levels approaching nameplate capacity in December.This brought the annual production total to 114,870 tonnes for 2007 from 88,733in 2006, as the plant ramps up to 800,000 tonnes per annum nameplate capacity. Iron Ore Company of Canada Production of pellets and concentrates at the Iron Ore Company of Canada was 11per cent below the fourth quarter of 2006 and five per cent below the thirdquarter following planned maintenance on loading units. 2007 production wasaffected by the previously reported seven week strike which occurred in thefirst and second quarters of the year and concluded with a five year wageagreement. ALUMINIUM Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06Rio Tinto Alcan Bauxite 7,797 +74% +67% 21,022 +29% Alumina 1,853 +133% +173% 3,877 +19% Aluminium 835.4 +287% +286% 1,479.7 +75% Production records were set across the board in the Aluminium product group.Fourth quarter production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium increased sharplycompared with the same quarter of 2006 reflecting the successful completion ofthe Alcan acquisition. Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan witheffect from 24 October 2007; production is shown as from that date. Bauxite Excluding the impact of the Alcan acquisition which accounted for 2,813 k tonnesin the fourth quarter, bauxite production at Weipa was 11 per cent above thefourth quarter of 2006 and seven per cent above the previous quarter, reflectingincreased capacity from the commissioning of the second shiploader. 2007 Weipabauxite production was at a record level. Alumina The Alcan acquisition contributed 1,144 k tonnes of alumina production in thefourth quarter. At the time of the acquisition, a 1.8 million tonne per annumexpansion of Alcan's Gove refinery was nearing completion, bringing expectedtotal capacity to 3.8 million tonnes per annum. The final months of the yearsaw continued ramping up of the expansion which is expected to reach fullnameplate capacity by the end of 2008. Excluding the impact of the acquisition, alumina production increased by fourper cent versus the prior quarter due to higher production at Yarwun which was13 per cent higher than the third quarter due to maintenance activities in theprevious quarter. Aluminium Excluding the Alcan acquisition, aluminium production was relatively stableversus the prior quarter with annual production records achieved at Bell Bay,Boyne Island and Tiwai Point. The Alcan acquisition accounted for 618k tonnes inthe fourth quarter. COPPER Rio Tinto share of production Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06Kennecott Utah Copper Mined copper (000 tonnes) 53.0 -20% +7% 212.2 -20% Refined copper (000 tonnes) 59.3 +145% -14% 265.6 +22% Molybdenum (000 tonnes) 3.0 -29% -14% 14.9 -11% Mined gold (000 ozs) 91 -25% +3% 407 -24% Refined gold (000 ozs) 133 +98% +3% 523 +13%Escondida Mined copper (000 tonnes) 103.8 +4% +3% 421.6 +7% Refined copper (000 tonnes) 15.8 -7% -2% 71.5 +77%Grasberg JV Mined copper (000 tonnes) 9.4 -40% +26% 28.4 -39% Mined gold (000 ozs) 103 +75% -30% 423 +345% Kennecott Utah Copper Lower metal head grades for both the quarter and the year compared with therespective 2006 periods impacted mined copper and gold production at KennecottUtah Copper. Fourth quarter mined copper and gold production increased comparedwith the third quarter, when a five day planned maintenance shutdown at theconcentrator took place. Refined copper production in the fourth quarter of 2007 was substantially higherthan the 2006 comparative period, when major scheduled maintenance wasundertaken on the smelter. Lower molybdenum production in the fourth quarter compared with the same periodin 2006 was a result of lower ore grade and high limestone levels in theorebody. Escondida Mined copper for both the quarter and the full year was higher than thecorresponding period of 2006, attributable to higher copper grades. Refinedcopper production in 2007 was 77 per cent higher than the prior year when thesulphide leach project was ramping up to capacity. Grasberg Variances in the metal sharing rates for 2007 were a major factor in loweringRio Tinto's share of copper production and increasing its share of goldproduction in the fourth quarter and full year 2007, compared with the sameperiods of 2006. Other operations Lower copper production at Northparkes was attributable to an anticipateddecline in grades in the E26 block cave, as the mine transitions towardsproduction at E48. Lower grades at Palabora were partly compensated by higherthroughput in the fourth quarter. In December 2007, Rio Tinto announced the approval of the development of the$300 million Eagle mine, a high grade nickel and copper deposit with firstproduction expected to begin in late 2009. ENERGY US thermal coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06 Rio Tinto Energy America 33,384 +2% +8% 125,083 0% Fourth quarter production was consistent with the same quarter of 2006 and eightper cent higher than the third quarter. Production records were set at theSpring Creek and Antelope mines as expansion projects near completion,offsetting lower production at Jacob's Ranch and Colowyo. Australian coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06 Rio Tinto Coal Australia Hard coking coal 1,544 +2% -1% 6,179 +5% Other coal 5,642 -28% -4% 24,388 -22% In general, production at the Australian coal mines continued to be constrainedby ongoing rail and port constraints in Queensland and New South Wales andreduced tonnage allotments in Queensland, which curtailed mined production,despite generally favourable market conditions. Production of hard coking coal was generally in line with the correspondingquarter of 2006 and the prior quarter, notwithstanding lower production atKestrel as a result of mining through a known fault area. Full year productionwas five per cent higher than 2006. In New South Wales, reduced port throughput from coal chain infrastructurelimitations continued to restrict output from all sites at Rio Tinto subsidiaryCoal & Allied. An investment programme by the owners and operators of the coal ports atNewcastle and Dalrymple Bay on the eastern seaboard of Australia is expected toincrease capacity in the second half of 2008 and into 2009. In December 2007, Rio Tinto announced the approval of the $991 millioninvestment in the extension and expansion of the Kestrel Mine (Rio Tinto share$793 million). This is expected to extend the life of the mine and increaseproduction to an average of 5.7 million tonnes per annum until 2031. Uranium Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs) Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06 Energy Resources of Australia 2,288 -10% +16% 8,011 +13%Rossing 1,216 -21% +8% 4,605 -16% Production at the Ranger mine was ten per cent lower compared with the samequarter of 2006, attributable to reduced access to higher grade ores. Thesuccessful implementation of various water disposal strategies, along with theoptimisation of the mine plan throughout the year made higher grade oreavailable for processing. This resulted in 13 per cent higher production overallfor 2007. Although there was an improvement of eight per cent on the previous quarter,lower grades at Rossing reduced fourth quarter and full year production comparedwith the same periods of 2006. DIAMONDS AND MINERALS Diamonds Rio Tinto share of production (000 carats) Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06 Argyle 5,995 -25% +23% 18,744 -36%Diavik 1,766 +18% -6% 7,166 +22% Argyle's production improved on the previous quarter but was lower than thecorresponding quarter of 2006 due to continued low feed grade associated withcurrent mining locations. Variability in feed grade and production rates isexpected to continue as the open-pit operation approaches the end of its lifeand the mine transitions to an underground operation. Production at Diavik was 18 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2006 asmining was almost exclusively from the higher grade A154S pipe in 2007 comparedwith a blend of A154S and A154N pipes in 2006. Production was six per centlower than the third quarter due to the impact of winter weather. In November 2007, Rio Tinto approved additional funding of $563 million (RioTinto share $338 million) for the construction of the underground mining phaseof the high margin Diavik mine, bringing the total approved to $787 million (RioTinto share $472 million). Diamond production from underground is due tocommence in 2009 and continue beyond 2020. Minerals Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q4 07 vs Q4 06 vs Q3 07 FY 07 vs FY 06 Borates 151 +5% +13% 560 +1%Titanium dioxide feedstocks 384 +1% +8% 1,458 +3% Fourth quarter production of borates and titanium dioxide feedstocks was broadlysimilar to the same quarter of the prior year as firm demand in Asia Pacific andEurope offset weakness in the US housing market. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION There was a significant step up in exploration and evaluation expenditure withgross pre-tax cash costs in the twelve months of 2007 of $570 million, comparedwith $283 million in 2006. As part of Rio Tinto's continuing focus on optimisingits portfolio, $253 million (pre-tax earnings) was realised from explorationdivestments in 2007 compared with $46 million in 2006. A summary of activity for the period is as follows: Product Group Advanced projects Greenfield programmes Aluminium Curua, Brazil: environmental management Brazil, Colombia, Australia planning continued. Morales-Cajibio, Colombia: Beneficiation test work commenced. Copper Sulawesi nickel, Indonesia: contract of Russia (Rio Nor JV), Kazakhstan, US, work negotiations progressed Mexico, Chile, Peru and Argentina Lakeview nickel-copper, US: order of magnitude study to take place in 2008 Diamonds & Minerals Bunder diamonds, India; Chilubane and India, Canada, Russia, Mauritania and Mali Mutamba ilmenite, Mozambique; Jarandol (diamonds); Australia, Canada, US, Turkey, and Jadar borates, Serbia; and Namekara Serbia (industrial minerals) vermiculite, Uganda: order of magnitude studies continued Energy Huren Gol coal, Mongolia and Landazuri Colombia, Canada, US, southern Africa and coal, Colombia: further coal measures Mongolia intersected in drilling Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia: delineation drilling Brazil, Guinea and Gabon continued at several advanced prospects Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses includingKennecott Utah Copper, Northparkes, Greens Creek, Energy Resources of Australia,Rossing, Argyle, Diavik and Pilbara Iron. Pre-feasibility or feasibility work progressed on a number of projects includingResolution (copper/gold, US), Oyu Tolgoi (copper/gold, Mongolia), La Granja(copper, Peru), Eagle (nickel/copper, US), Potasio Rio Colorado (potash,Argentina), Simandou (iron ore, Guinea) and several Pilbara iron ore deposits.Recent assay results from a drill hole at Resolution included an intersection of318 metres at 2.15 per cent copper with the last 50 metres at 2.47 per cent. About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK,combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, whichis listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Majorproducts are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold,industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and NorthAmerica with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southernAfrica. Forward-Looking Statements This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning ofSection 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of theSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other thanstatements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, withoutlimitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's financial position, business strategy,plans and objectives of management for future operations (including developmentplans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products, production forecasts andreserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. Suchforward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties andother factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements ofRio Tinto, or industry results, to be materially different from any futureresults, performance or achievements expressed or implied by suchforward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding RioTinto's present and future business strategies and the environment in which RioTinto will operate in the future. Among the important factors that could causeRio Tinto's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materiallyfrom those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, levels ofactual production during any period, levels of demand and market prices, theability to produce and transport products profitably, the impact of foreigncurrency exchange rates on market prices and operating costs, operationalproblems, political uncertainty and economic conditions in relevant areas of theworld, the actions of competitors, activities by governmental authorities suchas changes in taxation or regulation and such other risk factors identified inRio Tinto's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United StatesSecurities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form 6-Ks furnished to theSEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of suchrisk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-lookingstatements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of thisannouncement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking(except as required by applicable law, the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers(the "Takeover Code"), the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and TransparencyRules of the Financial Services Authority and the Listing Rules of theAustralian Securities Exchange) to release publicly any updates or revisions toany forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in RioTinto's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions orcircumstances on which any such statement is based. Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earningsper share of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will necessarily match or exceedits historical published earnings per share. Subject to the requirements of the Takeover Code, none of Rio Tinto, any of itsofficers or any person named in this announcement with their consent or anyperson involved in the preparation of this announcement makes any representationor warranty (either express or implied) or gives any assurance that the impliedvalues, anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied inforward-looking statements contained in this announcement will be achieved. For further information, please contact: Media Relations, Australia Media Relations, London Amanda Buckley Christina Mills Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3627 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1154 Mobile: +61 (0) 419 801 349 Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605 Ian Head Nick Cobban Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1138 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 Media Relations, Americas Nancy Ives Mobile: +1 619 540 3751 Investor Relations, Australia Investor Relations, London Dave Skinner Nigel Jones Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2049 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309 Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227365 Simon Ellinor David Ovington Office: +61 (0) 7 3867 1068 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2051 Mobile: +61 (0) 439 102 811 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978 Investor Relations, North America Jason Combes Office: +1 (0) 801 685 4535 Mobile: +1 (0) 801 558 2645 Email: [email protected] Website: www.riotinto.com High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk RIO TINTO PRODUCTION SUMMARYRIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION QUARTER FULL YEAR % CHANGE 2006 2007 2007 2006 2007 Q4 07 Q4 07 2007 Q4 Q3 Q4 vs vs vs Principal Commodities Q3 07 Q4 06 2006Alumina ('000 t) 795 679 1,853 3,247 3,877 173% 133% 19%Aluminium ('000 t) 215.8 216.2 835.4 844.7 1,479.7 286% 287% 75%Borates ('000 t) 145 134 151 553 560 13% 5% 1%Coal - hard coking coal ('000 t) 1,516 1,564 1,544 5,909 6,179 -1% 2% 5%Coal - other Australian ('000 t) 7,782 5,855 5,642 31,159 24,388 -4% -28% -22%Coal - US ('000 t) 32,797 31,024 33,384 125,260 125,083 8% 2% 0%Copper - mined ('000 t) 209.8 172.5 180.8 803.5 737.9 5% -14% -8%Copper - refined ('000 t) 54.0 98.7 89.0 299.2 390.0 -10% 65% 30%Diamonds ('000 cts) 9,561 6,770 7,807 35,162 26,023 15% -18% -26%Gold - mined ('000 ozs) 294 335 293 1,003 1,233 -13% 0% 23%Gold - refined ('000 ozs) 67 128 133 462 523 3% 98% 13%Iron ore ('000 t) 35,057 36,390 38,956 132,780 144,707 7% 11% 9%Titanium dioxide ('000 t) 380 356 384 1,415 1,458 8% 1% 3%feedstockUranium ('000 lbs) 4,075 3,105 3,504 12,561 12,616 13% -14% 0%Other Metals & MineralsBauxite ('000 t) 4,488 4,676 7,797 16,319 21,022 67% 74% 29%Lead ('000 t) 3.4 3.3 3.0 11.9 11.9 -8% -12% 1%Molybdenum ('000 t) 4.2 3.5 3.0 16.8 14.9 -14% -29% -11%Pig Iron ('000 t) 19 29 27 53 69 -9% 43% 30%Salt ('000 t) 1,307 1,480 1,686 5,405 5,242 14% 29% -3%Silver - mined ('000 ozs) 3,975 3,371 2,878 13,968 13,002 -15% -28% -7%Silver - refined ('000 ozs) 598 1,164 1,317 4,152 4,365 13% 120% 5%Talc ('000 t) 325 318 284 1,392 1,281 -11% -13% -8%Zinc ('000 t) 10.2 9.6 9.8 33.4 35.7 2% -4% 7% 'Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since thefigure was previously quoted on the equivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown,hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures andthe nine month figures. RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007ALUMINA Production ('000 tonnes) Eurallumina (a) 0% 52 - - 513 - - -Gardanne (b) 100% - - 21 - - - 21Gove (b) 100% - - 405 - 405 - -Jonquiere (b) 100% - - 252 - 252 - -Queensland Alumina (b) (c) 80% 384 365 362 377 662 1,494 1,766 Sao Luis (Alumar) (b) 10% - - - - 29 - 29 Yarwun (d) 100% 360 296 323 301 339 1,240 1,260 Speciality alumina plants (b) 100% - - - - 144 - 144 Rio Tinto total alumina production 795 661 685 679 1,853 3,247 3,877 ALUMINIUM Refined production ('000 tonnes) Australia - Bell Bay 100% 45.5 43.6 45.0 44.8 45.0 177.5 178.3 Australia - Boyne Island 59% 81.0 81.7 82.3 82.2 83.3 325.0 329.6 Australia - Tomago (b) 52% - - 50.2 - 50.2 - -Cameroon - Alucam (Edea) (b) 47% - - 8.8 - - - 8.8Canada - seven wholly owned (b) 100% - - 270.5 - 270.5 - -Canada - Alouette (b) 40% - - 43.5 - 43.5 - -Canada - Becancour (b) 25% - - 20.1 - 20.1 - -China - Ningxia (Qingtongxia) (b) 50% - - 15.5 - 15.5 - -France - three wholly owned (b) 100% - - 79.7 - 79.7 - -Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) (b) 100% - - - - 35.0 - 35.0 New Zealand - Tiwai Point (b) 79% 71.2 68.9 70.2 70.4 71.4 268.9 280.9 Norway - SORAL (Husnes) (b) 50% - - - - 16.0 - 16.0 UK - two wholly owned (b) 100% - - - - 41.6 - 41.6 UK - Anglesey 51% 18.1 17.5 18.9 18.8 18.1 73.3 73.3 USA - Sebree (b) 100% - - - - 36.8 - 36.8 Rio Tinto total aluminium 215.8 211.7 216.5 216.2 835.4 844.7 1,479.7production BAUXITE Production ('000 tonnes) Awaso (b) (e) 80% - - - - 173 - 173 Sangaredi (b) (f) - - - - 1,248 - 1,248 Gove (b) 100% - - - - 985 - 985 Porto Trombetas (b) 12% - - - - 407 - 407 Weipa (g) 100% 4,488 4,272 4,278 4,676 4,984 16,319 18,209 Rio Tinto total bauxite production 4,488 4,272 4,278 4,676 7,797 16,319 21,022 BORATES Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100% 145 129 145 134 151 553 560 COAL - HARD COKING Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) Hail Creek Coal 82% 1,193 1,124 1,032 864 1,090 3,726 4,110 Kestrel Coal 80% 324 314 601 700 454 2,183 2,069 Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production 1,516 1,438 1,633 1,564 1,544 5,909 6,179 COAL - OTHER * Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) Bengalla 30% 434 398 324 422 417 1,679 1,561 Blair Athol Coal 71% 1,911 1,667 1,580 1,374 1,023 7,259 5,645 Hunter Valley Operations 76% 2,180 2,004 1,818 1,774 2,047 9,104 7,642 Kestrel Coal 80% 121 151 271 261 145 691 828 Mount Thorley Operations 61% 595 497 252 396 625 2,359 1,771 Tarong Coal 100% 1,778 1,736 1,021 872 881 6,979 4,510 Warkworth 42% 764 586 584 756 504 3,089 2,430 Total Australian other coal 7,782 7,041 5,850 5,855 5,642 31,159 24,388 Rio Tinto Energy America ('000 tonnes) Antelope 100% 7,640 7,691 7,682 7,601 8,292 30,749 31,267 Colowyo (h) 1,358 1,224 1,342 1,280 1,232 5,754 5,077 Cordero Rojo 100% 9,524 9,060 9,034 8,622 9,996 36,094 36,712 Decker 50% 866 744 784 833 809 3,225 3,170 Jacobs Ranch 100% 9,646 8,537 8,478 8,750 8,801 36,258 34,565 Spring Creek 100% 3,764 3,100 2,999 3,938 4,254 13,181 14,291 Total US coal 32,797 30,357 30,318 31,024 33,384 125,260 125,083 Rio Tinto total other coal 40,580 37,398 36,169 36,878 39,025 156,419 149,471production Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal producedin concentrates or dore bullion irrespective of whether these products are thenrefined on-site. * Coal - other includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal. See footnotes on page 13. RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued) FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007COPPER Mine production ('000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 100% 66.4 54.1 55.6 49.5 53.0 265.6 212.2 Escondida 30% 99.8 111.5 105.2 101.2 103.8 394.0 421.6 Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 15.8 5.8 5.6 7.5 9.4 46.2 28.4 Northparkes 80% 17.8 13.7 9.9 5.6 5.3 66.6 34.5 Palabora (j) 58% 10.0 13.0 10.2 8.7 9.3 31.1 41.2 Rio Tinto total mine production 209.8 198.1 186.5 172.5 180.8 803.5 737.9 Refined production ('000 tonnes) Escondida 30% 17.1 19.9 19.7 16.1 15.8 40.3 71.5 Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 24.2 69.7 67.9 68.7 59.3 217.9 265.6Palabora (j) 58% 12.7 12.0 13.2 13.8 13.8 40.9 52.9 Rio Tinto total refined production 54.0 101.6 100.7 98.7 89.0 299.2 390.0 DIAMONDS Production ('000 carats) Argyle 100% 8,026 3,470 4,414 4,865 5,995 29,078 18,744 Diavik 60% 1,495 1,551 1,975 1,874 1,766 5,897 7,166 Murowa 78% 39 12 24 31 46 187 113 Rio Tinto total diamond production 9,561 5,033 6,413 6,770 7,807 35,162 26,023 GOLD Mine production ('000 ounces) Barneys Canyon 100% 3 2 3 3 2 15 11 Bingham Canyon 100% 118 106 117 86 88 523 397 Cortez/Pipeline 40% 61 45 61 53 55 178 215 Escondida 30% 14 14 14 14 14 51 56 Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 59 74 97 149 103 95 423 Greens Creek 70% 13 11 11 13 12 44 48 Northparkes 80% 21 20 17 12 13 76 63 Rawhide 51% 3 3 3 2 2 13 10 Others - 3 3 3 3 3 9 11 Rio Tinto total mine production 294 278 327 335 293 1003 1,233 Refined production ('000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 67 115 147 128 133 462 523 IRON ORE & IRON Production ('000 tonnes) Channar 60% 1,591 1,585 1,743 1,554 1,448 5,879 6,330 Corumba 100% 549 460 424 528 365 1,982 1,777 Eastern Range (k) 2,112 2,166 1,670 1,562 1,535 8,215 6,932 Hamersley 100% 20,964 20,161 24,617 23,990 25,799 79,208 94,567 Hope Downs 50% 32 32 Iron Ore Company of Canada 59% 2,519 1,413 1,730 2,376 2,248 9,442 7,768 Robe River 53% 7,321 6,460 6,932 6,381 7,529 28,054 27,301 Rio Tinto total mine production 35,057 32,245 37,117 36,390 38,956 132,780 144,707 Pig iron production ('000 tonnes) HIsmelt(R) 60% 19 13 0 29 27 53 69 LEAD Mine production ('000 tonnes) Greens Creek 70% 3.4 2.9 2.8 3.3 3.0 11.9 11.9 MOLYBDENUM Mine production ('000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 100% 4.2 4.7 3.8 3.5 3.0 16.8 14.9 SALT Production ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals - salt (l) 68% 1,307 1,116 958 1,480 1,686 5,405 5,242 SILVER Mine production ('000 ounces) Bingham Canyon 100% 928 856 981 757 892 4,214 3,487 Escondida 30% 533 563 592 670 536 1,994 2,361 Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 534 0 114 210 154 670 477 Greens Creek 70% 1,754 1,666 1,627 1,607 1,175 6,230 6,075 Others - 226 187 166 127 121 861 602 Rio Tinto total mine production 3,975 3,272 3,480 3,371 2,878 13,968 13,002 Refined production ('000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 598 870 1,014 1,164 1,317 4,152 4,365 Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal producedin concentrates or dore bullion irrespective of whether these products are thenrefined on-site, except for the data for iron ore which represent production ofsaleable quantities of ore plus pellets. See footnotes on page 13. RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued) FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007 TALC Production ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100% 325 352 326 318 284 1392 1,281 TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK Production ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100% 380 351 367 356 384 1,415 1,458 URANIUM (m) Production ('000 lbs U3O8) Energy Resources of Australia 68% 2,541 1,507 2,236 1,980 2,288 7,092 8,011 Rossing 69% 1,534 1,292 971 1,126 1,216 5,469 4,605 Rio Tinto total uranium production 4,075 2,799 3,207 3,105 3,504 12,561 12,616 ZINC Mine production ('000 tonnes) Greens Creek 70% 10.2 8.8 7.5 9.6 9.8 33.4 35.7 Production data notes (a) Rio Tinto sold its 56.2% share in Eurallumina with an effective date of31 October 2006 and production data are shown up to that date. (b) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets andthe Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name. (c) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; thisincreased to 80.0% following the Alcan acquisition. (d) Yarwun was previously known as Comalco Alumina Refinery. (e) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases theadditional 20% of production (f) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives45% of production under the partnership agreement. (g) Includes beneficiated and calcined bauxite production. (h) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under amanagement agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo'soutput is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. (i) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold(FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as aconsequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since1998. Rio Tinto's share of production reflects actual production for the fulltwelve months of 2007. (j) Rio Tinto's shareholding in Palabora varied during 2006 due to theprogressive conversion of debentures into ordinary shares. (k) Rio Tinto's share of production includes 100% of the production from theEastern Range mine. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, HamersleyIron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production fromthe joint venture. (l) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals - salt to68.4% at the beginning of July 2007. (m) With effect from the second quarter of 2007 Rio Tinto is reporting uraniumproduction as '000 lbs U3O8 rather than tonnes. Where Rio Tinto's beneficial interest in an operation has changed, as indicatedabove, the share of production has been calculated using the weighted averageinterest over the relevant periods. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above isat 31 December 2007. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007 ALUMINIUM Rio Tinto Alcan (a)Bauxite Mines Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) Australia Gove mine - Northern Territory (a) 100.0% - - - - 985 - 985 Weipa mine - Queensland (b) 100.0% 4,488 4,272 4,278 4,676 4,984 16,319 18,209 Brazil Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine (a) 12.0% - - - - 3,392 - 3,392 Ghana Awaso mine (a) (c) 80.0% - - - - 216 - 216 Guinea Sangaredi mine (a) (d) 22.9% - - - - 2,774 - 2,774 Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxiteshipments Share of bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 4,451 4,263 4,157 4,774 6,682 15,857 19,877 Smelter-Grade Alumina Refineries Alumina production ('000 tonnes) Australia Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a) 100.0% - - - - 405 - 405 Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland (a) (e) 80.0% 993 945 938 977 956 3,871 3,816 Yarwun refinery - Queensland (f) 100.0% 360 296 323 301 339 1,240 1,260 Brazil Sao Luis (Alumar) refinery (a) 10.0% - - - - 288 - 288 Canada Jonquiere refinery - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 252 - 252 France Gardanne refinery (a) 100.0% - - - - 21 - 21 Italy Eurallumina refinery - Sardinia (g) 0.0% 92 - - - - 914 - Specialty Alumina Plants Speciality alumina production ('000 tonnes) Canada Brockville plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 3 - 3 Jonquiere plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 22 - 22 France Beyrede plant (a) 100.0% - - - - 102 - 102 Gardanne plant (a) 100.0% - - - - 6 - 6 La Bathie plant (a) 100.0% - - - - 5 - 5 Germany Teutschenthal plant (a) 100.0% - - - - 6 - 6 (a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets andthe Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name. (b) For Weipa, beneficiated and calcined production, previously shownseparately, are now shown on one row. (c) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases theadditional 20% of production (d) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives45% of production under the partnership agreement. (e) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; thisincreased to 80.0% following the Alcan acquisition (f) Yarwun alumina refinery was previously known as Comalco AluminaRefinery (g) Rio Tinto sold its 56.2% share in Eurallumina with an effective date of31 October 2006 and production data are shown up to that date. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007ALUMINIUM (continued) Aluminium Smelters Primary aluminium production ('000tonnes) Australia Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100.0% 45 44 45 45 45 177 178 Boyne Island smelter - Queensland 59.4% 136 136 138 137 139 545 550 Tomago smelter - New South Wales (a) 51.6% - - - - 97 - 97 Cameroon Alucam (Edea) smelter (a) 46.7% - - - - 19 - 19 Canada Alma smelter - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 80 - 80 Alouette (Sept-Iles) smelter - Quebec (a) 40.0% - - - - 109 - 109 Arvida smelter - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 32 - 32 Beauharnois, smelter - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 10 - 10 Becancour smelter - Quebec (a) 25.1% - - - - 80 - 80 Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 40 - 40 Kitimat smelter - British Colombia (a) 100.0% - - - - 47 - 47 Laterriere smelter - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 44 - 44 Shawinigan smelter - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - - 18 - 18 China Ningxia (Qingtongxia) smelter (a) 50.0% - - - - 31 - 31 France Dunkerque smelter (a) 100.0% - - - - 49 - 49 Lannemezan, smelter (a) 100.0% - - - - 5 - 5 St-Jean-de Maurienne smelter (a) 100.0% - - - - 25 - 25 Iceland ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter (a) 100.0% - - - - 35 - 35 New Zealand Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 89 87 88 89 90 337 353 Norway SORAL (Husnes) smelter (a) 50.0% - - - - 32 - 32 United Kingdom Anglesey Aluminium smelter 51.0% 35 35 37 37 36 144 145 Lochaber smelter (a) 100.0% - - - - 8 - 8 Lynemouth smelter (a) 100.0% - - - - 33 - 33 USA Sebree smelter - Kentucky (a) 100.0% - - - - 37 - 37 Rio Tinto Alcan share of metal sales Share of primary aluminium sales ('000 tonnes) 233 196 226 211 1,031 850 1,663 (a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets andthe Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name. BORATES Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100.0% California, US and ArgentinaBorates ('000 tonnes) (a) 145 129 145 134 151 553 560 (a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007COAL Rio Tinto Coal Australia Bengalla mine 30.3% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,433 1,315 1,070 1,394 1,376 5,544 5,155 Blair Athol Coal mine 71.2% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,682 2,341 2,218 1,929 1,436 10,190 7,924 Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0% Queensland, Australia Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,455 1,371 1,259 1,054 1,329 4,544 5,012 Hunter Valley Operations 75.7% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,264 2,316 2,020 1,883 2,046 10,221 8,264 Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 616 331 381 460 657 1,804 1,830 Kestrel Coal mine 80.0% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 151 189 339 326 181 863 1,035 Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 404 392 751 875 567 2,729 2,586 Mount Thorley Operations 60.6% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 857 657 280 261 731 2,902 1,929 Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 125 163 137 393 302 993 995 Tarong Coal mine 100.0% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,778 1,736 1,021 872 881 6,979 4,510 Warkworth mine 42.1% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,686 1,343 1,172 1,663 1,197 7,014 5,376 Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 130 51 216 133 0 327 400 Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,859 1,763 2,010 1,929 1,896 7,273 7,598 Total hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,962 1,776 1,605 1,580 1,962 6,432 6,924 Total other coal production ('000 tonnes) (a) 11,722 10,443 8,854 9,314 8,808 46,837 37,419 Total other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (b)(c) 11,173 11,127 9,762 9,322 9,892 46,760 40,103 Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 13,581 12,206 10,864 11,243 10,704 54,110 45,017 Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 13,135 12,903 11,368 10,902 11,854 53,193 47,026 Rio Tinto Coal Australia share Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,603 1,447 1,306 1,285 1,600 5,243 5,639 Share of other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (b) (c) 7,525 7,523 6,453 5,937 6,285 31,276 26,197 (a) Other coal production includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal. (b) Other coal sales includes thermal coal, semi-soft coking coal andsemi-hard coking coal (a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal). (c) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude tradedcoal. Rio Tinto Energy America Antelope mine 100.0%Wyoming, US Thermal coal production ('000 7,640 7,691 7,682 7,601 8,292 30,749 31,267tonnes) Colowyo mine (a) Colorado, US Thermal coal production ('000 1,358 1,224 1,342 1,280 1,232 5,754 5,077tonnes) Cordero Rojo mine 100.0%Wyoming, US Thermal coal production ('000 9,524 9,060 9,034 8,622 9,996 36,094 36,712tonnes) Decker mine 50.0%Montana, US Thermal coal production ('000 1,733 1,488 1,568 1,666 1,618 6,449 6,340tonnes) Jacobs Ranch mine 100.0%Wyoming, US Thermal coal production ('000 9,646 8,537 8,478 8,750 8,801 36,258 34,565tonnes) Spring Creek mine 100.0%Montana, US Thermal coal production ('000 3,764 3,100 2,999 3,938 4,254 13,181 14,291tonnes) Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 33,664 31,101 31,103 31,857 34,192 128,484 128,253 Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 33,661 31,101 31,103 32,165 33,891 128,482 128,260 (a) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under amanagement agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo'soutput is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007COPPER & GOLD Escondida 30.0% ChileSulphide ore to concentrator ('000tonnes) 22,585 23,450 23,064 22,406 21,777 84,158 90,697 Average copper grade (%) 1.55 1.62 1.58 1.63 1.72 1.59 1.64 Mill production (metals inconcentrates): Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 289.4 319.1 305.6 305.2 316.8 1,122.2 1,246.7 Contained gold ('000 ounces) 46 45 48 48 45 170 187 Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,777 1,877 1,973 2,234 1,786 6,646 7,870 Ore to leach ('000 tonnes) (a) 9,659 15,509 8,435 7,329 3,723 56,064 34,996Average copper grade (%) 0.45 0.34 0.53 0.44 0.78 0.34 0.45 Contained copper in leachate/mined material('000 tonnes) 43 52 45 32 29 191 159 Refined production from leach plants: Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 57 66 66 54 53 134 238 Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Grasberg mine (a) 0.0% (40.0% of the expansion)Papua, Indonesia Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 22,681 20,563 19,568 18,267 17,287 83,716 75,685 Average mill head grades: Copper (%) 1.08 1.21 0.82 0.58 0.61 0.85 0.82 Gold (g/t) 0.95 2.01 1.63 0.70 0.34 0.85 1.21 Silver (g/t) 3.87 4.75 3.56 2.91 2.26 3.84 3.43 Production of metals inconcentrates: Copper in concentrates ('000 220.3 225.6 145.9 90.8 91.1 610.8 553.4 tonnes) Gold in concentrates ('000 589 1,182 916 336 142 1,880 2,576 ounces) Silver in concentrates ('000 2,083 2,273 1,397 693 696 5,609 5,058 ounces) Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (b) Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 211.3 194.2 157.4 96.9 80.3 589.7 528.7 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 564 1,010 978 383 125 1,831 2,496 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,592 1,571 1,202 598 491 4,315 3,863 (a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold(FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as aconsequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since1998. The full year 2007 results include actual data for the first threequarters of 2007 plus a fourth quarter forecast from FCX's most recent five-yearplan. FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for the full year 2007until the release of its 2007 full year results on January 23, 2008. (b) Net of smelter deductions. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007COPPER & GOLD (continued) Kennecott Minerals Company Cortez/Pipeline mine 40.0%Nevada, US Ore treated Milled ('000 tonnes) 842 763 697 914 648 3,298 3,023 Leached ('000 tonnes) 7,312 11,007 5,956 4,775 8,510 23,040 30,248 Sold for roasting ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 35 - Average ore grade: gold Milled (g/t) 2.64 2.49 2.80 2.83 4.18 2.52 3.02 Leached (g/t) 0.42 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.41 0.51 Sold for roasting (g/t) - - - - - 6.50 - Gold produced ('000 ounces) 153 113 154 134 138 444 538Greens Creek mine 70.3% Alaska, US Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 187 166 148 178 172 664 664 Average ore grades: Gold (g/t) 4.82 4.44 4.57 4.85 4.86 4.45 4.69 Silver (g/t) 540 562 624 533 416 541 530 Zinc (%) 10.1 9.5 9.1 9.6 10.3 9.4 9.7 Lead (%) 3.6 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.5 3.7 3.6 Metals produced in concentrates: Gold ('000 ounces) 19 16 15 19 18 63 68 Silver ('000 ounces) 2,497 2,371 2,316 2,287 1,672 8,866 8,646 Zinc ('000 tonnes) 14.5 12.5 10.6 13.7 13.9 47.5 50.8 Lead ('000 tonnes) 4.8 4.2 3.9 4.6 4.3 16.9 17.0 Rawhide mine (a) 51.0%Nevada, US Metals produced in dore: Gold ('000 ounces) 6 5 6 4 4 26 19 Silver ('000 ounces) 50 51 54 34 21 232 160 (a) Mining operations were completed in October 2002 and processing ofstockpiled ores was completed in May 2003. Residual gold and silver productioncontinues from the leach pads. Kennecott Utah Copper Barneys Canyon mine (a) 100.0%Utah, US Gold produced ('000 ounces) 3 2 3 3 2 15 11 (a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads. Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%Utah, US Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 12,083 11,922 12,499 10,988 12,116 47,857 47,525 Average ore grade: Copper (%) 0.63 0.56 0.53 0.52 0.51 0.63 0.53 Gold (g/t) 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.36 0.31 0.49 0.38 Silver (g/t) 3.09 3.14 3.07 2.87 2.93 3.50 3.00 Molybdenum (%) 0.055 0.056 0.050 0.050 0.043 0.057 0.050 Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 245 202 234 222 230 1,019 889 Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 27.1 26.7 23.6 22.2 23.0 26.0 23.8 Production of metals in copper concentrates: Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) 66.4 54.1 55.6 49.5 53.0 265.6 212.2 Gold ('000 ounces) 118 106 117 86 88 523 397 Silver ('000 ounces) 928 856 981 757 892 4,214 3,487 Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 7.4 8.3 6.7 6.2 5.4 30.2 26.6 Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 4.2 4.7 3.8 3.5 3.0 16.8 14.9 Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0% Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 156 272 297 263 272 918 1,103 Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (c) 33.3 69.0 73.7 61.8 56.7 215.8 261.2 Production of refined metal: Copper ('000 tonnes) 24.2 69.7 67.9 68.7 59.3 217.9 265.6 Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 67 115 147 128 133 462 523 Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 598 870 1,014 1,164 1,317 4,152 4,365 (b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates. (c) New metal excluding recycled material. (d) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007COPPER & GOLD (continued)Northparkes Joint Venture 80.0%New South Wales, Australia Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,499 1,367 1,363 1,264 1,304 5,789 5,297 Average ore grades: Copper (%) 1.57 1.38 1.01 0.65 0.59 1.53 0.91 Gold (g/t) 0.71 0.78 0.67 0.50 0.51 0.64 0.62 Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 54.2 42.2 32.4 21.4 19.6 207.4 115.7 Contained copper in concentrates: Saleable production ('000 tonnes) 22.2 17.2 12.4 7.0 6.6 83.3 43.1 Sales ('000 tonnes) (a) 15.6 16.3 13.6 9.5 8.2 61.4 47.6 Contained gold in concentrates: Saleable production ('000 ounces) 26.0 25.6 21.8 15.1 16.3 94.7 78.8 Sales ('000 ounces) (a) 17.0 19.1 16.2 23.3 16.7 62.7 75.4 (a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture. Palabora (a) 57.7% Palabora mineSouth Africa Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 2,783 2,886 3,025 3,046 3,958 10,730 12,915 Average ore grade: copper (%) 0.72 0.71 0.70 0.68 0.69 0.71 0.70 Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 61.0 82.1 56.0 48.6 52.5 208.9 239.2 Average concentrate grade: copper (%) 28.5 27.4 31.5 31.0 30.7 29.4 29.8 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 17.4 22.5 17.6 15.0 16.1 61.5 71.4 Palabora smelter/refinery New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes) 75.5 73.6 74.2 73.9 74.1 288.5 295.8 New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) 22.2 21.2 22.9 24.0 22.7 78.6 90.7 Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes) 22.1 20.8 22.9 24.0 24.0 81.2 91.7 By-products: Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes) 281 262 321 361 363 1,127 1,306 Nickel contained in products (tonnes) (b) 7 5 12 43 45 26 104 Vermiculite plant Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes) 50 50 50 50 50 198 200 (a) Rio Tinto's shareholding in Palabora varied during 2006 due to theprogressive conversion of debentures into ordinary shares. (b) Nickel production is now reported as contained nickel in product. DIAMONDS Argyle Diamonds 100.0%Western Australia AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) 2,192 2,168 2,178 2,362 1,917 8,441 8,625 AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) 8,026 3,470 4,414 4,865 5,995 29,078 18,744 Diavik Diamonds 60.0%Northwest Territories, Canada Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 509 520 643 656 581 2,331 2,400 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 2,492 2,585 3,291 3,123 2,944 9,829 11,943 Murowa Diamonds 77.8%Zimbabwe Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 47 30 46 55 72 216 203 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 50 15 31 40 59 240 145 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007 IRON ORE & IRON Hamersley IronWestern Australia Saleable iron ore production ('000tonnes): Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman and Nammuldi 100.0% 20,964 20,161 24,617 23,990 25,799 79,208 94,567 Channar 60.0% 2,652 2,641 2,905 2,589 2,413 9,798 10,549 Eastern Range (a) 2,112 2,166 1,670 1,562 1,535 8,215 6,932 Hope Downs (b) 50.0% - - - 64 - 64 Total production ('000 tonnes) 25,728 24,968 29,192 28,141 29,811 97,221 112,112 Total sales ('000 tonnes) (c) 27,830 23,770 27,317 26,661 31,795 98,103 109,542 (a) Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine. Under the terms of thejoint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged topurchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of theproduction is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. (b) Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007 (c) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports. HIsmelt(R) 60.0% Western Australia Pig iron production ('000 tonnes) 31 21 0 49 45 89 115 Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7% Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada Saleable iron ore production: Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 747 82 613 723 505 3,362 1,923 Pellets ('000 tonnes) 3,543 2,325 2,334 3,323 3,324 12,718 11,306 Sales: Concentrate ('000 tonnes) 1,392 436 296 820 855 2,914 2,407 Pellets ('000 tonnes) 4,305 1,791 2,727 3,327 3,146 12,935 10,991 Rio Tinto BrasilCorumba mine 100.0% Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) (a) 549 460 424 528 365 1,982 1,777 Sales ('000 tonnes) 479 347 245 401 112 1,771 1,105 (a) Production includes by-product fines. Robe River Iron Associates Pannawonica mine 53.0%Western Australia Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 8,018 6,168 6,901 5,608 6,812 29,273 25,489 Sales ('000 tonnes) 7,541 5,938 7,230 5,728 7,036 29,118 25,932 West Angelas mine 53.0%Western Australia Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 5,795 6,020 6,178 6,432 7,393 23,659 26,023Sales ('000 tonnes) 6,513 5,143 6,793 8,055 5,634 23,315 25,626 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA FULL FULL Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR interest 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007SALT Rio Tinto Minerals - salt (a) 68.4%Western Australia Salt production ('000 tonnes) 2,013 1,719 1,476 2,165 2,467 8,323 7,827 (a) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals - salt to68.4% at the beginning of July 2007. TALC Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100.0%Australia, Europe, and North America Talc production ('000 tonnes) 325 352 326 318 284 1,392 1,281 TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%Canada and South Africa(Rio Tinto share) Titanium dioxide feedstock production ('000 380 351 367 356 384 1,415 1,458tonnes) URANIUM Energy Resources of Australia LtdRanger mine 68.4%Northern Territory, Australia Production ('000 lbs U3O8) 3,715 2,204 3,269 2,895 3,346 10,370 11,713 Rossing Uranium Ltd 68.6%Namibia Production ('000 lbs U3O8) 2,237 1,884 1,417 1,641 1,773 7,975 6,714 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2007. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Rio Tinto