16th Apr 2008 07:01
Rio Tinto PLC16 April 2008 First quarter 2008 operations review 16 April 2008 Commenting on the first quarter's production results, chief executive TomAlbanese said: "Our expansion drive continues to pay off with a record-breakingfirst quarter for the iron ore and aluminium product groups. Markets remain verystrong and the prices of many of our products are at record highs, bearing outour view that the US slowdown will have little effect on global metal andmineral supply and demand balances. "The integration of the Alcan acquisition is going well, and our investmentassumptions for this business are already being exceeded. This year we expect toinvest at record levels across the group in bringing new production onstream, sowe can continue to benefit from economies undergoing rapid, metals intensivephases of development." • Record first quarter global production of iron ore, up 16 per cent on the first quarter of 2007. • Record first quarter iron ore production of 43 million tonnes in the Pilbara, Western Australia, up 15 per cent (100 per cent basis) compared with the first quarter of 2007 as the iron ore operations deliver their rapid expansion programme. • Strong contribution from Rio Tinto Alcan in the quarter, with a significant uplift in production compared to the first quarter of 2007. Bauxite increased by 106 per cent, alumina by 236 per cent and aluminium by 386 per cent, following a good performance from the Canadian smelters. • On a proforma basis the respective increases for bauxite, alumina and aluminium were 20 per cent, ten per cent and two per cent. • Mined copper production declined by six per cent compared with the first quarter of 2007, primarily reflecting lower grades at Kennecott Utah Copper and Northparkes. • Australian thermal and coking coal production was affected by heavy rains, notably in Queensland where the coal industry generally suffered production and logistics disruption. • Uranium production was 20 per cent higher than the 2007 comparative period. • During the quarter Rio Tinto reached agreement on the first two sales under its planned programme to divest around $10 billion of assets in 2008. The sale of the Greens Creek silver, lead and zinc mine in Alaska for $750 million was announced and the sale of the Cortez gold mine in Nevada was completed for $1.695 billion. In addition, Rio Tinto will benefit from a deferred bonus payment in the event of a significant discovery of additional reserves and resources at the Cortez gold mine and will also retain a contingent royalty interest in future production. Funds from these sales will be used to pay down part of the debt raised to finance the Alcan acquisition. This quarterly report is published instead of any Interim Management Statement,in accordance with the requirements of rules 4.3.2 and 4.3.6 of the Disclosureand Transparency Rules. All currency figures in this report are US dollars unless otherwise stated IRON ORE Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Hamersley 27,016 +13% -6%Hope Downs 538 - +1587%Robe River 7,189 +11% -5%IOC (pellets and concentrate) 2,119 +50% -6% Conditions in the iron ore market remain extremely tight with demand continuingto grow strongly. Rio Tinto continued to negotiate with customers to establishthe 2008 iron ore benchmark prices and obtain a freight premium, reflecting itsproximity to major customers in Asia. During the first quarter Rio Tinto was actively selling iron ore into the spotmarket, as foreshadowed in its announcement of 18 December 2007. Production and rail tonnages both increased steadily during the quarter, helpedby infrastructure debottlenecking and associated scheduling. Expanded rail yardcapacity and the introduction of 40 new generation locos and new rolling stockwill deliver increasing benefits during the year. Expansion projects continued to make strong progress, with the capacity upgradeof the Cape Lambert port from 55 million tonnes to 80 million tonnes per annumproceeding on track, despite challenging conditions from tropical cyclones. Thefeasibility study into increasing annual capacity in the Pilbara to 320 milliontonnes is advancing according to plan. Hamersley, Hope Downs and Robe River Production from the Pilbara operations was severely affected by cyclonicactivity during the quarter. In addition, a serious failure of gas supply inJanuary led to immediate power shortages throughout Western Australia, whichcurtailed production and rail operations for several days. Despite these adverseconditions, record first quarter production and sales were achieved. Productionfor the quarter would have been in line with the fourth quarter 2007, but forthese conditions. Hamersley's record first quarter production was up 13 per cent on thecorresponding quarter of 2007, following the ramp up of the Yandicooginacapacity expansion to 52 million tonnes per annum, and the brownfield expansionsat Nammuldi and Tom Price in the West Pilbara. The Hope Downs mine produced over one million tonnes during the quarter (on a100 per cent basis) as it started to ramp up towards its 30 million tonnes perannum capacity by early 2009. Robe River first quarter production was 11 per cent up on the previouscorresponding period, reflecting improved production at Mesa J and West Angelas. HIsmelt HIsmelt has recorded limited production so far this year (18,073 tonnes) due todowntime for required maintenance. The opportunity to conduct trials has yieldedstrong signs that benefits from improvements will be realised, particularly toincrease time in operation. Strong interest in the HIsmelt technology has been sustained and licencenegotiations with several steelmakers are progressing. Iron Ore Company of Canada Strong production of pellets and concentrates at the Iron Ore Company of Canadareflected record mine performance for a first quarter and debottleneckingefforts at the plant, as well as the absence of labour stoppages in 2007. In March, Rio Tinto approved a US$475 million project to increase the Iron OreCompany of Canada's annual production of concentrate to 22 million tonnes. Theinvestment is the first phase of an expansion programme that may see productionincrease 50 per cent by 2011. ALUMINIUM Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Rio Tinto Alcan Bauxite 8,798 +106% +13% Alumina 2,220 +236% +20% Aluminium 1,025 +386% +23% Q1 08 Q1 07 vs Q1 07Rio Tinto Alcan proforma 1 proforma 1 Bauxite 8,798 7,350 +20% Alumina 2,220 2,017 +10% Aluminium 1,025 1,004 2 +2% 1 Includes Alcan data from 1 January 2007. 2 Excludes Vlissingen smelter (Netherlands,) which was divested in the firsthalf of 2007. Production records were set across the board in the Aluminium product group.First quarter production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium increased sharplycompared with the same quarter of 2007 following the Alcan acquisition. RioTinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007and its production is included from that date. Proforma Rio Tinto Alcanproduction data for 2007 was published on 12 March 2008 and can be found on theRio Tinto website at www.riotinto.com/media/5157_7363.asp Bauxite First quarter bauxite production was 106 per cent higher than the first quarterof 2007 and 20 per cent higher on a proforma basis. First quarter bauxiteproduction at Weipa was 17 per cent above the same quarter of 2007, reflectingincreased capacity following the commissioning of the second shiploader. Alumina First quarter alumina production was 236 per cent higher than the first quarterof 2007 and ten per cent higher on a proforma basis. The Yarwun alumina refineryoperated consistently at its rated capacity of 1.4 million tonnes per annum,increasing production by 17 per cent when compared with the first quarter of2007 when maintenance shutdowns occurred. Expansion work on the Yarwun alumina refinery is progressing on budget and ontrack for its first shipment of alumina in the second half of 2010. The US$1.8billion project, announced in July 2007, will more than double annual productionof the refinery, taking output from 1.4 million tonnes to 3.4 million tonnes by2011. Construction of the 1.8 million tonne per annum expansion of the Gove refineryis nearing completion. Production during the first quarter of 2008 reflectedstabilisation of the newly commissioned plant. Full capacity is anticipated tobe achieved during 2009. Aluminium First quarter aluminium production was 386 per cent higher than the firstquarter of 2007 and two per cent higher on a like for like basis. All the RioTinto Alcan smelters operated well throughout the quarter with the Canadiansmelters raising production by four per cent compared with the proforma firstquarter 2007 levels. COPPER Rio Tinto share of production Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Kennecott Utah Copper Mined copper (000 tonnes) 44.7 -17% -16% Refined copper (000 tonnes) 52.1 -25% -12% Molybdenum (000 tonnes) 3.4 -27% +15% Mined gold (000 ozs) 69 -36% -24% Refined gold (000 ozs) 81 -30% -39%Escondida Mined copper (000 tonnes) 117.2 +5% +13% Refined copper (000 tonnes) 15.7 -21% -1%Grasberg JV Mined copper (000 tonnes) 6.9 +20% -26% Mined gold (000 ozs) 0 -100% -100% Kennecott Utah Copper With the exception of molybdenum, metals' head grades for the first quarter of2008 were lower than those of the fourth quarter of 2007 and all metal headgrades were lower than the first quarter of 2007. In addition, the processing ofharder ore decreased throughput and increased maintenance at the concentrator. Grades at Bingham Canyon are expected to remain relatively low during the firsthalf of 2008 but are anticipated to return to more normal levels during thesecond half. Production decreases at the smelter and refinery, from 2007 to 2008, areattributable to lower head grades and concentrate production, resulting in thedepletion of concentrate inventory in late 2007. A 26 day refinery shutdown isscheduled for July 2008 and an 11 day smelter maintenance shutdown is scheduledfor August 2008. Escondida Mined copper for the quarter improved by five per cent compared with thecorresponding period of 2007, attributable to higher copper grades for theleachate material. Refined copper production in the first quarter of 2008 was 21per cent lower than the prior year due to low oxide leach production. Grasberg Lower copper and gold grades were a major factor in lowering Rio Tinto's shareof copper production and reducing its share of gold production to nil in thefirst quarter of 2008, compared with the fourth quarter of 2007. Mining is expected to continue in a relatively low-grade section of the Grasbergopen pit in the first half of 2008 and a higher-grade section in the second halfof 2008. Gold and silver volumes for 2008 are expected to be below the metalstrip in 2008. Other operations Lower copper and gold production at Northparkes was due to the treatment oflower grade open cut stockpile material. Grade is expected to increase as theunderground production from E26 Lift 2 North ramps up to full production,displacing the lower grade open cut material. Northparkes production for 2008 isexpected to be more than 40 per cent below 2007. DIAMONDS Rio Tinto share of production (000 carats) Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Argyle 2,172 -37% -64%Diavik 1,071 -31% -39% Production at Argyle in the first quarter of 2008 was adversely affected by wetweather and a slip in the main pit access ramp that together restricted accessto high grade ore zones. Pit access has been re-established and production isexpected to improve as the wet season comes to an end. Variability in feedgrades and production rates will continue as the open-pit approaches the end ofits life and the mine transitions to an underground operation. At Diavik, the quantities of ore processed and carats recovered in the firstquarter of 2008 were 31 per cent lower than 2007. Extreme cold temperaturesexperienced between January and the first half of March negatively impactedequipment reliability resulting in lower ore recovered and processed. A decreasein grade which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2007 continued throughout thefirst quarter of 2008. ENERGY US thermal coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Rio Tinto Energy America 30,632 +1% -8% First quarter production was lower than the preceding quarter, but rose slightlyabove the same quarter of 2007, as expansion projects at the Spring Creek andAntelope mines neared completion, offsetting lower production at Jacobs Ranchand Colowyo. Australian coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Rio Tinto Coal Australia Hard coking coal 1,043 -27% -32% Other coal 5,711 -19% +1% Central Queensland coal operations suffered from the heavy rains during thequarter, and the consequent flooding disrupted production and transportation,particularly at Hail Creek. Shipping opportunities were maximised at BlairAthol, which was not directly affected by the Queensland floods, with an eightper cent increase in production. Overall, the Rio Tinto coal operations inQueensland were able to maximise opportunities from the recent floods by buyingand swapping rail and port allotments from other, worse impacted producers. In New South Wales, reduced port throughput from coal chain infrastructurelimitations continued to restrict output from Rio Tinto subsidiary Coal &Allied's mines. 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. Rio Tinto sold its 100 per cent share in the Tarong Coal mine in Queensland withan effective date of 31 January 2008 and production data are shown up to thatdate. Uranium Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs) Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Energy Resources of Australia 2,011 +33% -12%Rossing 1,335 +3% +10% First quarter 2008 production at ERA's Ranger mine was 33 per cent higher thanthe comparative quarter of 2007 when exceptionally high rainfall wasexperienced. This rainfall event also impacted 2007 throughput, and ERA enteredthe 2008 wet season with lower than normal high grade stockpiles. This gave riseto a 12 per cent reduction in production in the first quarter of 2008 comparedwith the fourth quarter of 2007. Higher grades at Rossing led to a three per cent improvement in production inthe first quarter of 2008 compared with the same quarter of 2007. MINERALS Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07Borates 153 +18% +1%Titanium dioxide feedstocks 356 +1% -7% First quarter borates production rose by 18 percent compared with the samequarter of 2007, driven by strong demand in Asia Pacific and Europe. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION Pre-tax expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and lossaccount in the first quarter of 2008 was $159 million compared with $72 millionin same period of 2007. Pre-feasibility or feasibility work progressed on a number of important projectsincluding Resolution (copper/gold, US), La Granja (copper, Peru), Eagle (nickel/copper, US), Potasio Rio Colorado (potash, Argentina), Simandou (iron ore,Guinea) and several Pilbara iron ore deposits. A summary of activity for the period is as follows: Product Group Advanced projects Greenfield programmesAluminium Brazil, Colombia, AustraliaCopper and Diamonds Sulawesi nickel, Indonesia: Contract of Chile: two joint ventures signed with Work negotiations progressing CODELCO Lakeview nickel-copper, US: Order of Copper and Nickel programmes continued in: magnitude study initiated Russia (Rio Nor JV), Kazakhstan, US, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, southern and Bunder diamonds, India: Order of central Africa; magnitude study continued Diamond programmes continued in: India, Canada, Russia and Mauritania Remaining interest in Corani, Peru was divested.Energy & Minerals Huren Gol coal, Mongolia and Landazuri Colombia, Canada, US, southern Africa, coal, Colombia: coal measures intersected Argentina, Russia and Mongolia (coal) in drilling; Australia, Canada, Turkey, Serbia Chilubane and Mutamba ilmenite (industrial minerals) Mozambique; Jadar lithium borates, Serbia: order of magnitude studies Zambia (Uranium) continuedIron Ore Pilbara, Australia: delineation drilling Brazil, Argentina, Guinea, and Gabon continued at several advanced prospects Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses includingKennecott Utah Copper, Northparkes, Rossing, Argyle, Diavik and Pilbara Iron. About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK,combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed public company, and Rio TintoLimited, which is a public company 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, LondonAmanda Buckley Christina MillsOffice: +61 (0) 3 9283 3627 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1154Mobile: +61 (0) 419 801 349 Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605Ian Head Nick CobbanOffice: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1138Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 Media Relations, AmericasNancy IvesMobile: +1 619 540 3751 Investor Relations, Australia Investor Relations, LondonDave Skinner Nigel JonesOffice: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2049Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309 Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227365 Simon Ellinor David OvingtonOffice: +61 (0) 7 3867 1068 Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2051Mobile: +61 (0) 439 102 811 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978Investor Relations, North AmericaJason CombesOffice: +1 (0) 801 685 4535Mobile: +1 (0) 801 558 2645 Email: questions@riotinto.com 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 2007 2007 2008 2007 Q1 08 Q1 08 Q1 Q4 Q1 vs vsPrincipal Commodities Q1 07 Q4 07Alumina ('000 t) 661 1,853 2,220 3,877 236% 20%Aluminium ('000 t) 210.9 833.7 1,024.9 1,473.2 386% 23%Bauxite ('000 t) 4,272 7,797 8,798 21,022 106% 13%Borates ('000 t) 129 151 153 560 18% 1%Coal - hard coking coal ('000 t) 1,438 1,544 1,043 6,179 -27% -32%Coal - other Australian ('000 t) 7,041 5,642 5,711 24,388 -19% 1%Coal - US ('000 t) 30,357 33,384 30,632 125,083 1% -8%Copper - mined ('000 t) 198.1 180.8 185.6 737.9 -6% 3%Copper - refined ('000 t) 101.6 89.0 78.3 390.0 -23% -12%Diamonds ('000 cts) 5,033 7,807 3,296 26,023 -35% -58%Gold - mined ('000 ozs) 278 293 133 1,233 -52% -55%Gold - refined ('000 ozs) 115 133 81 523 -30% -39%Iron ore ('000 t) 32,245 38,956 37,371 144,707 16% -4%Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 t) 351 384 356 1,458 1% -7%Uranium ('000 lbs) 2,799 3,504 3,346 12,616 20% -5%Other Metals & MineralsLead ('000 t) 2.9 3.0 2.8 11.9 -5% -7%Molybdenum ('000 t) 4.7 3.0 3.4 14.9 -27% 15%Pig Iron ('000 t) 13 27 11 69 -16% -60%Salt ('000 t) 1,116 1,686 1,257 5,242 13% -25%Silver - mined ('000 ozs) 3,272 2,878 2,356 13,002 -28% -18%Silver - refined ('000 ozs) 870 1,317 929 4,365 7% -29%Talc ('000 t) 352 284 342 1,281 -3% 21%Zinc ('000 t) 8.8 9.8 8.7 35.7 -2% -12% Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on theequivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may resultbetween the total of the quarter figures and the full year figures. Rio Tinto production summary FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007ALUMINAProduction ('000 tonnes) Gardanne (a) 100% - - - 21 21 21 Gove (a) 100% - - - 405 554 405 Jonquiere (a) 100% - - - 252 327 252 Queensland Alumina (a) (b) 80% 365 362 377 662 756 1,766 Sao Luis (Alumar) (a) 10% - - - 29 38 29 Yarwun 100% 296 323 301 339 348 1,260 Speciality alumina plants (a) 100% - - - 144 176 144Rio Tinto total alumina production 661 685 679 1,853 2,220 3,877ALUMINIUM (c)Refined production ('000 tonnes) Australia - Bell Bay 100% 43.6 44.1 44.7 44.6 44.0 176.9 Australia - Boyne Island 59% 80.2 81.6 81.1 82.4 81.9 325.3 Australia - Tomago (a) 52% - - - 50.2 65.7 50.2 Cameroon - Alucam (Edea) (a) 47% - - - 8.8 9.4 8.8 Canada - seven wholly owned (a) 100% - - - 270.5 360.1 270.5 Canada - Alouette (a) 40% - - - 43.5 56.9 43.5 Canada - Becancour (a) 25% - - - 20.1 25.2 20.1 China - Ningxia (Qingtongxia) (a) 50% - - - 15.5 20.3 15.5 France - three wholly owned (a) 100% - - - 79.7 79.7 101.7 Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) (a) 100% - - - 35.0 46.2 35.0 New Zealand - Tiwai Point (a) 79% 68.7 69.4 70.3 70.3 69.1 278.7 Norway - SORAL (Husnes) (a) 50% - - - 16.0 21.4 16.0 UK - two wholly owned (a) 100% - - - 41.6 55.3 41.6 UK - Anglesey 51% 18.4 18.7 18.8 18.8 18.7 74.7 USA - Sebree (a) 100% - - - 36.8 48.9 36.8Rio Tinto total aluminium production 210.9 213.8 214.9 833.7 1,024.9 1,473.2BAUXITEProduction ('000 tonnes) Awaso (a) (d) 80% - - - 173 205 173 Sangaredi (a) (e) - - - 1,248 1,770 1,248 Gove (a) 100% - - - 985 985 1,327 Porto Trombetas (a) 12% - - - 407 491 407 Weipa (f) 100% 4,272 18,209 4,278 4,676 4,984 5,005Rio Tinto total bauxite production 4,272 21,022 4,278 4,676 7,797 8,798BORATESProduction ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100% 129 145 134 151 153 560COAL - HARD COKINGRio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) Hail Creek Coal 82% 1,124 1,032 864 1,090 663 4,110 Kestrel Coal 80% 314 601 700 454 380 2,069Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production 1,438 1,633 1,564 1,544 1,043 6,179COAL - OTHER *Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) Bengalla 30% 398 324 422 417 319 1,561 Blair Athol Coal 71% 1,667 1,580 1,374 1,023 1,808 5,645 Hunter Valley Operations 76% 2,004 1,818 1,774 2,047 2,139 7,642 Kestrel Coal 80% 151 271 261 145 110 828 Mount Thorley Operations 61% 497 252 396 625 432 1,771 Tarong Coal (g) 0% 1,736 1,021 872 881 262 4,510 Warkworth 42% 586 584 756 504 641 2,430Total Australian other coal 7,041 5,850 5,855 5,642 5,711 24,388Rio Tinto Energy America ('000 tonnes) Antelope 100% 7,691 7,682 7,601 8,292 7,958 31,267 Colowyo (h) 1,224 1,342 1,280 1,232 1,001 5,077 Cordero Rojo 100% 9,060 9,034 8,622 9,996 9,200 36,712 Decker 50% 744 784 833 809 740 3,170 Jacobs Ranch 100% 8,537 8,478 8,750 8,801 7,904 34,565 Spring Creek 100% 3,100 2,999 3,938 4,254 3,829 14,291Total US coal 30,357 30,318 31,024 33,384 30,632 125,083Rio Tinto total other coal production 37,398 36,169 36,878 39,025 36,342 149,471COPPERMine production ('000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 100% 54.1 55.6 49.5 53.0 44.7 212.2 Escondida 30% 111.5 105.2 101.2 103.8 117.2 421.6 Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 5.8 5.6 7.5 9.4 6.9 28.4 Northparkes 80% 13.7 9.9 5.6 5.3 4.1 34.5 Palabora 58% 13.0 10.2 8.7 9.3 12.8 41.2Rio Tinto total mine production 198.1 186.5 172.5 180.8 185.6 737.9Refined production ('000 tonnes) Escondida 30% 19.9 19.7 16.1 15.8 15.7 71.5 Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 69.7 67.9 68.7 59.3 52.1 265.6 Palabora 58% 12.0 13.2 13.8 13.8 10.5 52.9Rio Tinto total refined production 101.6 100.7 98.7 89.0 78.3 390.0DIAMONDSProduction ('000 carats) Argyle 100% 3,470 4,414 4,865 5,995 2,172 18,744 Diavik 60% 1,551 1,975 1,874 1,766 1,071 7,166 Murowa 78% 12 24 31 46 52 113Rio Tinto total diamond production 5,033 6,413 6,770 7,807 3,296 26,023GOLDMine production ('000 ounces) Barneys Canyon 100% 2 3 3 2 2 11 Bingham Canyon 100% 106 117 86 88 67 397 Cortez/Pipeline (j) 0% 45 61 53 55 29 215 Escondida 30% 14 14 14 14 12 56 Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 74 97 149 103 0 423 Greens Creek (j) 70% 11 11 13 12 11 48 Northparkes 80% 20 17 12 13 8 63 Rawhide 51% 3 3 2 2 2 10 Others - 3 3 3 3 2 11Rio Tinto total mine production 278 327 335 293 133 1,233Refined production ('000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 115 147 128 133 81 523IRON ORE & IRONProduction ('000 tonnes) Corumba 100% 460 424 528 365 508 1,777 Hamersley - six wholly owned mines 100% 20,161 24,617 23,990 25,799 23,731 94,567 Hamersley - Channar 60% 1,585 1,743 1,554 1,448 1,484 6,330 Hamersley - Eastern Range (k) 2,166 1,670 1,562 1,535 1,801 6,932 Hope Downs (l) 50% 32 538 32 Iron Ore Company of Canada 59% 1,413 1,730 2,376 2,248 2,119 7,768 Robe River 53% 6,460 6,932 6,381 7,529 7,189 27,301Rio Tinto total mine production 32,245 37,117 36,390 38,956 37,371 144,707Pig iron production ('000 tonnes) HIsmelt(R) 60% 13 0 29 27 11 69LEADMine production ('000 tonnes) Greens Creek (j) 70% 2.9 2.8 3.3 3.0 2.8 11.9MOLYBDENUMMine production ('000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 100% 4.7 3.8 3.5 3.0 3.4 14.9SALTProduction ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals - salt (m) 68% 1,116 958 1,480 1,686 1,257 5,242SILVERMine production ('000 ounces) Bingham Canyon 100% 856 981 757 892 616 3,487 Escondida 30% 563 592 670 536 494 2,361 Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 0 114 210 154 0 477 Greens Creek (j) 70% 1,666 1,627 1,607 1,175 1,172 6,075 Others - 187 166 127 121 74 602Rio Tinto total mine production 3,272 3,480 3,371 2,878 2,356 13,002Refined production ('000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 870 1,014 1,164 1,317 929 4,365TALCProduction ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100% 352 326 318 284 342 1,281TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCKProduction ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100% 351 367 356 384 356 1,458URANIUMProduction ('000 lbs U3O8) Energy Resources of Australia 68% 1,507 2,236 1,980 2,288 2,011 8,011 Rossing 69% 1,292 971 1,126 1,216 1,335 4,605Rio Tinto total uranium production 2,799 3,207 3,105 3,504 3,346 12,616ZINCMine production ('000 tonnes) Greens Creek (j) 70% 8.8 7.5 9.6 9.8 8.7 35.7 Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal producedin concentrates or dore bullion irrespective of whetherthese products are then refined on-site, except for the data for iron ore whichrepresent production of saleable quantities of ore plus pellets. See footnotes on page 12. Production data notes (a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name. (b) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; this increased to 80.0% following the Alcan acquisition (c) Following a review of the basis for reporting aluminium smelter production tonnes, the data reported now reflects hot metal production rather than saleable product tonnes. (d) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases the additional 20% of production (e) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45% of production under the partnership agreement. (f) Includes beneficiated and calcined bauxite production. (g) Rio Tinto sold its 100% share in Tarong with an effective date of 31 January 2008 and production data are shown up to that date. (h) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under a management agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo's output 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 a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. Rio Tinto's share of production reflects actual production for the first quarter of 2008. (j) In February 2008 Rio Tinto reached agreement for the sale of Greens Creek and on 5 March 2008 the Group completed the sale of its interest in the Cortez joint venture to its partner. Cortez production data are shown up to that date. (k) Rio Tinto's share of production includes 100% of the production from the Eastern Range mine. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture. (l) Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007 (m) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals - salt to 68.4% at the beginning of July 2007. Where Rio Tinto's beneficial interest in an operation has changed, as indicatedabove, the share of production has been calculatedusing the weighted average interest over the relevant periods. Rio Tintopercentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. Rio Tinto operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007AluminiumRio Tinto Alcan (a)Bauxite MinesBauxite production ('000 tonnes)AustraliaGove mine - Northern Territory (a) 100.0% - - - 985 1,327 985Weipa mine - Queensland (b) 100.0% 4,272 4,278 4,676 4,984 5,005 18,209BrazilPorto Trombetas (MRN) mine (a) 12.0% - - - 3,392 4,093 3,392GhanaAwaso mine (a) (c) 80.0% - - - 216 256 216GuineaSangaredi mine (a) (d) 22.9% - - - 2,774 3,934 2,774 Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipmentsShare of bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 4,263 4,157 4,774 6,682 6,787 19,877Smelter-Grade Alumina RefineriesAlumina production ('000 tonnes)AustraliaGove refinery - Northern Territory (a) 100.0% - - - 405 554 405Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland (a) 80.0% 945 938 977 956 945 3,816(e)Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100.0% 296 323 301 339 348 1,260BrazilSao Luis (Alumar) refinery (a) 10.0% - - - 288 379 288CanadaJonquiere refinery - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - 252 327 252FranceGardanne refinery (a) 100.0% - - - 21 21 21Specialty Alumina PlantsSpeciality alumina production ('000 tonnes)CanadaBrockville plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - 3 4 3Jonquiere plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - 22 31 22FranceBeyrede plant (a) 100.0% - - - 6 7 6Gardanne plant (a) 100.0% - - - 102 116 102La Bathie plant (a) 100.0% - - - 5 9 5GermanyTeutschenthal plant (a) 100.0% - - - 6 8 6 (a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the RioTinto 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 receives 45% ofproduction under the partnership agreement.(e) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; this increased to80.0% following the Alcan acquisition Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%basis unless otherwise stated. Rio Tinto operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007Aluminium (continued)Aluminium Smelters (a)Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)AustraliaBell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100.0% 44 44 45 45 44 177Boyne Island smelter - Queensland 59.4% 135 137 137 139 138 548Tomago smelter - New South Wales (b) 51.6% - - - 97 127 97CameroonAlucam (Edea) smelter (b) 46.7% - - - 19 20 19CanadaAlma smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 80 107 80Alouette (Sept-Iles) smelter - Quebec (b) 40.0% - - - 109 142 109Arvida smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 32 42 32Beauharnois, smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 10 13 10Becancour smelter - Quebec (b) 25.1% - - - 80 101 80Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 40 52 40Kitimat smelter - British Colombia (b) 100.0% - - - 47 63 47Laterriere smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 44 58 44Shawinigan smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 18 25 18ChinaNingxia (Qingtongxia) smelter (b) 50.0% - - - 31 41 31FranceDunkerque smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 49 62 49Lannemezan, smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 5 5 5St-Jean-de Maurienne smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 25 34 25IcelandISAL (Reykjavik) smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 35 46 35New ZealandTiwai Point smelter 79.4% 87 87 89 89 87 351NorwaySORAL (Husnes) smelter (b) 50.0% - - - 32 43 32United KingdomAnglesey Aluminium smelter 51.0% 36 37 37 37 37 147Lochaber smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 8 11 8Lynemouth smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 33 44 33USASebree smelter - Kentucky (b) 100.0% - - - 37 49 37Rio Tinto Alcan share of metal salesShare of primary aluminium sales ('000 196 226 211 1,031 1,287 1,663tonnes) a) Following a review of the basis for reporting aluminium smelter productiontonnes, the data reported now reflects hot metal production rather than saleable product tonnes.b) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the RioTinto Alcan name.BoratesRio Tinto Minerals - borates 100.0%California, US and ArgentinaBorates ('000 tonnes) (a) 129 145 134 151 153 560(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales ona 100% basis unless otherwise stated. Rio Tinto operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007CoalRio Tinto Coal AustraliaBengalla mine 30.3%New South Wales, AustraliaThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,315 1,070 1,394 1,376 1,053 5,155Blair Athol Coal mine 71.2%Queensland, AustraliaThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,341 2,218 1,929 1,436 2,538 7,924Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0%Queensland, AustraliaHard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,371 1,259 1,054 1,329 808 5,012Hunter Valley Operations 75.7%New South Wales, AustraliaThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,316 2,020 1,883 2,046 2,143 8,264Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 331 381 460 657 683 1,830tonnes)Kestrel Coal mine 80.0%Queensland, AustraliaThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 189 339 326 181 138 1,035Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 392 751 875 567 475 2,586Mount Thorley Operations 60.6%New South Wales, AustraliaThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 657 280 261 731 382 1,929Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 163 137 393 302 332 995tonnes)Tarong Coal mine (a) 0.0%Queensland, AustraliaThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,736 1,021 872 881 262 4,510Warkworth mine 42.1%New South Wales, AustraliaThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,343 1,172 1,663 1,197 1,522 5,376Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 51 216 133 0 1 400tonnes) Total hard coking coal production ('000 1,763 2,010 1,929 1,896 1,284 7,598tonnes)Total hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,776 1,605 1,580 1,962 1,245 6,924Total other coal production ('000 tonnes) (b) 10,443 8,854 9,314 8,808 9,052 37,419Total other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) (d) 11,127 9,762 9,322 9,892 9,459 40,103 Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 12,206 10,864 11,243 10,704 10,336 45,017Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 12,903 11,368 10,902 11,854 10,703 47,026Rio Tinto Coal Australia shareShare of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,447 1,306 1,285 1,600 1,015 5,639Share of other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) 7,523 6,453 5,937 6,285 5,994 26,197(d) (a) Rio Tinto sold its 100% share in Tarong with an effective date of 31 January2008 and production data are shown up to that date.(b) Other coal production includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.(c) Other coal sales includes thermal coal, semi-soft coking coal and semi-hardcoking coal (a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal).(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.Rio Tinto Energy AmericaAntelope mine 100.0%Wyoming, USThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 7,691 7,682 7,601 8,292 7,958 31,267Colowyo mine (a)Colorado, USThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,224 1,342 1,280 1,232 1,001 5,077Cordero Rojo mine 100.0%Wyoming, USThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 9,060 9,034 8,622 9,996 9,200 36,712Decker mine 50.0%Montana, USThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,488 1,568 1,666 1,618 1,480 6,340Jacobs Ranch mine 100.0%Wyoming, USThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 8,537 8,478 8,750 8,801 7,904 34,565Spring Creek mine 100.0%Montana, USThermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 3,100 2,999 3,938 4,254 3,829 14,291 Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 31,101 31,103 31,857 34,192 31,372 128,253Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 31,101 31,103 32,165 33,891 31,393 128,260 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%basis unless otherwise stated. (a) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under a managementagreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo's output is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.Rio Tinto operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007Copper and goldEscondida 30.0%ChileSulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 23,450 23,064 22,406 21,777 22,029 90,697Average copper grade (%) 1.62 1.58 1.63 1.72 1.56 1.64Mill production (metals in concentrates): Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 319.1 305.6 305.2 316.8 284.7 1,246.7 Contained gold ('000 ounces) 45 48 48 45 39 187 Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,877 1,973 2,234 1,786 1,647 7,870Ore to leach ('000 tonnes) (a) 15,509 8,435 7,329 3,723 19,156 34,996Average copper grade (%) 0.34 0.53 0.44 0.78 0.55 0.45Contained copper in leachate/mined material 52 45 32 29 106 159 ('000 tonnes)Refined production from leach plants: Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 66 66 54 53 52 238Freeport-McMoRan Copper & GoldGrasberg mine (a) 0.0%Papua, IndonesiaOre treated ('000 tonnes) 20,563 19,568 18,267 19,195 16,648 77,593Average mill head grades: Copper (%) 1.21 0.82 0.58 0.65 0.67 0.82 Gold (g/t) 2.01 1.63 0.70 0.52 0.37 1.24 Silver (g/t) 4.75 3.56 2.91 2.77 2.23 3.53Production of metals in concentrates: Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 225.6 145.9 90.8 107.1 95.7 569.4 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,182 916 336 254 149 2,689 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 2,273 1,397 693 875 663 5,238Sales of payable metals in concentrates:(b) Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 194.2 157.4 96.9 91.5 94.0 540.0 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,010 978 383 220 155 2,591 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,571 1,202 598 585 545 3,957 (a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX),Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasbergfacilities since 1998. The 1Q 2008 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan because FCX is not releasingits actual 100% operating data for 1Q 2008 until the release of its 2008 first-quarter results on April 23, 2008.(b) Net of smelter deductions.Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%basis unless otherwise stated. Rio Tinto operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007Copper and gold (continued)Kennecott Minerals CompanyCortez/Pipeline mine (a) 0.0%Nevada, USOre treated Milled ('000 tonnes) 763 697 914 648 491 3,023 Leached ('000 tonnes) 11,007 5,956 4,775 8,510 1,839 30,248 Sold for roasting ('000 tonnes) - - - - - -Average ore grade: gold Milled (g/t) 2.49 2.80 2.83 4.18 3.40 3.02 Leached (g/t) 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 Sold for roasting (g/t) - - - - - -Gold produced ('000 ounces) 113 154 134 138 72 538Greens Creek mine (a) 70.3%Alaska, USOre treated ('000 tonnes) 166 148 178 172 153 664Average ore grades: Gold (g/t) 4.44 4.57 4.85 4.86 5.20 4.69 Silver (g/t) 562 624 533 416 465 530 Zinc (%) 9.5 9.1 9.6 10.3 10.3 9.7 Lead (%) 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.5 3.7 3.6Metals produced in concentrates: Gold ('000 ounces) 16 15 19 18 16 68 Silver ('000 ounces) 2,371 2,316 2,287 1,672 1,668 8,646 Zinc ('000 tonnes) 12.5 10.6 13.7 13.9 12.3 50.8 Lead ('000 tonnes) 4.2 3.9 4.6 4.3 4.0 17.0Rawhide mine (b) 51.0%Nevada, USMetals produced in dore: Gold ('000 ounces) 5 6 4 4 3 19 Silver ('000 ounces) 51 54 34 21 26 160 (a) In February 2008 Rio Tinto reached agreement for the sale of Greens Creekand on 5 March 2008 the Group completed the sale of its interest in the Cortez joint venture to its partner. Cortezproduction data are shown up to that date.(b) Mining operations were completed in October 2002 and processing ofstockpiled ores was completed in May 2003. Residual gold and silver production continues from the leach pads.Kennecott Utah CopperBarneys Canyon mine (a) 100.0%Utah, USGold produced ('000 ounces) 2 3 3 2 2 11 (a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to berecovered from leach pads.Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%Utah, USOre treated ('000 tonnes) 11,922 12,499 10,988 12,116 10,867 47,525Average ore grade: Copper (%) 0.56 0.53 0.52 0.51 0.49 0.53 Gold (g/t) 0.43 0.42 0.36 0.31 0.30 0.38 Silver (g/t) 3.14 3.07 2.87 2.93 2.43 3.00 Molybdenum (%) 0.056 0.050 0.050 0.043 0.050 0.050Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 202 234 222 230 193 889Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 26.7 23.6 22.2 23.0 23.0 23.8Production of metals in copper concentrates: Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) 54.1 55.6 49.5 53.0 44.7 212.2 Gold ('000 ounces) 106 117 86 88 67 397 Silver ('000 ounces) 856 981 757 892 616 3,487Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 8.3 6.7 6.2 5.4 6.2 26.6tonnes): Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 4.7 3.8 3.5 3.0 3.4 14.9Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 272 297 263 272 237 1,103Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (c) 69.0 73.7 61.8 56.7 49.7 261.2Production of refined metal: Copper ('000 tonnes) 69.7 67.9 68.7 59.3 52.1 265.6 Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 115 147 128 133 81 523 Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 870 1,014 1,164 1,317 929 4,365Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales ona 100% basis unless otherwise stated. (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 operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007Copper and gold (continued)Northparkes Joint Venture 80.0%New South Wales, AustraliaOre treated ('000 tonnes) 1,367 1,363 1,264 1,304 1,234 5,297Average ore grades: Copper (%) 1.38 1.01 0.65 0.59 0.49 0.91 Gold (g/t) 0.78 0.67 0.50 0.51 0.35 0.62Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 42.2 32.4 21.4 19.6 16.1 115.7Contained copper in concentrates: Saleable production ('000 tonnes) 17.2 12.4 7.0 6.6 5.1 43.1 Sales ('000 tonnes) (a) 16.3 13.6 9.5 8.2 2.7 47.6Contained gold in concentrates: Saleable production ('000 ounces) 25.6 21.8 15.1 16.3 10.0 78.8 Sales ('000 ounces) (a) 19.1 16.2 23.3 16.7 6.0 75.4 (a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.Palabora 57.7%Palabora mineSouth AfricaOre treated ('000 tonnes) 2,886 3,025 3,046 3,958 3,181 12,915Average ore grade: copper (%) 0.71 0.70 0.68 0.69 0.71 0.70Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 82.1 56.0 48.6 52.5 73.9 239.2Average concentrate grade: copper (%) 27.4 31.5 31.0 30.7 29.9 29.8Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 22.5 17.6 15.0 16.1 22.1 71.4Palabora smelter/refineryNew concentrate smelted on site ('000 73.6 74.2 73.9 74.1 66.4 295.8tonnes)New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) 21.2 22.9 24.0 22.7 18.1 90.7Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes) 20.8 22.9 24.0 24.0 18.3 91.7By-products:Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes) 262 321 361 363 446 1,306Nickel contained in products (tonnes) (a) 5 12 43 45 42 104Vermiculite plantVermiculite produced ('000 tonnes) 50 50 50 50 50 200(a) Nickel production is now reported as contained nickel in product.DiamondsArgyle Diamonds 100.0%Western AustraliaAK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) 2,168 2,178 2,362 1,917 1,549 8,625AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) 3,470 4,414 4,865 5,995 2,172 18,744Diavik Diamonds 60.0%Northwest Territories, CanadaOre processed ('000 tonnes) 520 643 656 581 435 2,400Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 2,585 3,291 3,123 2,944 1,785 11,943Murowa Diamonds 77.8%ZimbabweOre processed ('000 tonnes) 30 46 55 72 88 203Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 15 31 40 59 67 145Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. Rio Tinto operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007Iron ore and ironRio Tinto Iron OrePilbara OperationsWestern AustraliaSaleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes): Hamersley - Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, 100.0% 20,161 24,617 23,990 25,799 23,731 94,567 Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman and Nammuldi Hamersley - Channar 60.0% 2,641 2,905 2,589 2,413 2,474 10,549 Hamersley - Eastern Range (a) 2,166 1,670 1,562 1,535 1,801 6,932 Hope Downs (b) 50.0% - - - 64 1,076 64 Robe River - Pannawonica 53.0% 6,168 6,901 5,608 6,812 6,811 25,489 Robe River - West Angelas 53.0% 6,020 6,178 6,432 7,393 6,753 26,023Total production ('000 tonnes) 37,156 42,271 40,180 44,016 42,646 163,624 Total sales ('000 tonnes) (c) 34,851 41,340 40,444 44,465 42,691 161,100 (a) Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine. Under the terms of the jointventure agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the jointventure and therefore all of the production 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.Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7%Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in CanadaSaleable iron ore production: Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 82 613 723 505 360 1,923 Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,325 2,334 3,323 3,324 3,249 11,306Sales: Concentrate ('000 tonnes) 436 296 820 855 262 2,407 Pellets ('000 tonnes) 1,791 2,727 3,327 3,146 2,547 10,991Rio Tinto BrasilCorumba mine 100.0%Mato Grosso do Sul, BrazilSaleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 460 424 528 365 508 1,777(a)Sales ('000 tonnes) 347 245 401 112 369 1,105(a) Production includes by-product fines.HIsmelt(R) 60.0%Western AustraliaPig iron production ('000 tonnes) 21 0 49 45 18 115Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a100% basis unless otherwise stated. Rio Tinto operational data FULL Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007SaltRio Tinto Minerals - salt (a) 68.4%Western AustraliaSalt production ('000 tonnes) 1,719 1,476 2,165 2,467 1,840 7,827 (a) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals - salt to 68.4%at the beginning of July 2007. TalcRio Tinto Minerals - talc 100.0%Australia, Europe, and North AmericaTalc production ('000 tonnes) 352 326 318 284 342 1,281Titanium dioxide feedstockRio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%Canada and South Africa(Rio Tinto share)Titanium dioxide feedstock production ('000 351 367 356 384 356 1,458tonnes)UraniumEnergy Resources of Australia LtdRanger mine 68.4%Northern Territory, AustraliaProduction ('000 lbs U3O8) 2,204 3,269 2,895 3,346 2,940 11,713Rossing Uranium Ltd 68.6%NamibiaProduction ('000 lbs U3O8) 1,884 1,417 1,641 1,773 1,947 6,714 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The datarepresent full production andsales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Rio Tinto