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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Dated 19 October 2010
     
Commission file number: 001-10533   Commission file number: 000-20122
     
Rio Tinto plc   Rio Tinto Limited
    ABN 96 004 458 404
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)   (Translation of registrant’s name into English)
     
2 Eastbourne Terrace
London, W2 6LG, United Kingdom
(Address of principal executive offices) 		  Level 33, 120 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of
Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F þ       Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o
THIS REPORT ON FORM 6-K SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT ON FORM F-3 (NO. 333-151839) OF RIO TINTO FINANCE (USA) LIMITED, RIO TINTO PLC AND RIO
TINTO LIMITED AND THE REGISTRATION STATEMENTS ON FORM S-8 (NOS. 33-46865, 33-64380, 333-7328,
333-8270, 333-10156, 333-13988, 333-147914 AND 333-156093) OF RIO TINTO PLC AND RIO TINTO LIMITED,
AND TO BE PART THEREOF FROM THE DATE ON WHICH THIS REPORT HAS BEEN DEEMED FILED, TO THE EXTENT NOT
SUPERSEDED BY DOCUMENTS OR REPORTS SUBSEQUENTLY FILED OR FURNISHED.
 
 

 

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SIGNATURES

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THIRD QUARTER 2010 OPERATIONS REVIEW
14 October 2010
Chief executive Tom Albanese said: “We have delivered consistently strong operating performance in 2010 and the third quarter was no exception. We continue to run our operations at close to or above capacity rates, taking advantage of strong prices for our products. This quarter we achieved record production in iron ore, alumina and coking coal. Our investment in organic growth is gathering momentum. We approved more than $4 billion of capital projects during the third quarter, including investment towards the expansion of our Pilbara iron ore operations to 330 million tonnes per annum. This takes our total approvals this year to $5.5 billion and is consistent with our capex guidance of $13 billion over the 18 months to December 2011.”
•   Rio Tinto’s attributable iron ore production set a new quarterly record across its global operations, with Hamersley benefiting from the ramp up of new replacement tonnes at Brockman 4 and Western Turner Syncline. Attributable production during the first nine months was 10 per cent higher than the same period of 2009.
 
•   The Pilbara system operated in excess of its nameplate capacity during the quarter and matched the record third quarter 2009 production of 56.8 million tonnes (100 per cent basis).
 
•   Mined copper and gold were down 19 per cent and 33 per cent on the third quarter of 2009 primarily due to lower grades at Grasberg. Refined copper and gold were up six per cent and 46 per cent on the third quarter of 2009 reflecting greater efficiencies at the Kennecott Utah Copper smelter.
 
•   Bauxite production increased 17 per cent on the third quarter of 2009 in line with higher demand. Alumina production was a quarterly record, up six per cent on the third quarter of 2009. Aluminium production was down two per cent.
 
•   Australian hard coking coal production was a record 2.4 million tonnes, up 17 per cent on the third quarter of 2009 reflecting increased investment at the Queensland operations. Australian thermal coal production was down 14 per cent on the same period, mainly due to wet weather in the Hunter Valley.
 
•   The continued recovery in diamonds and minerals production reflected improving market fundamentals compared with the difficult conditions of 2009.
 
•   Rio Tinto approved capital projects totalling $4.2 billion during the third quarter, including $1.3 billion for the Pilbara iron ore expansions, $0.8 billion for the completion of the Argyle Diamonds underground mine and $1.6 billion for the development of the Hope Downs 4 iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto’s share of production, unless otherwise stated

 

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CORPORATE ACTIVITY
On 5 August 2010, Rio Tinto has received a binding offer from funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, L.P. and the Fonds Stratégique d’Investissement to buy a 61 per cent stake in Alcan Engineered Products excluding the Cable Division. The transaction follows the successful divestment last year of the Composites division of the Engineered Products business. The terms of the transaction are confidential.
On 13 September, Rio Tinto increased its ownership in Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. to 34.9 per cent, following the automatic conversion of the US$350 million convertible credit facility Rio Tinto made available to Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. in 2007 which was fully drawn down by mid-2008.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
                                         
    Q3 10     vs Q3 09     vs Q2 10     9 mths 10     vs 9 mths 09  
Hamersley
     33,827       -3 %     +14 %     93,416       +5 %
Hope Downs
     3,554       +18 %     -12 %     11,659       +56 %
Robe River
     7,947       +2 %     +4 %     23,071       +11 %
IOC (pellets and concentrate)
     2,280       +72 %     -0 %     6,433       +13 %
Markets
Third quarter sales volumes from the Pilbara region of Western Australia of 56 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) were consistent with the same quarter of 2009.
Pilbara expansion
During the third quarter, Rio Tinto announced investments totalling US$1.3 billion for the expansion to 230 million tonnes per annum and for early lead items in its drive to expand the Pilbara by an additional one hundred million tonnes per annum.
The Pilbara 330 expansion centres on increasing Rio Tinto’s port at Cape Lambert from its current annual capacity of 80 million tonnes to 180 million tonnes by 2015. This will be achieved through construction of a new 1.8 kilometre jetty and four-berth wharf to run parallel to the existing jetty and four-berth wharf.
Rio Tinto’s planned growth of its Pilbara iron ore operations to 330 Mt/a capacity consists of the following steps:
  •   225 Mt/a by end of Q1 2011 — Dampier port systems efficiencies (in implementation)
 
  •   230 Mt/a by end of Q1 2012 — Dampier port incremental gains (in implementation)
 
  •   280 Mt/a by end of H2 2013 — Cape Lambert port 1st 50 Mt/a increment (in feasibility study)
 
  •   330 Mt/a by end of H2 2015 — Cape Lambert port 2nd 50 Mt/a increment (pre-feasibility completed)
Pilbara operations
Pilbara production matched the record third quarter of 2009 as the mines continued to operate at above nameplate capacity. Hamersley production rebounded from the second quarter as the new Brockman 4 and Western Turner Syncline mines ramped up. Production from Robe River similarly benefited from rising production from Mesa A.
On 13 August, Rio Tinto announced that it would resist the application by Fortescue Metals to appeal the third party rail access decision by the Federal Court of Australia. Rio Tinto has also applied to the Federal Court to overturn the determination to declare access to the Robe line until 2018.
On 30 August Rio Tinto announced an investment of US$1.6 billion (Rio Tinto share $1.0 billion) to develop the Hope Downs 4 iron ore project in Western Australia and link with Rio Tinto’s existing rail, power and port infrastructure in the Pilbara.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Strong third quarter production of pellets and concentrate at IOC reflected a recovery in demand, as well as a return to the normal proportions of concentrate and pellet sales in the overall sales mix. Third quarter production was 72 per cent higher than the same period of 2009 when a five week shutdown took place in response to weak market conditions.
HIsmelt
The HIsmelt pig iron plant in Western Australia remains on a care and maintenance programme due to depressed global pig iron prices.

 

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2010 production guidance
Rio Tinto’s global iron ore operations are expected to remain producing at close to nameplate capacity for the remainder of the year. 2010 production is expected to be approximately 179 million tonnes (attributable) and 234 million tonnes on a 100 per cent basis.
COPPER
Rio Tinto share of production
                                         
    Q3 10     vs Q3 09     vs Q2 10     9 mths 10     vs 9 mths 09  
Kennecott Utah Copper
                                        
Mined copper (000 tonnes)
     65.2       -14 %     +19 %     181.3       -23 %
Refined copper (000 tonnes)
     74.8       +11 %     +25 %     204.5       +2 %
Molybdenum (000 tonnes)
     2.7       -21 %     -4 %     8.7       +11 %
Mined gold (000 ozs)
     105       -24 %     -5 %     372       -13 %
Refined gold (000 ozs)
     164       +46 %     +13 %     484       +46 %
Escondida
                                        
Mined copper (000 tonnes)
     73.3       -6 %     -10 %     227.1       -2 %
Refined copper (000 tonnes)
     23.5       -6 %     +2 %     65.4       -12 %
Grasberg JV
                                        
Mined copper (000 tonnes)
     2.2       -91 %     -84 %     29.4       -61 %
Mined gold (000 ozs)
     53       -55 %     +103 %     117       -52 %
Northparkes
                                        
Mined copper (000 tonnes)
     8.1       +18 %     +4 %     23.2       +11 %
Palabora
                                        
Mined copper (000 tonnes)
     10.9       -2 %     +5 %     31.9       -11 %
Kennecott Utah Copper
Production of copper, gold and silver in concentrates were lower than the third quarter of 2009 due to continued lower ore grades. To take advantage of higher copper prices during the third quarter, ore was mined with a bias towards copper, adversely affecting molybdenum production.
Refined copper and gold production increased 11 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively, compared with the third quarter of 2009, due to efficiencies achieved following the smelter shutdown. Refined metal production is expected to decline during the fourth quarter due to lower concentrate availability.
Escondida
Mined copper production was positively impacted by higher concentrate production due to completion of the SAG Mill repairs in the prior year. Overall, mined copper was six per cent lower than the third quarter of 2009 due primarily to a decrease in head grade.
Refined copper production declined by six per cent compared with the same quarter of 2009 primarily due to a decrease in head grade.
Grasberg
Freeport is due to release its 100 per cent operating data for the third quarter on 21 October 2010. Rio Tinto’s third quarter share of joint venture copper and gold was impacted by the anticipated lower ore grades and lower mill throughput; these factors reduced the Rio Tinto share of cumulative production under the metal strip agreement.
Northparkes
Mined copper production at Northparkes rose by 18 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2009 due to increased feed grade from the E48 block cave.
Palabora
Mined copper production at Palabora was consistent with previous quarters. At the end of the third quarter, a bridge on the rail line linking the mine and the ports of Richards Bay and Maputo was destroyed by a freight train. Early indications are that the bridge is likely to be out of service for six to eight weeks. Magnetite volumes are being trucked out of Palabora whilst copper volumes are not currently affected.

 

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2010 production guidance
In 2010, Rio Tinto’s share of mined and refined copper production is expected to be 660,000 tonnes and 380,000 tonnes, respectively.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
                                         
    Q3 10     vs Q3 09     vs Q2 10     9 mths 10     vs 9 mths 09  
Bauxite
     8,696       +17 %     +9 %     24,887       +15 %
Alumina
     2,347       +6 %     +5 %     6,797       +4 %
Aluminium
     939       -2 %     -1 %     2,828       -1 %
Bauxite
Third quarter bauxite production was 17 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2009 with increased production at Weipa and Sangaredi in line with rising third party demand.
Alumina
Third quarter alumina production set a new quarterly record at 2.3 million tonnes and included record production at Yarwun following efficiencies in work management and process improvements. Production was six per cent higher than the third quarter of 2009 when production cutbacks were made, primarily at the Vaudreuil refinery. Idled capacity at this plant was restarted in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Aluminium
Third quarter aluminium production was two per cent lower than the same quarter of 2009, driven by lower production at Laterrière following a power outage in July which forced the temporary closure of one of the plant’s two potlines. The process of gradually restarting the 216 pots on the suspended production line began in early August 2010 and the smelter returned to full production at the end of September. The loss of metal production during the partial shutdown is estimated to be around 25,000 tonnes.
Other movements included higher production at NZAS following a transformer failure in 2008 which impacted 2009 and a gradual return to full capacity at the operating UK smelters, partly offset by the cessation of smelting activities at Anglesey, all reflecting continued market discipline.
Low snow and rain levels in the Saguenay region of Quebec during the first half of 2010 has led to reduced power generation. This resulted in the need to purchase additional power under a specially negotiated power block from the state utility over the course of the next 12 months. As previously guided, the impact on EBITDA in the second half of 2010 is expected to be approximately $100 million.
2010 production guidance
In 2010, Rio Tinto’s share of alumina and aluminium production is expected to be 9.4 million tonnes and 3.8 million tonnes, respectively.
ENERGY
Australian coal
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
                                         
    Q3 10     vs Q3 09     vs Q2 10     9 mths 10     vs 9 mths 09  
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
                                        
Hard coking coal
     2,434       +17 %     +2 %     6,688       +25 %
Other coal
     5,161       -14 %     -7 %     15,554       -9 %
Hard coking coal production from the Queensland coal operations set a new quarterly record increasing by 17 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2009. Hail Creek production benefited from the recent investment in two additional shovels and two new truck fleets.
Thermal and semi-soft coal production was 14 per cent lower than the corresponding quarter of 2009, attributable to wet weather in New South Wales reducing the time available for waste removal. In addition, a planned 12 day maintenance shutdown of the Hunter Valley Operations wash plant took place. Blair Athol continued to wind down to 3 million tonnes per annum, partly offset by the ramp up of Clermont which produced 1.1 million tonnes in the quarter.

 

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2010 production guidance
In 2010, Rio Tinto’s share of Australian hard coking, semi soft coking coal and thermal coal production is expected to be 9.5 million tonnes, 3.3 million tonnes and 19.1 million tonnes, respectively.
Uranium
Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs)
                                         
    Q3 10     vs Q3 09     vs Q2 10     9 mths 10     vs 9 mths 09  
Energy Resources of Australia
     1,421       -34 %     +19 %     3,979       -36 %
Rössing
     1,354       -17 %     -5 %     4,122       -10 %
Third quarter production at both ERA and Rössing continued to be impacted by lower average feed grade compared with the same quarter of 2009.
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
                                         
    Q3 10     vs Q3 09     vs Q2 10     9 mths 10     vs 9 mths 09  
Diamonds (000 carats)
                                        
Argyle
     2,425       +7 %     -7 %     7,561       +7 %
Diavik
     1,070       +115 %     +11 %     2,974       +23 %
 
                                        
Minerals (000 tonnes)
                                        
Borates
     141       +13 %     +3 %     388       +23 %
Titanium dioxide feedstock
     335       +103 %     -6 %     1,019       +24 %
Talc
     259       +8 %     -2 %     763       +15 %
Recovery from the production slowdown at Argyle in 2009 has been partially offset by processing of lower grade open pit ore in 2010.
Carat production at Diavik recovered from the third quarter of 2009 when a six week shutdown took place, partly offset by a higher proportion of ore sourced from the lower grade A418 pipe. Operations were scaled back in 2009 in response to the economic slowdown.
Minerals production continued to increase in line in response to the recovery of the global economy. Higher borates production reflected stronger demand from the Asia Pacific region.
Third quarter titanium dioxide feedstocks production also reflected improved market conditions and reflected an eight week summer shutdown at RTIT in 2009.

 

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Capital and major evaluation projects
Capital expenditure for the second half of 2010 through to the end of 2011 is anticipated to be approximately $13 billion, subject to stable investment conditions.
         
    Approved    
    capital cost    
PROJECT   (100%)   STATUS/MILESTONES
Approved in first half of 2010
        
 
        
Molybdenum – investment in phases 1 and 2 of Moly autoclave project (MAP) to enable lower-grade concentrate to be processed more efficiently than conventional roasters and allow improved recoveries
  $340m   First approved in June 2008, the project was put on hold. Approval was given in April 2010 to restart the project. First production from phase 1 is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2012 and full capacity of 30mlbs is scheduled for fourth quarter 2013. The phase 2 expansion to 60mlbs per annum is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2015.
 
        
Iron ore – expansion of Iron Ore Company of Canada’s concentrate capacity (Rio Tinto 58.7%)
  $401m   Initially approved in March 2008, the project recommenced in May 2010 to expand concentrate capacity by 4mtpa to 22mtpa by 2012 with options to expand further to 26mtpa.
 
        
Nickel – construction of the Eagle nickel and copper mine in Michigan (USA).
  $469m   Approved in June 2010, first production is expected in late 2013. The mine will produce an average of 17.3kt and 13.2kt per year of nickel and copper metal respectively over six years.
 
        
Approved / restarted in third quarter of 2010
        
 
        
Iron ore – preparation for the expansion of the Pilbara to 330Mtpa and beyond
  $990m   Approved in July and August 2010, the funding will allow dredging contracts to be issued and long lead items to be ordered as part of early works on the expansion of the Cape Lambert port to 180mtpa capacity.
 
        
Iron ore – development of Hope Downs 4 mine in the Pilbara (RT 50%)
  $1.6bn   Approved in August 2010, first production is expected in 2013. The new mine will have a capacity of 15mtpa and a capital cost of $1.2 billion (RT share $0.6bn). RT will fully fund the $425 million for the rail, rolling stock and power infrastructure.
 
        
Diamonds – Argyle Diamond mine underground
project
  $803m   Originally approved in 2005, project was slowed in 2009. The remaining $803 million to complete was approved in September 2010. The underground will be fully operational in 2013 with targeted production of 20 million carats a year. It will extend the mine life to at least 2019.
 
        
Iron ore – debottlenecking of Dampier port to expand the Pilbara capacity to 230 million tonnes per annum
  $321m   Approved in September 2010, the project will add 10 million tonnes of annual capacity at the Dampier port by Q1 2012. No additional capex is required at the mines.
 
        
Aluminium – ISAL modernisation
  $487m   Approved in September 2010, the project will increase production from 190kt to 230kt between April 2012 and July 2014. The total includes $140m in a leading-edge casting facility to produced value-added billet.
Sustaining capital expenditure for 2010, excluding equity accounted units, is estimated to be $2.5 billion (Rio Tinto funded).

 

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EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine months of 2010 was $371 million compared with $356 million in same period of 2009. During the first nine months of 2010 the Group realised $71 million (pre-tax) from the divestment of central exploration properties, compared with $68 million in the same period of 2009.
Exploration highlights
Order of Magnitude work continued at the Amargosa bauxite project in Brazil. The project is on track to be handed over to Rio Tinto Alcan by the end of 2011.
Initial test flights of the VK1 airborne gravity gradiometer were successfully completed in Western Australia. Optimisation of the instrument is now underway in preparation for production flying. This is a step-change technology with exploration applications in a number of different commodities.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
         
Product Group   Advanced projects   Greenfield programmes
Aluminium
  Amargosa, Brazil   Australia, Brazil, Guyana, Laos
 
        
Copper
  Copper: Bingham Orbit, US. Nickel: Tamarack, US   Copper: Chile, Kazakhstan,
Mongolia, Peru, Russia, US
Nickel: Canada, South Africa, US
 
        
Diamonds & Minerals
      Diamonds: Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, US
 
        
Energy
  Coal: Bowen Basin, Australia ; Altai Nuurs, Mongolia Uranium: Rössing, Namibia   Uranium: Australia, Jordan
 
        
Iron Ore
  Pilbara, Australia   Brazil, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo
Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including Kennecott Utah Copper, Eagle, Northparkes, Energy Resources of Australia, Rössing, Diavik and Pilbara Iron.
Pre-feasibility or feasibility work progressed on a number of projects including Resolution (copper/molybdenum, US), La Granja (copper, Peru), Bunder (diamonds, India), Simandou (iron ore, Guinea) and several Pilbara iron ore deposits.

 

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Rio Tinto production summary
RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION
                                                                         
            Quarter     9 Months     % Change  
            2009     2010     2010     2009     2010     Q3 10     Q3 10     9 MTHS 10  
            Q3     Q2     Q3     9 MTHS     9 MTHS     vs     vs     vs  
                                          Q3 09     Q2 10     9 MTHS 09  
Principal Commodities
                                                                        
 
                                                                        
Alumina
     ('000 t )     2.208       2,240       2,347       6,533       6,797       6 %     5 %     4 %
Aluminium
     ('000 t )     956       952       939       2,846       2,828       -2 %     -1 %     -1 %
Bauxite
     ('000 t )     7,443       7,945       8,696       21,625       24,887       17 %     9 %     15 %
Borates
     ('000 t )     124       136       141       315       388       13 %     3 %     23 %
Coal — hard coking coal
     ('000 t )     2,077       2,395       2,434       5,348       6,688       17 %     2 %     25 %
Coal — other Australian
     ('000 t )     6,031       5,530       5,161       17,081       15,554       -14 %     -7 %     -9 %
Coal — US
     ('000 t )     23,327       11,143       11,848       65,888       33,057       -49 %     6 %     -50 %
Copper — mined
     ('000 t )     197.2       167.9       159.7       601.4       492.9       -19 %     -5 %     -18 %
Copper — refined
     ('000 t )     100.6       90.6       106.7       306.9       293.3       6 %     18 %     -4 %
Diamonds
     ('000 cts )     2,787       3,610       3,536       9,575       10,643       27 %     -2 %     11 %
Iron ore
     ('000 t )     46,977       43,610       47,608       122,810       134,579       1 %     9 %     10 %
Titanium dioxide feedstock
     ('000 t )     165       355       335       822       1,019       103 %     -6 %     24 %
Uranium
     ('000 lbs )     3,778       2,628       2,776       10,780       8,101       -27 %     6 %     -25 %
 
                                                                        
Other Metals & Minerals
                                                                        
Gold — mined
     ('000 ozs )     278       169       187       737       581       -33 %     11 %     -21 %
Gold — refined
     ('000 ozs )     112       146       164       332       484       46 %     13 %     46 %
Molybdenum
     ('000 t )     3.4       2.8       2.7       7.9       8.7       -21 %     -4 %     11 %
Salt
     ('000 t )     1,731       1,459       1,115       4,657       3,761       -36 %     -24 %     -19 %
Silver — mined
     ('000 ozs )     2,122       1,634       1,595       6,193       5,013       -25 %     -2 %     -19 %
Silver — refined
     ('000 ozs )     886       1,112       1,207       2,902       3,638       36 %     9 %     25 %
Talc
     ('000 t )     240       264       259       666       763       8 %     -2 %     15 %
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure 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 and the nine month figures.

 

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Rio Tinto share of production
                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
ALUMINA
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Gardanne (a)
     100 %     —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
Gove
     100 %     641       656       595       615       642       1,863       1,852  
Jonquière (Vaudreuil)
     100 %     261       288       316       309       340       836       966  
Queensland Alumina
     80 %     803       813       762       790       765       2,354       2,317  
São Luis (Alumar)
     10 %     37       53       59       51       68       112       177  
Yarwun
     100 %     345       341       336       318       364       1,005       1,018  
Specialty alumina plants
     100 %     121       129       143       157       168       363       468  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total alumina production
             2,208       2,282       2,211       2,240       2,347       6,533       6,797  
 
                                                  
 
                                                                
ALUMINIUM
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Australia — Bell Bay
     100 %     44       44       43       44       45       133       132  
Australia — Boyne Island
     59 %     84       84       82       83       84       247       248  
Australia — Tomago
     52 %     69       68       67       68       69       204       203  
Cameroon — Alucam (Edéa)
     47 %     9       10       8       6       10       24       24  
Canada — six wholly owned (b)
     100 %     343       345       337       339       315       1,045       991  
Canada — Alouette (Sept-Îles)
     40 %     58       58       57       57       56       172       170  
Canada — Bécancour
     25 %     26       27       26       27       26       78       78  
France — two wholly owned
     100 %     89       90       88       89       89       255       267  
Iceland — ISAL (Reykjavik)
     100 %     48       48       47       47       48       141       142  
New Zealand — Tiwai Point
     79 %     57       64       65       68       70       151       203  
Norway — SORAL (Husnes)
     50 %     11       11       11       11       11       38       33  
Oman — Sohar
     20 %     18       19       18       18       19       52       55  
UK — two wholly owned
     100 %     36       40       41       47       49       107       137  
UK — Anglesey (c)
     51 %     18       —       —       —       —       54       —  
USA — Sebree
     100 %     48       49       48       49       48       144       146  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total aluminium production
             956       957       937       952       939       2,846       2,828  
 
                                                  
 
                                                                
BAUXITE
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
                                                                
Awaso (e)
     0 %     22       47       34       —       —       305       34  
Gove
     100 %     1,822       1,996       1,849       1,799       1,771       5,188       5,419  
Porto Trombetas
     12 %     480       521       457       487       548       1,356       1,492  
Sangaredi
     (f )     1,171       1,565       1,356       1,392       1,415       3,482       4,163  
Weipa
     100 %     3,949       4,942       4,550       4,266       4,962       11,293       13,778  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total bauxite production
             7,443       9,072       8,246       7,945       8,696       21,625       24,887  
 
                                                  

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
BORATES
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes B2O3 content)
                                                                
Rio Tinto Minerals — borates
     100 %     124       109       111       136       141       315       388  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
COAL — HARD COKING
                                                                
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Hail Creek Coal
     82 %     1,496       1,513       1,006       1,468       1,709       3,660       4,182  
Kestrel Coal
     80 %     581       607       852       927       726       1,688       2,505  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production
             2,077       2,119       1,858       2,395       2,434       5,348       6,688  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
COAL — OTHER (g)
                                                                
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Bengalla
     30 %     445       434       372       447       337       1,221       1,156  
Blair Athol Coal
     71 %     2,142       1,858       1,525       1,569       1,260       6,210       4,354  
Clermont (h)
     50 %     —       —       —       265       560       —       825  
Hunter Valley Operations
     76 %     2,085       2,305       1,955       1,961       1,932       6,199       5,848  
Kestrel Coal
     80 %     111       163       143       182       141       516       466  
Mount Thorley Operations
     61 %     583       711       299       499       374       1,313       1,172  
Warkworth
     42 %     665       549       569       607       557       1,622       1,733  
 
                                                
Total Australian other coal
             6,031       6,022       4,863       5,530       5,161       17,081       15,554  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
US Coal (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Antelope (i)
     48 %     8,057       5,898       3,708       3,907       4,155       23,133       11,767  
Colowyo
     100 %     845       717       582       506       684       2,497       1,772  
Cordero Rojo (i)
     48 %     9,586       7,289       3,906       4,389       4,535       26,071       12,827  
Decker (i)
     24 %     588       387       103       180       171       1,630       454  
Spring Creek (i)
     48 %     4,251       2,803       1,774       2,161       2,303       12,557       6,236  
 
                                                
Total US coal
             23,327       17,095       10,073       11,143       11,848       65,888       33,057  
 
                                                
Rio Tinto total other coal production
             29,358       23,117       14,936       16,673       17,009       82,969       48,611  
 
                                                

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
COPPER
                                                                
Mine production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
                                                                
Bingham Canyon
     100 %     75.8       66.8       61.3       54.8       65.2       236.7       181.3  
Escondida
     30 %     78.2       85.9       72.7       81.0       73.3       232.5       227.1  
Grasberg — Joint Venture (j)
     40 %     25.2       32.5       13.4       13.8       2.2       75.2       29.4  
Northparkes
     80 %     6.9       6.5       7.3       7.8       8.1       20.9       23.2  
Palabora
     58 %     11.1       11.6       10.6       10.4       10.9       36.0       31.9  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total mine production
             197.2       203.3       165.3       167.9       159.7       601.4       492.9  
 
                                                  
Refined production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Escondida
     30 %     25.0       24.0       18.9       23.1       23.5       74.2       65.4  
Kennecott Utah Copper
     100 %     67.6       72.9       70.1       59.6       74.8       201.3       204.5  
Palabora
     58 %     8.0       8.7       6.9       7.9       8.5       31.3       23.3  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total refined production
             100.6       105.5       95.9       90.6       106.7       306.9       293.3  
 
                                                  
 
                                                                
DIAMONDS
                                                                
Production (‘000 carats)
                                                                
Argyle
     100 %     2,274       3,504       2,531       2,605       2,425       7,086       7,561  
Diavik
     60 %     497       918       938       967       1,070       2,421       2,974  
Murowa
     78 %     17       29       29       38       42       68       108  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total diamond production
             2,787       4,451       3,497       3,610       3,536       9,575       10,643  
 
                                                  
 
                                                                
GOLD
                                                                
Mine production (‘000 ounces) (d)
                                                                
Barneys Canyon
     100 %     0       0       1       0       0       2       2  
Bingham Canyon
     100 %     138       158       157       109       104       424       370  
Escondida
     30 %     9       13       12       13       14       30       39  
Grasberg — Joint Venture (j)
     40 %     118       187       38       26       53       242       117  
Northparkes
     80 %     7       9       11       14       14       19       39  
Rawhide (k)
     0 %     5       5       4       5       —       14       9  
Others
     —       2       1       2       2       2       6       5  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total mine production
             278       374       225       169       187       737       581  
 
                                                  
Refined production (‘000 ounces)
                                                                
Kennecott Utah Copper
     100 %     112       147       174       146       164       332       484  
 
                                                  

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
IRON ORE & IRON
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
                                                                
Hamersley — six wholly owned mines
     100 %     30,353       30,050       25,510       25,712       30,334       76,758       81,555  
Hamersley — Channar
     60 %     1,851       1,517       2,006       1,534       1,312       5,108       4,852  
Hamersley — Eastern Range
     (m )     2,636       2,349       2,473       2,354       2,182       6,969       7,008  
Hope Downs
     50 %     3,019       2,843       4,054       4,052       3,554       7,474       11,659  
Iron Ore Company of Canada
     59 %     1,329       2,432       1,870       2,284       2,280       5,698       6,433  
Robe River
     53 %     7,789       8,037       7,448       7,675       7,947       20,804       23,071  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total mine production
             46,977       47,228       43,361       43,610       47,608       122,810       134,579  
 
                                                  
Pig iron production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
HIsmelt® (l)
     60 %     —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
MOLYBDENUM
                                                                
Mine production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
                                                                
Bingham Canyon
     100 %     3.4       3.4       3.2       2.8       2.7       7.9       8.7  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
SALT
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Dampier Salt
     68 %     1,731       1,192       1,187       1,459       1,115       4,657       3,761  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
SILVER
                                                                
Mine production (‘000 ounces) (d)
                                                                
Bingham Canyon
     100 %     1,189       1,187       1,146       870       845       3,684       2,861  
Escondida
     30 %     316       492       471       436       469       1,135       1,377  
Grasberg — Joint Venture (j)
     40 %     460       557       16       147       159       917       322  
Others
     —       158       138       151       181       121       458       454  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total mine production
             2,122       2,375       1,784       1,634       1,595       6,193       5,013  
 
                                                  
Refined production (‘000 ounces)
                                                                
Kennecott Utah Copper
     100 %     886       1,148       1,320       1,112       1,207       2,902       3,638  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
TALC
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Rio Tinto Minerals – talc
     100 %     240       222       240       264       259       666       763  
 
                                                
 
                                                                
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK
                                                                
Production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
     100 %     165       325       329       355       335       822       1,019  
 
                                                

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
URANIUM
                                                                
Production (‘000 lbs U3O8)
                                                                
Energy Resources of Australia
     68 %     2,138       1,663       1,361       1,196       1,421       6,202       3,979  
Rössing
     69 %     1,640       1,697       1,336       1,432       1,354       4,578       4,122  
 
                                                  
Rio Tinto total uranium production
             3,778       3,360       2,697       2,628       2,776       10,780       8,101  
 
                                                  
PRODUCTION DATA NOTES
 
(a)   Production of smelter grade alumina at Gardanne ceased at the end of 2008. Production continues from the Gardanne specialty alumina plant.
 
(b)   Includes data for the Beauharnois smelter which ceased smelting operations in the second quarter of 2009.
 
(c)   The Anglesey smelter ceased smelting operations at the end of the third quarter of 2009.
 
(d)   Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus pellets.
 
(e)   Rio Tinto Alcan had an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchased the additional 20% of production. Rio Tinto Alcan sold its interest in Ghana Bauxite Company, owner of the Awaso mine, with an effective date of 1 February 2010. Production data are shown up to that date.
 
(f)   Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45.0% of production under the partnership agreement.
 
(g)   Coal — other includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
 
(h)   Production commenced at Clermont in the second quarter of 2010.
 
(i)   As a result of the initial public offering of Cloud Peak Energy Inc. on 20 November 2009, Rio Tinto now holds a 48.3% interest in the Antelope, Cordero Rojo and Spring Creek mines and a 24.1% interest in the Decker mine. These interests were formerly reported under Rio Tinto Energy America but are now managed by Cloud Peak Energy.
 
(j)   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 periods shown.
 
(k)   Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Rawhide mine with an effective date of 25 June 2010. Production data are shown up to that date.
 
(l)   In March 2009, Rio Tinto announced that HIsmelt would be placed on an extended care and maintenance programme.
 
(m)   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.
The Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010.
Where Rio Tinto’s beneficial interest in an operation has changed, as footnoted above, the share of production has been calculated using the weighted average interest over the relevant periods. Rio Tinto’s interests in the Ningxia aluminium smelter, Corumbá and Jacobs Ranch mines were sold in 2009. No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table.

 

Table of Contents

Rio Tinto operational data
                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
 
ALUMINIUM
                                                                
 
                                                                
Rio Tinto Alcan
                                                                
 
                                                                
Bauxite Mines
                                                                
 
                                                                
Bauxite production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
 
                                                                
Australia
                                                                
 
                                                                
Gove mine — Northern Territory
     100.0 %     1,822       1,996       1,849       1,799       1,771       5,188       5,419  
 
                                                                
Weipa mine — Queensland
     100.0 %     3,949       4,942       4,550       4,266       4,962       11,293       13,778  
 
                                                                
Brazil
                                                                
 
                                                                
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
     12.0 %     4,000       4,345       3,809       4,058       4,569       11,300       12,437  
 
                                                                
Ghana
                                                                
 
                                                                
Awaso mine (a)
     80.0 %     28       59       42       —       —       381       42  
 
                                                                
Guinea
                                                                
 
                                                                
Sangaredi mine (b)
     23.0 %     2,602       3,478       3,013       3,094       3,145       7,737       9,252  
 
                                                                
Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipments
                                                                
 
                                                                
Share of bauxite shipments (‘000 tonnes)
             7,803       9,140       7,671       8,458       8,513       22,431       24,642  
             
 
(a)   Rio Tinto Alcan had an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchased the additional 20% of production. Rio Tinto Alcan sold its interest in Ghana Bauxite Company, owner of the Awaso mine, with an effective date of 1 February 2010. Production data are shown up to that date.
 
(b)   Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45.0% of production under the partnership agreement.
                                                                 
Smelter-Grade Alumina Refineries
                                                                
Alumina production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
 
                                                                
Australia
                                                                
 
                                                                
Gove refinery — Northern Territory
     100 %     641       656       595       615       642       1,863       1,852  
 
                                                                
Queensland Alumina Refinery — Queensland
     80 %     1,003       1,017       953       987       956       2,942       2,896  
 
                                                                
Yarwun refinery — Queensland
     100 %     345       341       336       318       364       1,005       1,018  
 
                                                                
Brazil
                                                                
 
                                                                
São Luis (Alumar) refinery
     10 %     373       532       588       507       676       1,125       1,770  
 
                                                                
Canada
                                                                
 
                                                                
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery — Quebec (a)
     100 %     261       288       316       309       340       836       966  
 
                                                                
France
                                                                
 
                                                                
Gardanne refinery (b)
     100 %     —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
 
(a)   Jonquière’s production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used by Specialty Alumina.
 
(b)   Production of smelter grade alumina at Gardanne ceased at the end of 2008. Production continues from the Gardanne specialty alumina plant.
 

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
 
ALUMINIUM (continued)
                                                                
 
                                                                
Specialty Alumina Plants
                                                                
 
                                                                
Specialty alumina production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
 
                                                                
Canada
                                                                
 
                                                                
Brockville plant — Ontario
     100.0 %     3       4       4       5       4       12       13  
 
                                                                
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant — Quebec
     100.0 %     27       26       24       29       31       82       84  
 
                                                                
France
                                                                
 
                                                                
Beyrède
     100.0 %     4       6       4       5       4       10       14  
 
                                                                
Gardanne plant
     100.0 %     76       83       99       105       114       234       318  
 
                                                                
La Bâthie plant
     100.0 %     4       5       7       6       7       11       19  
 
                                                                
Germany
                                                                
 
                                                                
Teutschenthal plant
     100.0 %     6       5       5       7       7       14       19  
 
                                                                
Aluminium Smelters
                                                                
 
                                                                
Primary aluminium production (‘000 tonnes)
                                                                
 
                                                                
Australia
                                                                
 
                                                                
Bell Bay smelter — Tasmania
     100.0 %     44       44       43       44       45       133       132  
 
                                                                
Boyne Island smelter — Queensland
     59.4 %     141       141       137       140       141       416       418  
 
                                                                
Tomago smelter — New South Wales
     51.6 %     133       133       129       131       134       395       394  
 
                                                                
Cameroon
                                                                
 
                                                                
Alucam (Edéa) smelter
     46.7 %     18       22       17       14       21       51       52  
 
                                                                
Canada
                                                                
 
                                                                
Alma smelter — Quebec
     100.0 %     109       110       107       107       109       324       324  
 
                                                                
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter — Quebec
     40.0 %     145       145       141       142       141       429       424  
 
                                                                
Arvida smelter — Quebec
     100.0 %     43       44       43       43       44       127       130  
 
                                                                
Beauharnois smelter — Quebec (a)
     100.0 %     —       —       —       —       —       11       —  
 
                                                                
Bécancour smelter — Quebec
     25.1 %     103       109       103       106       104       312       313  
 
                                                                
Grande-Baie smelter — Quebec
     100.0 %     54       54       54       54       55       161       163  
 
                                                                
Kitimat smelter — British Columbia
     100.0 %     53       52       50       50       44       172       145  
 
                                                                
Laterrière smelter — Quebec
     100.0 %     59       59       58       59       38       176       154  
 
                                                                
Shawinigan smelter — Quebec
     100.0 %     25       25       25       26       25       75       75  
 
                                                                
China
                                                                
 
                                                                
Ningxia (Qingtongxia) smelter (b)
     0.0 %     —       —       —       —       —       10       —  
 
                                                                
France
                                                                
 
                                                                
Dunkerque smelter
     100.0 %     64       66       64       64       65       178       194  
 
                                                                
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne smelter
     100.0 %     25       24       24       24       24       77       73  
 

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
 
ALUMINIUM (continued)
                                                                
Iceland
                                                                
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter
     100.0 %     48       48       47       47       48       141       142  
New Zealand
                                                                
Tiwai Point smelter
     79.4 %     71       81       82       85       88       190       256  
Norway
                                                                
SORAL (Husnes) smelter
     50.0 %     22       22       22       22       22       76       66  
Oman
                                                                
Sohar smelter
     20.0 %     89       93       89       91       93       258       274  
United Kingdom
                                                                
Anglesey Aluminium smelter (c)
     51.0 %     36       —       —       —       —       106       —  
Lochaber smelter
     100.0 %     9       10       10       10       11       28       31  
Lynemouth smelter
     100.0 %     27       30       31       36       38       79       106  
United States
                                                                
Sebree smelter — Kentucky
     100.0 %     48       49       48       49       48       144       146  
Rio Tinto Alcan share of metal sales
                                                                
Share of primary aluminium sales (‘000 tonnes) (d)
             1,244       1,254       1,232       1,271       1,182       3,654       3,685  
             
 
(a)   The Beauharnois smelter ceased smelting operations in the second quarter of 2009.
 
(b)   Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the Ningxia aluminium smelter with an effective date of 26 January 2009
 
(c)   The Anglesey smelter ceased smelting operations at the end of the third quarter of 2009.
 
(d)   Primary aluminium sales include sales made through Rio Tinto Alcan’s Engineered Products division.
                                                                 
BORATES                                                                
Rio Tinto Minerals — borates
     100.0 %                                                        
California, US and Argentina
                                                                
Borates (‘000 tonnes) (a)
             124       109       111       136       141       315       388  
 
(a)   Production is expressed as B2O3 content.
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
 
COAL
                                                                
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
                                                                
Bengalla mine
     30.3 %                                                        
New South Wales, Australia
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             1,468       1,434       1,228       1,478       1,112       4,032       3,818  
Blair Athol Coal mine
     71.2 %                                                        
Queensland, Australia
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             3,007       2,609       2,141       2,202       1,769       8,717       6,112  
Clermont Coal mine (a)
     50.1 %                                                        
Queensland, Australia
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             —       —       —       529       1,117       —       1,646  
Hail Creek Coal mine
     82.0 %                                                        
Queensland, Australia
                                                                
Hard coking coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             1,824       1,845       1,227       1,790       2,084       4,463       5,101  
Hunter Valley Operations
     75.7 %                                                        
New South Wales, Australia
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             1,610       2,400       1,892       1,736       2,213       6,205       5,841  
Semi-soft coking coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             1,144       644       690       854       340       1,982       1,883  
Kestrel Coal mine (b)
     80.0 %                                                        
Queensland, Australia
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             138       204       179       228       176       645       583  
Hard coking coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             726       758       1,065       1,159       907       2,110       3,132  
Mount Thorley Operations
     60.6 %                                                        
New South Wales, Australia
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             882       357       188       271       302       1,873       761  
Semi-soft coking coal production (‘000 tonnes)
             81       818       306       552       316       294       1,174  
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   3Q   9 MTHS   9 MTHS
    interest   2009   2009   2010   2010   2010   2009   2010
 
COAL (continued)
                                                                
Warkworth mine
    42.1 %                                                        
New South Wales, Australia
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            1,378       1,272       1,117       1,388       1,279       3,360       3,784  
Semi-soft coking coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            204       34       236       54       46       496       336  
 
                                                                
             
Total hard coking coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            2,550       2,603       2,292       2,949       2,991       6,573       8,232  
             
Total hard coking coal sales (‘000 tonnes) (b)
            2,761       2,761       1,873       3,110       3,023       7,499       8,006  
             
Total other coal production (‘000 tonnes) (c)
            9,912       9,772       7,977       9,292       8,669       27,605       25,938  
             
Total other coal sales (‘000 tonnes) (d) (e)
            9,654       10,231       7,235       8,692       9,587       26,354       25,514  
             
 
                                                                
Total coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            12,462       12,375       10,269       12,241       11,660       34,178       34,170  
             
Total coal sales (‘000 tonnes)
            12,415       12,992       9,108       11,801       12,611       33,852       33,520  
             
 
                                                                
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share
                                                                
Share of hard coking coal sales (‘000 tonnes) (b)
            2,246       2,246       1,519       2,526       2,459       6,091       6,504  
             
Share of other coal sales (‘000 tonnes) (d) (e)
            5,955       6,205       4,377       5,267       5,588       16,300       15,231  
             
 
(a)   Production commenced at Clermont in the second quarter of 2010.
 
(b)   Kestrel produces hard-coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports; blended coal sales are included in hard-coking coal sales.
 
(c)   Other coal production includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
 
(d)   Other coal sales include thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
 
(e)   Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   3Q   9 MTHS   9 MTHS
    interest   2009   2009   2010   2010   2010   2009   2010
 
COAL (continued)
                                                                
US Coal
                                                                
Antelope mine (a)
    48.3 %                                                        
Wyoming, US
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            8,057       7,732       7,682       8,095       8,602       23,133       24,378  
Colowyo mine
    100.0 %                                                        
Colorado, US
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            845       717       582       506       684       2,497       1,772  
Cordero Rojo mine (a)
    48.3 %                                                        
Wyoming, US
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            9,586       9,616       8,091       9,094       9,389       26,071       26,573  
Decker mine (a)
    24.2 %                                                        
Montana, US
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            1,177       901       429       745       709       3,260       1,882  
Jacobs Ranch mine (b)
    0.0 %                                                        
Wyoming, US
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            9,126       —       —       —       —       26,537       —  
Spring Creek mine (a)
    48.3 %                                                        
Montana, US
                                                                
Thermal coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            4,251       3,478       3,674       4,477       4,768       12,557       12,920  
 
                                                                
             
Total coal production (‘000 tonnes)
            33,041       22,444       20,458       22,916       24,151       94,055       67,525  
             
Total coal sales (‘000 tonnes)
            32,918       22,467       22,417       23,042       24,043       94,481       69,502  
             
 
(a)   As a result of the initial public offering of Cloud Peak Energy Inc. on 20 November 2009, Rio Tinto now holds a 48.3% interest in the Antelope, Cordero Rojo and Spring Creek mines and a 24.1% interest in the Decker mine. These interests were formerly reported under Rio Tinto Energy America but are now managed by Cloud Peak Energy.
 
(b)   Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Jacobs Ranch mine with an effective date of 1 October 2009. Production data are shown up to that date.
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
COPPER & GOLD
                                                                
Escondida
     30.0 %                                                        
Chile
                                                                
Sulphide ore to concentrator (‘000 tonnes)
             16,224       20,246       17,697       17,711       19,697       57,503       55,105  
Average copper grade (%)
             1.40       1.38       1.29       1.40       1.24       1.16       1.31  
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
                                                                
Contained copper (‘000 tonnes)
             188.4       233.0       189.2       205.3       197.7       544.4       592.2  
Contained gold (‘000 ounces)
             29       42       40       42       48       102       130  
Contained silver (‘000 ounces)
             1,052       1,641       1,571       1,454       1,565       3,783       4,589  
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching (‘000 tonnes) (a)
             72       53       53       65       47       230       165  
Refined production from leach plants:
                                                                
Copper cathode production (‘000 tonnes)
             83       80       63       77       78       247       218  
 
(a)   With effect from the first quarter of 2010, the calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad.
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
                                                                 
Grasberg mine (a)   0.0% (40% of the expansion)                                        
Papua, Indonesia
                                                                
Ore treated (‘000 tonnes)
             22,191       21,786       21,057       20,330       20,328       65,188       61,715  
Average mill head grades:
                                                                
Copper (%)
             0.90       0.82       0.78       0.81       0.82       1.04       0.80  
Gold (g/t)
             1.33       1.23       0.87       0.63       0.89       1.32       0.80  
Silver (g/t)
             3.49       3.03       2.96       2.53       3.02       3.64       2.84  
Production of metals in concentrates:
                                                                
Copper in concentrates (‘000 tonnes)
             180.8       161.3       144.6       143.7       148.3       610.2       436.6  
Gold in concentrates (‘000 ounces)
             823       740       481       329       467       2,337       1,277  
Silver in concentrates (‘000 ounces)
             1,909       1,652       1,580       1,258       1,132       6,236       3,969  
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (b)
                                                                
Copper in concentrates (‘000 tonnes)
             174.3       152.4       148.4       130.2       144.1       585.3       422.7  
Gold in concentrates (‘000 ounces)
             796       707       499       300       445       2,247       1,245  
Silver in concentrates (‘000 ounces)
             1,459       1,248       1,288       910       882       4,760       3,081  
 
(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 Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 3Q 2010 results show the forecast from FCX’s most recent five-year plan because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 3Q 2010 until the release of its 2010 third-quarter and nine-month results on 21 October 2010.
 
(b)   Net of smelter deductions.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
                                                                
Kennecott Minerals Company
                                                                
Rawhide mine (a) (b)
     0 %                                                        
Nevada, US
                                                                
Metals produced in doré:
                                                                
Gold (‘000 ounces)
             5       5       4       5       —       14       9  
Silver (‘000 ounces)
             63       58       52       62       —       152       114  
 
(a)   Mining operations were completed in October 2002 and processing of stockpiled ores was completed in May 2003. Residual gold and silver production continues from the leach pads.
 
(b)   Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Rawhide mine with an effective date of 25 June 2010. Production data are shown up to that date
Kennecott Utah Copper
                                                                 
Barneys Canyon mine (a)
     100.0 %                                                        
Utah, US
                                                                
Gold produced (‘000 ounces)
             0.4       0.4       0.8       0.4       0.4       2.0       1.6  
Bingham Canyon mine
     100.0 %                                                        
Utah, US
                                                                
Ore treated (‘000 tonnes)
             13,880       12,946       13,303       13,269       13,396       39,910       39,969  
Average ore grade:
                                                                
Copper (%)
             0.60       0.57       0.52       0.48       0.55       0.66       0.52  
Gold (g/t)
             0.43       0.53       0.51       0.36       0.35       0.47       0.41  
Silver (g/t)
             3.35       3.45       3.28       2.56       2.75       3.56       2.86  
Molybdenum (%)
             0.038       0.044       0.042       0.039       0.043       0.035       0.041  
Copper concentrates produced (‘000 tonnes)
             258       223       224       223       258       805       705  
Average concentrate grade (% Cu)
             29.3       29.9       27.2       24.6       25.1       29.3       25.6  
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
                                                                
Copper (‘000 tonnes) (b)
             75.8       66.8       61.3       54.8       65.2       236.7       181.3  
Gold (‘000 ounces)
             138       158       157       109       104       424       370  
Silver (‘000 ounces)
             1,189       1,187       1,146       870       845       3,684       2,861  
Molybdenum concentrates produced (‘000 tonnes):
             6.5       6.5       6.2       5.4       5.2       15.0       16.8  
Molybdenum in concentrates (‘000 tonnes)
             3.4       3.4       3.2       2.8       2.7       7.9       8.7  
 
(a)   Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads.
 
(b)   Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

(a)   New metal excluding recycled material
                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
                                                                
Kennecott smelter & refinery
     100.0 %                                                        
Copper concentrates smelted (‘000 tonnes)
             294       288       232       212       288       887       732  
Copper anodes produced (‘000 tonnes) (a)
             67.0       79.7       72.3       53.5       81.0       207.4       206.9  
Production of refined metal:
                                                                
Copper (‘000 tonnes)
             67.6       72.9       70.1       59.6       74.8       201.3       204.5  
Gold (‘000 ounces) (b)
             112       147       174       146       164       332       484  
Silver (‘000 ounces) (b)
             886       1,148       1,320       1,112       1,207       2,902       3,638  
     
(b)   Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
                                                                 
Northparkes Joint Venture
     80.0 %                                                        
New South Wales, Australia
                                                                
Ore treated (‘000 tonnes)
             1,421       1,344       1,364       1,304       1,282       4,210       3,950  
Average ore grades:
                                                                
Copper (%)
             0.69       0.70       0.76       0.82       0.86       0.71       0.81  
Gold (g/t)
             0.26       0.33       0.44       0.57       0.55       0.24       0.52  
Copper concentrates produced (‘000 tonnes)
             24.3       23.7       25.9       29.7       30.2       74.8       85.9  
Contained copper in concentrates:
                                                                
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
             8.6       8.1       9.1       9.8       10.1       26.2       29.0  
Sales (‘000 tonnes) (a)
             6.6       9.7       7.5       7.5       10.5       17.3       25.6  
Contained gold in concentrates:
                                                                
Saleable production (‘000 ounces)
             8.4       11.0       14.0       17.9       17.3       23.3       49.2  
Sales (‘000 ounces) (a)
             6.1       9.8       11.8       15.1       19.4       14.4       46.3  
 
(a)   Rio Tinto’s 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
                                                                
Palabora
     57.7 %                                                        
Palabora mine
                                                                
South Africa
                                                                
Ore treated (‘000 tonnes)
             2,792       2,809       2,783       2,861       2,887       8,521       8,531  
Average ore grade: copper (%)
             0.66       0.67       0.66       0.64       0.64       0.67       0.65  
Copper concentrates produced (‘000 tonnes)
             61.8       65.8       61.8       57.9       61.1       205.0       180.7  
Average concentrate grade: copper (%)
             31.1       30.5       29.8       31.1       31.0       30.5       30.6  
Copper in concentrates (‘000 tonnes)
             19.3       20.1       18.4       18.0       18.9       62.5       55.3  
Palabora smelter/refinery
                                                                
New concentrate smelted on site (‘000 tonnes)
             58.5       67.3       57.7       59.6       61.4       199.4       178.7  
New copper anodes produced (‘000 tonnes)
             12.5       14.3       12.4       14.6       14.3       51.6       41.3  
Refined new copper produced (‘000 tonnes)
             13.8       15.1       12.0       13.8       14.7       54.3       40.5  
By-products:
                                                                
Magnetite concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
             759       697       754       780       764       2,148       2,299  
Nickel contained in products (tonnes)
             29       11       18       15       15       84       48  
Vermiculite plant
                                                                
Vermiculite produced (‘000 tonnes)
             48       50       54       46       51       146       151  
                                                 
 
                                                                
DIAMONDS
                                                                
Argyle Diamonds
     100.0 %                                                        
Western Australia
                                                                
AK1 ore processed (‘000 tonnes)
             1,465       1,972       1,726       2,009       1,790       2,661       5,525  
AK1 diamonds produced (‘000 carats)
             2,274       3,504       2,531       2,605       2,425       7,086       7,561  
Diavik Diamonds
     60.0 %                                                        
Northwest Territories, Canada
                                                                
Ore processed (‘000 tonnes)
             186       364       388       522       626       995       1,536  
Diamonds recovered (‘000 carats)
             828       1,530       1,563       1,612       1,783       4,035       4,957  
Murowa Diamonds
     77.8 %                                                        
Zimbabwe
                                                                
Ore processed (‘000 tonnes)
             39       66       88       109       100       201       297  
Diamonds recovered (‘000 carats)
             21       37       37       49       53       87       139  
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
IRON ORE & IRON
                                                                
 
                                                                
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
                                                                
 
                                                                
Pilbara Operations
                                                                
 
                                                                
Western Australia
                                                                
 
                                                                
Saleable iron ore production (‘000 tonnes):
                                                                
 
                                                                
Hamersley — Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman and Nammuldi
     100.0 %     30,353       30,050       25,510       25,712       30,334       76,758       81,555  
Hamersley — Channar
     60.0 %     3,085       2,528       3,344       2,557       2,186       8,513       8,087  
Hamersley — Eastern Range
     (a )     2,636       2,349       2,473       2,354       2,182       6,969       7,008  
Hope Downs
     50.0 %     6,037       5,687       8,108       8,104       7,108       14,947       23,319  
Robe River — Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) (b)
     53.0 %     7,378       6,801       6,971       7,726       8,010       18,377       22,707  
Robe River — West Angelas
     53.0 %     7,317       8,362       7,083       6,755       6,985       20,877       20,823  
             
Total production (‘000 tonnes)
             56,808       55,778       53,488       53,207       56,804       146,440       163,499  
             
Total sales (‘000 tonnes) (c)
             55,722       56,350       52,896       55,697       55,891       147,545       164,484  
             
 
(a)   Rio Tinto owns 54% of 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 and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto’s share of production.
 
(b)   Production at the Mesa A mine commenced in the first quarter of 2010.
 
(c)   Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.
                                                                 
Iron Ore Company of Canada
     58.7 %                                                        
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada
                                                                
Saleable iron ore production:
                                                                
Concentrates (‘000 tonnes)
             835       1,034       261       959       702       4,690       1,922  
Pellets (‘000 tonnes)
             1,429       3,107       2,923       2,930       3,181       5,013       9,034  
Sales:
                                                                
Concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
             1,167       1,317       314       1,455       972       3,918       2,741  
Pellets (‘000 tonnes)
             2,086       3,307       2,676       2,996       2,406       5,703       8,078  
Rio Tinto Brasil
                                                                
Corumbá mine (a)
     0.0 %                                                        
Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
                                                                
Saleable iron ore production (‘000 tonnes)
             534       —       —       —       —       1,509       —  
Sales (‘000 tonnes)
             253       —       —       —       —       530       —  
 
(a)   Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Corumbá mine with an effective date of 18 September 2009. Production data are shown up to that date.
                                                                 
HIsmelt®
     60.0 %                                                        
Western Australia
                                                                
Pig iron production (‘000 tonnes) (a)
             —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
 
(a)   In March 2009, Rio Tinto placed HIsmelt on an extended care and maintenance programme.
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of Contents

                                                                 
    Rio Tinto     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q     3Q     9 MTHS     9 MTHS  
    interest     2009     2009     2010     2010     2010     2009     2010  
 
SALT
                                                                
 
                                                                
Dampier Salt
     68.4 %                                                        
Western Australia
                                                                
Salt production (‘000 tonnes)
             2,532       1,744       1,737       2,134       1,630       6,812       5,501  
     
 
                                                                
TALC
                                                                
 
                                                                
Rio Tinto Minerals — talc
     100.0 %                                                        
Australia, Europe, and North America
                                                                
Talc production (‘000 tonnes)
             240       222       240       264       259       666       763  
     
 
                                                                
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK
                                                                
 
                                                                
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
     100.0 %                                                        
Canada and South Africa (a) (b)
                                                                
(Rio Tinto share)
                                                                
Titanium dioxide feedstock production (‘000 tonnes)
             165       325       329       355       335       822       1,019  
 
(a)   Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and 50% of Richards Bay Minerals production until late 2009 when RBM concluded a Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment transaction. RTIT’s share of RBM production reflects a decrease from 50% to 37% with effect from 9 December 2009.
 
(b)   Ilmenite mined in Madagascar is being processed in Canada with effect from June 2009.
                                                                 
URANIUM
                                                                
 
                                                                
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
                                                                
Ranger mine
     68.4 %                                                        
Northern Territory, Australia
                                                                
Production (‘000 lbs U3O8)
             3,126       2,432       1,991       1,749       2,078       9,068       5,818  
Rössing Uranium Ltd
     68.6 %                                                        
Namibia
                                                                
Production (‘000 lbs U3O8)
             2,391       2,475       1,948       2,088       1,974       6,676       6,011  
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2010. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

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Forward-looking statements
This announcement includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto’s financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto’s products, production forecasts and reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipates”, “should”, “expects”, “estimates”, “believes”, “intends” or similar expressions.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Rio Tinto, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Rio Tinto’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which Rio Tinto will operate in the future. Among the important factors that could cause Rio Tinto’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, levels of actual production during any period, levels of demand and market prices, the ability to produce and transport products profitably, the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on market prices and operating costs, operational problems, political uncertainty and economic conditions in relevant areas of the world, the actions of competitors, activities by governmental authorities such as changes in taxation or regulation and such other risk factors identified in Rio Tinto’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or Form 6-Ks furnished to, or filed with, the SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Rio Tinto’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.

 

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
             
Rio Tinto plc   Rio Tinto Limited
(Registrant)   (Registrant)
 
            
By
  /s/ Ben Mathews   By   /s/ Ben Mathews
 
           
 
  Name Ben Mathews       Name Ben Mathews
 
  Title    Secretary       Title    Assistant Secretary
 
            
Date 19 October 2010   19 October 2010