Metal powder producer Rio Tinto has released its Q4 performance results. According to the company, iron ore shipments of 327.6 million tonnes (100% basis) were in line with guidance and 3% higher than 2015. Record bauxite production of 47.7 million tonnes exceeded full year guidance of 47 million tonnes, whilst third party shipments increased to 29.3 million tonnes.
Aluminium production was 10% higher than 2015, with record annual production at ten smelters, notably at the company’s Kitimat smelter, which has produced at nameplate capacity since April 2016.
Mined copper production was 4% higher than 2015 at 523 thousand tonnes. This was below full year guidance, with no metal share delivered from Grasberg and lower than expected production at Kennecott.
‘We have delivered a strong operational performance in 2016, underpinned by our drive for efficiency and maximising cash flow,’ said chief executive J-S Jacques. ‘Our disciplined approach remains in place in 2017, with the continued focus on productivity, cost reduction and commercial excellence. This will ensure that we continue to deliver value for our shareholders.’
This story is reprinted from material from Rio Tinto, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
