Rio Tinto Maintains 2025 Output Guidance, Upgrades Bauxite Forecast

Rio Tinto PLC's third-quarter production was largely in line with expectations, with some notable exceptions. The company reported flat iron ore shipments and production from the Pilbara region, while bauxite output rose 9% and alumina output increased 7%. Aluminum production also saw a 6% increase, and copper output was up 10%. The miner's focus remains on delivering a strong finish to the year from the Pilbara region and progress on growth projects, such as the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, where first ore was loaded for movement down the rail and to the port in October.

Key Takeaways:

• Rio Tinto's 2025 bauxite output forecast was upgraded to 59-61 million tonnes, up from 57-59 million tonnes.
• Bauxite production rose 9% in the third quarter, while alumina output increased 7%.
• Aluminum production saw a 6% increase in the third quarter.
• Copper output was up 10% in the third quarter.
• Rio Tinto's Pilbara iron ore shipments are now expected at the lower end of the 323-338 million tonnes range due to cyclone impacts.
• The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea has started loading first ore for movement down the rail and to the port.
• Chief Executive Simon Trott highlighted the company's focus on delivering a strong finish to the year from the Pilbara region and progress on growth projects.

Statistics:

• Bauxite production increased 9% in the third quarter.
• Alumina output rose 7% in the third quarter.
• Aluminum production was up 6% in the third quarter.
• Copper output increased 10% in the third quarter.
• Pilbara iron ore shipments are expected at the lower end of the 323-338 million tonnes range.
• Simandou iron ore project in Guinea expects a 50% boost in copper output this year.

Sources:

• Alliance News - Rio Tinto PLC on Tuesday reported it has left the bulk of its output guidance for 2025 unchanged, but has lifted its production forecast for bauxite.