Rio Tinto reports Q3 basic metal output results
2026-10-19 11:20:36 [Print]
Rio Tinto's copper production remained flat at 205,000 tons in the third quarter, despite a 27% increase in output at its Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia (up 29% year-to-date). At Kennecott, the company successfully completed the rebuild of the flash converting furnace at the end of August, ahead of plan.
Bauxite production reached 15.7 million tons in the quarter, a decrease of 4% from the same quarter last year, primarily reflecting planned shutdowns at Weipa in August. Alumina production posted 2.1 million tons, up 10% year-on-year, with reliability improving at QAL, Yarwun and Vaudreuil. Aluminum output was 842,000 tons, down 2% year-on-year, as the completion of the planned Arvida smelter closure was offset by improved performance across the remaining portfolio.
Rio Tinto maintained its full-year 2026 production guidance for its major commodities, including copper at 800,000–870,000 tons, bauxite at 58–61 million tons, aluminum at 3.25–3.45 million tons and alumina at 7.6–8.0 million tons.
Bauxite production reached 15.7 million tons in the quarter, a decrease of 4% from the same quarter last year, primarily reflecting planned shutdowns at Weipa in August. Alumina production posted 2.1 million tons, up 10% year-on-year, with reliability improving at QAL, Yarwun and Vaudreuil. Aluminum output was 842,000 tons, down 2% year-on-year, as the completion of the planned Arvida smelter closure was offset by improved performance across the remaining portfolio.
Rio Tinto maintained its full-year 2026 production guidance for its major commodities, including copper at 800,000–870,000 tons, bauxite at 58–61 million tons, aluminum at 3.25–3.45 million tons and alumina at 7.6–8.0 million tons.
Alumina 98.5%min EXW Guizhou
Unit:RMB/mt
China alumina producers' inventory statistics by province by month
Unit: mt
