Rio record for Pilbara iron ore

MINING giant Rio Tinto is reporting record quarterly iron ore production in the Pilbara.

It achieved a record Q4 production, up 4% year-on-year to 89.7 million tonnes, with shipments of 91.3 million tonnes, a 7% increase year-on-year.

Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott said the company’s operations had delivered exceptional production performance.

“We achieved record quarterly iron ore production in the Pilbara, with a strong recovery from the extreme weather interruptions earlier in the year,” he said.

“At Simandou, we celebrated the major milestone of first shipment from the port; a testament to our ability to deliver major growth projects."

Mr Trott said record copper production continues following delivery of their Oyu Tolgoi underground project, another demonstration of "our unique and diverse project capabilities".

“A step change in bauxite production through the year once again highlights the ongoing maturation of our operational excellence," he said.

“In lithium, we achieved production growth from our operations and in-flight projects as planned in 2025, as we build out our high-quality portfolio with discipline.

“Implementation of our stronger, sharper, simpler way of working continues, and is delivering results and creating value.”