EX-99 10 b718674ex99-4.htm Prepared and filed by St Ives Burrups
Exhibit 99.4

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News release…

Date: 23 July 2003
Ref: PR309q

Production Report for the Quarter Ended 30 June 2003

•
 Iron ore production in the second quarter of 2003 was 19 per cent above the second quarter of 2002 driven by strong demand from key markets. Shipments from Hamersley were six per cent above the second quarter of 2002 and port congestion is likely to remain an issue while demand remains strong. Shipments of West Angelas ore continue to firm reflecting widespread market acceptance and a growing customer base.
   
• Rio Tinto’s share of aluminium production, including its additional share of Boyne Island that was purchased in July 2002, was two per cent above the second quarter of 2002. Production at Tiwai Point continued to be constrained by higher spot power prices in New Zealand and production from Boyne Island was affected by anode quality issues. Production of alumina was in line with the second quarter of 2002.
   
• Production from the Australian and Indonesian coal operations was four per cent below the second quarter of 2002. Coal & Allied shut down for an extended period over Easter to reduce coal inventory levels caused by poor export market conditions.
   
• Production of US coal was four per cent above the second quarter of 2002. Production and train availability were affected by unusually heavy rainfall in the second quarter of 2003.
   
•  Mined copper production was slightly above the second quarter of 2002. Increased production from Escondida following the commissioning of the new Laguna Seca concentrator offset the effect of the disposal of Rio Tinto’s 25 per cent interest in the Alumbrera mine which was completed in March 2003.
   
•   Mined gold production was three per cent above the second quarter of 2002. Higher grades at Grasberg more than offset lower grades at Kennecott Utah Copper and the sale of Peak and Alumbrera. Molybdenum and silver grades at Kennecott Utah Copper were also significantly lower.
   
•   Refined copper production was down 36 per cent and refined gold production was less than half that of the second quarter of 2002. The failure at the Kennecott Utah Copper acid plant reported in the first quarter led to anode shortages in the second quarter which significantly affected refinery production.
   
• Production of industrial minerals reflected market demand. Titanium dioxide production continues to be managed in line with market demand with both QIT and RBM operating below capacity. Borates production was marginally higher than in the previous quarter.

Cont…/

Rio Tinto plc  6 St James’s Square  London SW1Y 4LD
Telephone 020 7930 2399  Fax 020 7930 3249
REGISTERED OFFICE: 6 St James’s Square  London SW1Y 4LD  Registered in England No. 719885

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For further information, please contact:

LONDON

Media Relations
Lisa Cullimore
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2305
Mobile: +44 (0) 7730 418 385

Investor Relations
Peter Cunningham
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2401
Mobile: +44 (0) 7711 596 570
Richard Brimelow
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2326
Mobile: +44 (0) 7753 783 825

Website: www.riotinto.com

AUSTRALIA

Media Relations
Ian Head
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101

Investor Relations
Dave Skinner
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309
Daphne Morros
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3639
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 764


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 RIO TINTO PRODUCTION SUMMARY

RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION

      QUARTER   HALF YEAR   % CHANGE  
     
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
Q2 03
 
Q2 03
 
1H 03
   
     
Q2
 
Q1
 
Q2
 
1H
 
1H
 
vs
 
vs
 
vs
   
Principal Commodities
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q1 03
 
Q2 03
 
1H 02
  
     
 
 
 
Alumina (’000 t)   489   493   495   981   988   0 % 1 % 1 %
Aluminium (’000 t)   193.9   202.7   198.5   385.0   401.2   –2 % 2 % 4 %
Borates (’000 t)   130   139   143   260   282   3 % 10 % 8 %
Coal – Australian and Indonesian (’000 t)   10,852   10,474   10,450   21,873   20,924   0 % –4 % –4 %
Coal – US (’000 t)   26,020   25,424   26,944   51,873   52,368   6 % 4 % 1 %
Copper – mined (’000 t)   228.3   231.1   231.6   428.9   462.7   0 % 1 % 8 %
Copper – refined (’000 t)   108.7   96.0   69.2   212.8   165.2   –28 % –36 % –22 %
Diamonds
(’000 cts)
   8,433   7,156   6,560   14,610   13,716   –8 % –22 % –6 %
Gold – mined
(’000 ozs)
   745   765   765   1,431   1,530   0 % 3 % 7 %
Gold – refined
(’000 ozs)
   133   96   65   260   161   –32 % –51 % –38 %
Iron ore (’000 t)   21,600   23,167   25,623   44,107   48,790   11 % 19 % 11 %
Titanium dioxide feedstock (’000 t)   318   290   319   646   608   10 % 0 % –6 %
                                     
Other Metals & Minerals                                    
Bauxite (’000 t)   2,859   2,958   3,236   5,739   6,194   9 % 13 % 8 %
Lead – mined (’000 t)   9.5   10.0   11.5   17.9   21.4   15 % 21 % 20 %
Molybdenum (’000 t)   1.3   1.2   1.1   3.0   2.3   –8 % –18 % –23 %
Nickel in matte
(tonnes)
   1,290   2,619   523   3,353   3,142   –80 % –59 % –6 %
Nickel – refined
(tonnes)
   835   604   830   1,778   1,434   37 % –1 % –19 %
Salt
(’000 t)
   1,085   970   1,124   2,188   2,094   16 % 4 % –4 %
Silver – mined
(’000 ozs)
   4,318   3,960   4,410   8,511   8,370   11 % 2 % –2 %
Silver – refined
(’000 ozs)
   1,104   975   644   1,894   1,619   –34 % –42 % –15 %
Talc
(’000 t)
   346   358   328   669   686   –8 % –5 % 3 %
Tin
(tonnes)
   36   –   24   159   24   –   –32 % –85 %
Uranium
(tonnes)
   1,131   873   1,484   2,291   2,357   70 % 31 % 3 %
Zinc – mined (’000 t)   22.8   26.8   29.0   45.3   55.8   8 % 27 % 23 %

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 half year figures.

RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 3

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 RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION
     
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
Interest
  
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
ALUMINA                                
Production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Eurallumina 56 % 139   145   142   139   136   280   276  
   Queensland Alumina 39 % 350   342   337   354   358   701   712  
     
 
Rio Tinto total alumina production     489   487   479   493   495   981   988  
   
                                 
ALUMINIUM
Refined production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Anglesey 51 % 17.2   17.6   18.1   18.3   18.3   35.4   36.6  
   Bell Bay 100 % 39.9   41.6   42.1   40.7   41.8   80.2   82.5  
   Boyne Island (a) 59 % 71.0   77.3   79.4   77.7   75.7   138.0   153.4  
   Tiwai Point 79 % 65.9   65.6   68.8   66.1   62.7   131.5   128.8  
     
 
Rio Tinto total aluminium production     193.9   202.0   208.4   202.7   198.5   385.0   401.2  
   
                                 
BAUXITE                                
Production (’000 tonnes)                                
  Boké 4 % 121   121   118   58   179   243   236  
  Weipa 100 % 2,738   2,863   2,882   2,901   3,057   5,496   5,958  
     
 
Rio Tinto total bauxite production     2,859   2,984   3,000   2,958   3,236   5,739   6,194  
 
                                 
BORATES                                
Borates (’000 tonnes B2O3content)                                
Rio Tinto total borate production 100 % 130   132   136   139   143   260   282  
 
COAL    
Coal
                            
Australian coal operations (’000 tonnes)    
type
                            
   Coal & Allied Industries (b):                                  
      Bengalla 30 %
S
 493   359   459   393   538   768   931  
      Hunter Valley Operations 76 %
S
 1,831   1,791   1,716   1,789   1,617   3,249   3,406  
  76 %
M
 659   465   640   606   609   1,427   1,215  
      Mount Thorley Operations 61 %
S
 340   363   386   309   219   702   528  
  61 %
M
 295   229   221   216   200   622   416  
      Moura (c) 0 %
S
 139   –   –   –   –   407   –  
  0 %
M
 230   –   –   –   –   552   –  
      Narama (c) 0 %
S
 –   –   –   –   –   135   –  
      Ravensworth East (c) 0 %
S
 –   –   –   –   –   281   –  
      Warkworth 42 %
S
 570   582   787   688   485   1,217   1,172  
  42 %
M
 75   66   18   47   71   147   118  
   Pacific Coal:                                  
      Blair Athol Coal 71 %
S
 1,846   2,407   2,030   2,237   1,857   3,976   4,094  
      Kestrel Coal 80 %
S
 322   274   494   285   320   581   604  
  80 %
M
 501   383   536   366   459   1,006   825  
      Tarong Coal 100 %
S
 1,422   1,254   1,695   1,451   1,738   2,736   3,189  
       
 
Total Australian coal       8,724   8,172   8,981   8,386   8,112   17,806   16,498  
       
 
Indonesian coal operations (’000 tonnes)                                  
   Kaltim Prima Coal (d) 50 %
S
 2,128   2,540   2,264   2,088   2,338   4,066   4,426  
                                   
US coal operations (’000 tonnes)                                  
   Kennecott Energy                                  
      Antelope 100 %
S
 6,075   6,452   6,457   6,233   6,648   11,410   12,881  
      Colowyo (e) 100 %
S
 1,309   1,229   1,174   1,110   1,194   2,486   2,304  
      Cordero Rojo 100 %
S
 8,990   7,474   9,160   8,187   8,535   18,090   16,722  
      Decker 50 %
S
 1,046   1,196   1,198   679   730   2,118   1,409  
      Jacobs Ranch 100 %
S
 6,593   7,315   8,007   7,402   7,544   13,462   14,945  
      Spring Creek 100 %
S
 2,007   1,719   2,067   1,814   2,293   4,307   4,108  
       
 
Total US coal       26,020   25,385   28,063   25,424   26,944   51,873   52,368  
       
 
Rio Tinto total coal production       36,872   36,097   39,307   35,899   37,394   73,745   73,292  
 

Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined on-site.
Key to coal type: S = Steaming/ thermal coal, M = Metallurgical/ coking coal.
See footnotes on page 7.

RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
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 RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued)
     
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
Interest
  
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
COPPER                                
Mine production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Alumbrera (f) 0 % 12.8   11.5   13.9   8.7   –   25.6   8.7  
   Bingham Canyon 100 % 64.3   64.4   69.0   64.8   67.8   126.8   132.6  
   Escondida 30 % 61.0   47.9   68.7   74.4   79.8   109.7   154.2  
   Grasberg – FCX (g) 15 % 26.4   30.0   30.1   27.3   28.0   47.4   55.3  
   Grasberg – Joint Venture (g) 40 % 39.1   39.6   40.9   33.7   34.5   67.5   68.3  
   Neves Corvo 49 % 10.8   8.5   9.5   11.0   9.9   19.9   20.8  
   Northparkes 80 % 8.4   6.7   6.1   5.7   5.4   17.9   11.1  
   Palabora 49 % 5.5   6.0   5.6   5.5   6.1   14.1   11.6  
     
 
Rio Tinto total mine production     228.3   214.4   243.8   231.1   231.6   428.9   462.7  
     
 
Refined production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Atlantic Copper (g) 16 % 10.5   10.2   10.5   10.1   10.3   20.8   20.4  
   Escondida 30 % 11.3   9.3   10.0   10.7   11.0   22.3   21.7  
   Kennecott Utah Copper 100 % 76.1   68.1   74.6   67.4   38.5   151.0   105.9  
   Palabora 49 % 10.8   11.3   10.0   7.8   9.4   18.8   17.3  
     
 
Rio Tinto total refined production     108.7   99.0   105.1   96.0   69.2   212.8   165.2  
 
                                 
DIAMONDS                                
Production (’000 carats)                                
   Argyle (h) 100 % 8,411   9,013   9,936   6,909   6,004   14,554   12,913  
   Diavik 60 % –   –   –   247   512   –   759  
   Merlin 100 % 22   33   28   –   44   57   44  
     
 
Rio Tinto total diamond production     8,433   9,046   9,964   7,156   6,560   14,610   13,716  
 
                                 
GOLD                                
Mine production (’000 ounces)                                
   Alumbrera (f) 0 % 49   40   48   31   –   100   31  
   Barneys Canyon 100 % 22   16   10   9   10   49   19  
   Bingham Canyon 100 % 95   103   89   67   67   220   134  
   Cortez/Pipeline 40 % 118   101   102   127   102   230   229  
   Escondida 30 % 12   7   11   11   13   20   24  
   Grasberg – FCX (g) 15 % 69   131   103   89   132   121   221  
   Grasberg – Joint Venture (g) 40 % 141   208   227   163   241   227   404  
   Greens Creek 70 % 20   18   18   16   19   37   35  
   Kelian 90 % 115   158   109   166   112   218   277  
   Lihir 16 % 25   22   27   21   21   49   42  
   Morro do Ouro 51 % 30   30   27   25   27   58   52  
   Northparkes 80 % 8   9   7   8   7   17   15  
   Peak (f) 0 % 20   30   20   20   –   47   20  
   Rawhide 51 % 11   9   10   7   9   23   16  
   Rio Tinto Zimbabwe 56 % 6   5   4   3   4   12   7  
   Others –   2   2   2   1   2   4   3  
     
 
Rio Tinto total mine production     745   890   814   765   765   1,431   1,530  
     
 
Refined production (’000 ounces)                                
   Kennecott Utah Copper 100 % 133   123   105   96   65   260   161  
 
                                 
IRON ORE                                
Production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Channar 60 % 1,446   1,454   1,940   1,699   1,465   2,963   3,164  
   Corumbá 100 % 201   282   271   221   282   305   503  
   Hamersley 100 % 14,078   15,711   13,121   13,616   15,900   28,731   29,516  
   Iron Ore Company of Canada (i) (j) 59 % 2,189   1,296   1,868   1,816   2,126   4,004   3,941  
   Robe River 53 % 3,686   5,345   5,558   5,815   5,851   8,104   11,666  
     
 
Rio Tinto total mine production     21,600   24,087   22,757   23,167   25,623   44,107   48,790  
 

Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined on-site, except for the data for iron ore which represent production of saleable quantities of ore plus pellets.
See footnotes on page 7.

RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
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 RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued)
     
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
Interest
  
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
LEAD                                
Mine production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Greens Creek 70 % 4.6   3.5   3.8   3.8   4.0   8.4   7.8  
   Zinkgruvan 100 % 4.9   9.2   6.0   6.2   7.5   9.5   13.7  
     
 
Rio Tinto total mine production     9.5   12.7   9.8   10.0   11.5   17.9   21.4  
 
                                 
MOLYBDENUM                                
Mine production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Bingham Canyon 100 % 1.3   1.7   1.4   1.2   1.1   3.0   2.3  
 
NICKEL                                
Nickel in matte (tonnes)                                
   Fortaleza 100 % 1,290   510   2,410   2,619   523   3,353   3,142  
Toll refined metal production (tonnes)                                
   Rio Tinto Zimbabwe – Empress 56 % 835   987   829   604   830   1,778   1,434  
 
SALT                                
Production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Dampier Salt 65 % 1,085   1,223   1,255   970   1,124   2,188   2,094  
 
SILVER                                
Mine production (’000 ounces)                                
   Bingham Canyon 100 % 924   866   841   762   808   1,956   1,570  
   Escondida 30 % 244   182   259   315   360   453   675  
   Grasberg – FCX (g) 15 % 201   233   219   236   255   352   491  
   Grasberg – Joint Venture (g) 40 % 193   264   470   111   229   308   340  
   Greens Creek 70 % 2,029   1,955   1,724   1,750   1,968   3,988   3,718  
   Zinkgruvan 100 % 302   545   383   363   447   626   810  
   Others –   425   383   372   422   343   827   765  
     
 
Rio Tinto total mine production     4,318   4,427   4,269   3,960   4,410   8,511   8,370  
     
 
Refined production (’000 ounces)                                
   Kennecott Utah Copper 100 % 1,104   1,178   965   975   644   1,894   1,619  
 
TALC                                
Production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Luzenac Group 99.9 % 346   341   318   358   328   669   686  
 
TIN                                
Mine production (tonnes)                                
   Neves Corvo 49 % 36   –   11   –   24   159   24  
 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK                                
Production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100 % 318   309   319   290   319   646   608  
 
URANIUM                                
Production (tonnes U3O8)                                
   Energy Resources of Australia 68 % 668   773   977   859   1,019   1,319   1,878  
   Rössing 69 % 463   580   335   14   465   972   479  
     
 
Rio Tinto total uranium production     1,131   1,353   1,311   873   1,484   2,291   2,357  
 

Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined on-site. The nickel in matte production reflects the contained tonnage of nickel.
See footnotes on page 7.

RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 6

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 RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued)
 
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
Interest
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
ZINC                                
Mine production (’000 tonnes)                                
   Greens Creek 70%   12.4   11.1   11.9   12.1   13.4   23.8   25.5  
   Zinkgruvan 100%   10.4   13.6   12.9   14.7   15.6   21.5   30.3  
     
 
Rio Tinto total mine production     22.8   24.7   24.8   26.8   29.0   45.3   55.8  
 
(a) Rio Tinto acquired an approximately 5% additional interest in production from the Boyne Island smelter with effect from August 2002.
(b) Rio Tinto increased its stake in Coal & Allied from 72.7% to 75.7% on 17 September 2002.
(c) On 14 March 2002, Coal & Allied completed the sale of its interests in Narama and Ravensworth. Coal & Allied sold its interest in the Moura coal mine with effect from 24 May 2002. Production data are shown up to the dates of sale.
(d) Rio Tinto has a 50% share in Kaltim Prima and, under the terms of its Coal Agreement, the Indonesian Government is entitled to a 13.5% share of Kaltim Prima's production. Rio Tinto's share of production shown is before deduction of the Government share. On 21 July 2003 Rio Tinto announced that it had agreed to sell its 50% interest in PT Kaltim Prima Coal. Completion of the sale, which is subject to various approvals, is anticipated in October 2003.
(e) Kennecott Energy has a partnership interest in the Colowyo mine but, as it is responsible under a management agreement for the operation of the mine, all of Colowyo's output is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(f) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 25% interest in Minera Alumbrera together with its wholly owned Peak Gold Mine on 17 March 2003. Production data are shown up to the date of sale.
(g) Through its interest in Freeport-McMoRan-Copper & Gold (FCX), Rio Tinto had, as of 30 June 2003, a 14.9% share in the Grasberg mine and a 16.4% share in Atlantic Copper. Through a joint venture agreement with FCX, Rio Tinto is entitled, as shown separately in the above tables, to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
(h) Rio Tinto's interest in the Argyle Diamond mine increased from 99.8% to 100% on 29 April 2002, following the purchase of the outstanding units in the Western Australian Diamond Trust.
(i) Rio Tinto owns 20.3% of the Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Income Fund. The Fund has a shareholding in Iron Ore Company of Canada but this has not been included in the calculation of tonnage attributable to Rio Tinto.
(j) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Iron Ore Company of Canada from 56.1% to 58.7% on 20 December 2002.

Where Rio Tinto's beneficial interest in an operation has changed, as indicated above, the share of production has been calculated using the weighted average interest over the relevant periods.

RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 7

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
 ALUMINIUM  
Rio Tinto Aluminium (a)  

Total production at Rio Tinto's aluminium operations: Weipa (Rio Tinto 100%) in Queensland, Australia; Boké (Rio Tinto 4%) in Guinea; Eurallumina (Rio Tinto 56.2%) in Sardinia, Italy; Queensland Alumina (Rio Tinto 38.6%) in Queensland, Australia; Anglesey Aluminium (Rio Tinto 51%) in the UK; Bell Bay (Rio Tinto 100%) in Tasmania, Australia; Boyne Island (Rio Tinto 59.4% (b) ) in Queensland, Australia and Tiwai Point (Rio Tinto 79.4%) in New Zealand.

(100% basis)                            
Weipa mine                            
Beneficiated bauxite production (’000 tonnes)
2,738
  
2,863
  
2,882
  
2,901
  
3,057
  
5,496
  
5,958
  
Metal grade bauxite shipments (’000 tonnes)
2,783
  
2,737
  
2,882
  
2,778
  
2,768
  
5,513
  
5,546
  
Calcined bauxite production (’000 tonnes)
41
  
22
  
30
  
41
  
49
  
90
  
90
  
Boké mine                            
Bauxite production (’000 tonnes) 2,884   3,176   3,124   2,365   3,077   5,741   5,442  
Eurallumina refinery                            
Alumina production (’000 tonnes) 248   259   253   248   243   499   491  
Queensland Alumina refinery                            
Alumina production (’000 tonnes) 906   884   873   916   928   1,817   1,844  
Anglesey Aluminium smelter                            
Primary aluminium production (’000 tonnes) 33.7   34.4   35.6   35.8   35.9   69.4   71.7  
Bell Bay smelter                            
Primary aluminium production (’000 tonnes) 39.9   41.6   42.1   40.7   41.8   80.2   82.5  
Boyne Island smelter (b)                            
Primary aluminium production (’000 tonnes) 130.2   133.1   131.8   129.7   129.0   255.3   258.7  
Tiwai Point smelter                            
Primary aluminium production (’000 tonnes) 82.5   84.3   84.7   83.3   78.2   164.9   161.5  
Sales of primary aluminium (’000 tonnes) (c) 200.5   189.4   203.4   191.1   210.6   392.5   401.8  
                             
(a) From 1 June 2003, management of Rio Tinto's 51% interest in Anglesey Aluminium was transferred to the Aluminium product group from the Copper product group.
(b) Rio Tinto acquired an approximately 5% additional interest in production from the Boyne Island smelter with effect from August 2002.
(c) Rio Tinto's share of sales of primary metal from its four smelting operations.

In the second quarter of 2003, the Weipa mine achieved, for the first time, three consecutive months of production greater than one million tonnes.

Alumina production from Queensland Alumina in the second quarter of 2003 continued at more normal levels compared with 2002 production which was affected by unexpected power outages and unscheduled maintenance.

Aluminium production for the second quarter of 2003 from the Tiwai Point and Boyne Island smelters was lower than in the previous quarter due to power constraints in New Zealand and the instability of lines 1 and 2 at Boyne resulting from anode quality. Tiwai Point resumed taking spot power on 21 June 2003 and began restarting cells at the rate of about half a cell per day.

Aluminium sales in the second quarter of 2003 were higher than in the previous quarter of 2003 due to a reduction of in-transit metal and some sales deferred from the previous quarter.
 BORATES
Rio Tinto Borax

Total production at the Boron mine (Rio Tinto 100%) in California, US and at the Tincalayu, Sijes, Porvenir and Maggie mines (Rio Tinto 100%) in Argentina.

(100% basis)                            
Borates (’000 tonnes) (a)
130
  
132
  
136
  
139
  
143
  
260
  
282
  
                             
(a) Production is expressed as B2O2 content.

Production in the second quarter of 2003 was 3% higher than in the previous quarter and 10% higher than in the equivalent period of 2002.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 8

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
 COAL  
Coal & Allied Industries Limited (a)                            
                             
Total production and sales from the mines operated by Coal & Allied Industries in Australia:Bengalla (RioTinto 30%); HunterValley Operations (Rio Tinto76%); Mount Thorley Operations (Rio Tinto 61%); and Warkworth (Rio Tinto 42%), all in New South Wales.
                             
(100% basis)                            
Bengalla mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,696   1,228   1,517   1,298   1,776   2,640   3,074  
Hunter Valley Operations                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 2,518   2,448   2,266   2,363   2,136   4,469   4,499  
Semi-soft coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 907   636   845   800   805   1,962   1,605  
Mount Thorley Operations                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 584   621   637   510   361   1,207   871  
Semi-soft coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 508   392   365   356   330   1,070   686  
Moura mine (b)                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 348   –   –   –   –   1,018   –  
Semi-soft coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 377   –   –   –   –   954   –  
Coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 197   –   –   –   –   427   –  
Narama mine (b)                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) –   –   –   –   –   370   –  
Ravensworth East mine (b)                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) –   –   –   –   –   387   –  
Warkworth mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,411   1,430   1,871   1,634   1,152   3,013   2,786  
Semi-soft coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 186   162   42   112   168   364   280  
Total Coal & Allied Industries                            
Total coal production (’000 tonnes) 8,732   6,915   7,544   7,074   6,728   17,881   13,802  
 
 
Total sales (’000 tonnes) (c) 8,425   6,851   7,486   7,174   6,633   17,211   13,807  
 
 

(a) Rio Tinto increased its stake in Coal & Allied from 72.7% to 75.7% on 17 September 2002.
(b) The sale of Coal & Allied's share of Narama and Ravensworth was completed on 14 March 2002. Coal & Allied sold its interest in the Moura coal mine with effect from 24 May 2002.
(c) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.

Total production for the second quarter of 2003 was nearly 5% lower than in the first quarter of 2003 as production was adjusted to align with market demand. Higher production from the Bengalla mine in the second quarter of 2003 resulted from mining a highly productive area of the pit. The quarter on quarter variation in production from Bengalla is a result of the mining sequence.
 
Operational changes are being implemented from August 2003 to reduce saleable production capacity by 3.6 million tonnes. In addition, clean coal stockpiles will be cut by 500,000 tonnes and in-pit inventories by 1.5 million tonnes. The changes include moving from seven day to five day rosters, working less overtime and reducing the use of contract labour across the operations. Bengalla will not be impacted by these changes.
 
Shipments for the second quarter of 2003 were 7.5% lower than in the first quarter of 2003 and 21% lower than in the second quarter of 2002, reflecting the decision to reduce sales due to soft markets for export thermal coal.
Kaltim Prima Coal

Total production and shipments from the Kaltim Prima Coal mine (Rio Tinto 50% (a) ) in Indonesia, including the share of production attributed to the Indonesian Government (see footnote (d) on page 7).

(100% basis)                            
Thermal coal:                            
   Production (’000 tonnes)
4,256
  
5,080
  
4,527
  
4,177
  
4,675
  
8,133
  
8,852
  
   Shipments (’000 tonnes)
3,546
  
4,871
  
4,911
  
4,522
  
3,937
  
7,405
  
8,459
  

(a) On 21 July 2003, Rio Tinto announced that it had agreed to sell its 50% interest in PT Kaltim Prima Coal. Completion of the sale, which is subject to various approvals, is anticipated in October 2003.

RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 9

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
  
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
  
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
  
 
 COAL (continued)                            
Kennecott Energy and Coal Company                            

Total production from the mines operated by Kennecott Energy and Coal Company in the US: Antelope (Rio Tinto 100%) in Wyoming; Colowyo in Colorado, where Kennecott Energy has a partnership interest and full management responsibility – (see footnote (e) on page 7); Cordero Rojo (Rio Tinto 100%) in Wyoming; Decker (Rio Tinto 50%) in Montana; Jacobs Ranch (Rio Tinto 100%) in Wyoming and Spring Creek (Rio Tinto 100%) in Montana.

(100% basis)                            
Antelope mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes)
6,075
  
6,452
  
6,457
  
6,233
  
6,648
  
11,410
  
12,881
  
Colowyo mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,309   1,229   1,174   1,110   1,194   2,486   2,304  
Cordero Rojo mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 8,990   7,474   9,160   8,187   8,535   18,090   16,722  
Decker mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 2,092   2,391   2,395   1,357   1,460   4,235   2,817  
Jacobs Ranch mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 6,593   7,315   8,007   7,402   7,544   13,462   14,945  
Spring Creek mine                            
Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 2,007   1,719   2,067   1,814   2,293   4,307   4,108  
Total Kennecott Energy
 
Total coal production (’000 tonnes) 27,066   26,580   29,260   26,103   27,674   53,990   53,777  
 
 

Production in the first half of 2003 was slightly lower than in the first half of 2002 due in part to lower market demand. Unusually high rainfall during the first half of 2003, and in particular in the second quarter of 2003, both at the Powder River Basin mine sites and in the Midwest, adversely affected production and train availability.

Pacific Coal

Total production and sales from the mines operated by Pacific Coal in Queensland, Australia: Blair Athol Coal (Rio Tinto 71.2%), Kestrel Coal (Rio Tinto 80%) and Tarong Coal (Rio Tinto 100%).

(100% basis)                            
Blair Athol Coal mine                            
Thermal coal:                            
   Production (’000 tonnes)
2,591
 
3,379
 
2,849
 
3,140
 
2,607
 
5,581
 
5,747
  
   Sales (’000 tonnes)
2,429
 
3,413
 
2,913
 
3,237
 
2,689
 
5,978
 
5,925
  
Kestrel Coal mine                            
Thermal coal:                            
   Production (’000 tonnes) 403   342   617   356   400   726   756  
   Sales (’000 tonnes) 169   101   135   404   163   269   567  
Coking coal:                            
   Production (’000 tonnes) 626   479   670   458   574   1,257   1,032  
   Sales (’000 tonnes) 456   330   394   122   274   754   395  
Semi-hard coking coal: (a)                            
   Sales (’000 tonnes) 485   567   380   449   475   681   925  
Tarong Coal mine                            
Thermal coal:                            
   Production (’000 tonnes) 1,422   1,254   1,695   1,451   1,738   2,736   3,189  
   Sales (’000 tonnes) 1,273   1,404   1,503   1,635   1,614   2,515   3,249  
 
 
Total Pacific Coal                            
Total coal production (’000 tonnes) 5,042   5,453   5,831   5,405   5,319   10,300   10,723  
 
 
                             
(a) Semi-hard coking coal is a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal. The product mix is customer dependent.

Lower Blair Athol production and sales for the second quarter of 2003 compared with the first quarter of 2003 were mainly the result of restricted access to a single mining face and a maintenance shutdown at the coal plant. Tarong production was higher in the second quarter of 2003 compared with the first quarter of 2003 following commissioning of the Tarong North Power Station.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 10

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
  
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
  
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
  
 
 COPPER & GOLD                            
Alumbrera                            

Total production and sales at the Bajo de la Alumbrera mine (Rio Tinto 0% (a) ) in Argentina.

(100% basis)                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 7,676   8,033   8,704   7,053  
–
  
14,821
   7,053  
Average ore grades:                            
   Copper (%) 0.75   0.62   0.69   0.54  
–
  
0.75
   0.54  
   Gold (g/t) 1.02   0.78   0.85   0.69      
1.06
   0.69  
                             
Concentrates produced (’000 tonnes) 187.4   168.0   204.7   130.9  
–
  
370.8
   130.9  
                             
Copper in concentrates:                            
   Production (’000 tonnes) 51.2   45.9   55.6   34.9  
–
  
102.2
   34.9  
   Sales (’000 tonnes) 49.0   41.1   53.0   37.0  
–
  
99.9
   37.0  
                             
Production of gold in concentrates (’000 ounces) 183   148   176   108  
–
  
370
   108  
Production of gold in doré (’000 ounces) 15   13   17   16  
–
  
30
   16  
Total gold sales (’000 ounces) 191   148   187   132  
–
  
394
   132  
                             
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 25% holding in Minera Alumbrera on 17 March 2003.
   
Escondida

Total production at the Escondida mine (Rio Tinto 30%) in Chile.

(100% basis)                            
Sulphide ore treated (’000 tonnes) 11,312   10,141   14,631   16,744   16,416   21,764   33,160  
Average copper grade (%) 1.74   1.45   1.59   1.49   1.62   1.64   1.55  
Mill production (metals in concentrates):                            
   Contained copper (’000 tonnes) 170.3   125.6   191.8   210.8   230.7   305.2   441.5  
   Contained gold (’000 ounces) 41   23   35   37   43   68   80  
   Contained silver (’000 ounces) 813   606   864   1,050   1,200   1,511   2,250  
                             
Oxide ore treated (’000 tonnes) 3,240   3,316   3,164   3,408   3,188   6,294   6,596  
Average copper grade (%) 1.02   1.03   1.18   1.10   1.11   0.96   1.10  
Contained copper in leachate/mined material (’000 tonnes) 33   34   37   37   35   61   73  
                             
Refined production:                            
   Oxide plant production (’000 tonnes) 37.5   31.1   33.3   35.5   36.8   74.3   72.3  

Escondida mill production for the first half of 2003 reflected the start of the new Laguna Seca concentrator in the fourth quarter of 2002. Lower ore grades during the first half of 2003 compared with the first half of 2002 were in line with the previously announced plan to constrain copper production at Escondida.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 11

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
  
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
  
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
  
 
COPPER & GOLD (continued)                             
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold                            

Total production and sales at Grasberg (Rio Tinto 14.9% (a) ) in Papua, Indonesia, and Atlantic Copper (Rio Tinto 16.4%) in Spain.

(100% basis)                            
Grasberg mine                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 21,806   20,220   21,996   21,438   20,141   43,785   41,579  
Average mill head grades:                            
   Copper (%) 1.14   1.31   1.23   1.15   1.24   1.02   1.19  
   Gold (g/t) 0.98   1.85   1.44   1.26   1.95   0.85   1.59  
   Silver (g/t) 3.63   4.01   4.05   3.88   4.18   3.19   4.02  
Production of metals in concentrates:                            
   Copper in concentrates (’000 tonnes) 215.1   239.8   241.6   216.5   223.1   383.0   439.6  
   Gold in concentrates (’000 ounces) 599   1,086   913   760   1,126   1,031   1,886  
   Silver in concentrates (’000 tonnes) 1,532   1,822   1,928   1,692   1,944   2,652   3,636  
                             
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (b)                            
   Copper in concentrates (’000 tonnes) 194.2   242.6   234.6   210.7   212.1   355.9   422.8  
   Gold in concentrates (’000 ounces) 516   1,096   902   742   1,080   936   1,823  
   Silver in concentrates (’000 ounces) 1,090   1,476   1,487   1,315   1,485   1,953   2,800  
                             
(a)   See note (g) on page 7 for details of Rio Tinto's 14.9% interest in Grasberg and 40% interest in the expansion.
(b)   Net of smelter deductions.
   
In the second quarter of 2003, copper and gold production and sales improved compared with the first quarter of 2003 and the second quarter of 2002 because of higher average mill head grades, particularly for gold.
 
Atlantic Copper smelter                            
Concentrates and scrap smelted (’000 tonnes) 242.5   258.2   257.7   242.1   244.6  
500.8
  
486.7
  
Copper anodes produced (’000 tonnes) (c) 69.0   74.6   77.2   72.4   74.3  
146.2
  
146.7
  
Copper cathodes produced (’000 tonnes) 63.6   61.5   63.5   61.2   62.5  
125.4
  
123.7
  
Copper cathode sales (’000 tonnes) (d) 63.7   62.2   65.0   62.9   63.6  
125.3
  
126.5
  
                             
(c)   New metal excluding recycled material.
(d)   Refers to copper cathode and wire rod sales.
   
Kelian Equatorial Mining
Total production and sales at the Kelian gold mine (Rio Tinto 90%) in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
                             
(100% basis)                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 1,857   1,787   1,953   1,844   1,833   3,573   3,677  
Average ore grades:                            
   Gold (g/t) 2.71   3.83   2.66   3.71   2.53   2.66   3.12  
   Silver (g/t) 5.09   5.92   4.55   5.83   5.11   5.01   5.47  
Production:                            
   Gold (’000 ounces) 128   176   121   184   124   242   308  
   Silver (’000 ounces) 89   96   75   112   96   177   208  
Sales:                            
   Gold (’000 ounces) 125   154   154   150   147   234   297  
   Silver (’000 ounces) 256   129   115   154   –   256   154  
                             
Ore treated during the second quarter of 2003 was consistent with prior quarters. During the second quarter of 2003, mining activities ceased and lower grade stockpiled ore was processed. Silver sales were deferred until a saleable quantity is accumulated.
 
RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 12

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
  
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
  
 
 COPPER & GOLD (continued)  
Kennecott Minerals Company  

Total production at the mines of Kennecott Minerals Company in the US; Cortez/Pipeline (Rio Tinto 40%) in Nevada; Greens Creek (Rio Tinto 70%) in Alaska and Rawhide (Rio Tinto 51%) in Nevada.

(100% basis)                            
Cortez/Pipeline mine                            
Ore treated                            
   Milled (’000 tonnes) 837   873   868   919   791   1,662   1,709  
   Leached (’000 tonnes) 2,339   1,770   2,924   2,538   3,261   6,143   5,799  
   Sold for roasting (’000 tonnes) 96   13   82   140   151   198   291  
Average ore grade: gold                            
      Milled (g/t) 8.19   7.17   6.14   8.92   5.83   8.24   7.49  
      Leached (g/t) 0.99   0.98   1.00   1.09   1.06   1.06   1.07  
      Sold for roasting (g/t) 8.77   7.96   8.66   7.83   6.63   8.63   7.21  
Gold produced (’000 ounces) 296   252   256   317   254   574   572  

Mill and roast throughput increased during the first half of 2003 whilst leach throughput was slightly lower. Total gold production in the first half of 2003 was similar to that produced in the same period of 2002.

Greens Creek mine                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 167   168   170   171   176   327   347  
Average ore grades:                            
   Gold (g/t) 7.57   6.93   6.81   6.31   6.97   7.05   6.64  
   Silver (g/t) 688   701   595   604   655   705   630  
   Zinc (%) 13.3   11.8   12.4   12.9   13.4   12.9   13.2  
   Lead (%) 5.3   4.4   4.4   4.6   4.7   5.0   4.7  
Metals produced in concentrates:                            
   Gold (’000 ounces) 29   25   25   23   27   53   50  
   Silver (’000 ounces) 2,887   2,782   2,454   2,491   2,801   5,676   5,292  
   Zinc (’000 tonnes) 17.6   15.8   16.9   17.3   19.0   33.8   36.3  
   Lead (’000 tonnes) 6.6   5.0   5.4   5.3   5.7   11.9   11.1  

Silver grade improved in the second quarter of 2003 compared with the first quarter, as a result of mine sequencing and mining higher silver grade ore zones.

Rawhide mine                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 1,313   1,330   1,335   1,230   384   2,720   1,614  
Average ore grades:                            
   Gold (g/t) 1.11   1.01   0.69   0.51   0.51   1.07   0.51  
   Silver (g/t) 14.8   14.4   13.3   9.4   9.1   14.5   9.4  
Metals produced in doré:                            
   Gold (’000 ounces) 22   18   19   14   17   45   32  
   Silver (’000 ounces) 212   149   134   127   158   405   285  

Mining operations were completed in October 2002. Processing of stockpiled ores was completed in May 2003. Gold production will continue from the leach pads while site reclamation activities are underway.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 13

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
                             
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
  
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
  
 
 COPPER & GOLD (continued)  
Kennecott Utah Copper  

Total production at Barneys Canyon, Bingham Canyon, and the Kennecott smelter and refinery (all Rio Tinto 100%) in Utah, US.

Barneys Canyon mine                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) –   –   –   –   –   102   –  
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) –   –   –   –   –   1.17   –  
Gold produced in doré and concentrates (’000 ounces) 22   16   10   9   10   49   19  

Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads.

Bingham Canyon mine                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes)
9,840
  
10,256
  
10,625
  
10,929
  
11,284
  
19,839
  
22,213
  
Average ore grade:
                            
   Copper (%)
0.70
  
0.67
  
0.71
  
0.68
  
0.67
  
0.69
  
0.67
  
   Gold (g/t)
0.41
  
0.43
  
0.36
  
0.28
  
0.25
  
0.49
  
0.27
  
   Silver (g/t)
3.50
  
3.22
  
3.02
  
2.99
  
2.67
  
3.72
  
2.82
  
   Molybdenum (%)
0.034
  
0.037
  
0.026
  
0.022
  
0.020
  
0.036
  
0.021
  
Copper concentrates produced (’000 tonnes)
251
  
243
  
279
  
282
  
287
  
470
  
569
  
Average concentrate grade (% Cu)
25.5
  
26.5
  
24.6
  
22.9
  
23.6
  
26.9
  
23.3
  
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
                            
   Copper (’000 tonnes) (a)
64.3
  
64.4
  
69.0
  
64.8
  
67.8
  
126.8
  
132.6
  
   Gold (’000 ounces)
95
  
103
  
89
  
67
  
67
  
220
  
134
  
   Silver (’000 ounces)
924
  
866
  
841
  
762
  
808
  
1,956
  
1,570
  
Molybdenum concentrates produced (’000 tonnes):
2.5
  
3.1
  
2.6
  
2.2
  
2.3
  
5.5
  
4.5
  
   Molybdenum in concentrates (’000 tonnes)
1.3
  
1.7
  
1.4
  
1.2
  
1.1
  
3.0
  
2.3
  
Kennecott smelter & refinery                            
Copper concentrates smelted (’000 tonnes) 279   259   300   231   261   537   492  
Copper anodes produced (’000 tonnes) (b) 74.6   63.4   79.0   53.7   53.2   151.3   106.9  
Production of refined metal:                            
   Copper (’000 tonnes) 76.1   68.1   74.6   67.4   38.5   151.0   105.9  
   Gold (’000 ounces) (c) 133   123   105   96   65   260   161  
   Silver (’000 ounces) (c) 1,104   1,178   965   975   644   1,894   1,619  
 
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
 
By-product grades continued to fall in the second quarter of 2003 and are now significantly lower than last year. As previously announced, lower by-product grades are expected to continue until 2005.
 
Anode production in both the first and second quarters of 2003 was affected by the failure of the final absorption tower of the acid plant in March 2003, which stopped smelter production for three weeks. Anode production was also affected by the processing of lower grade concentrates. Copper to sulphur ratios were also lower. The resultant shortage of anodes caused output of refined copper, gold and silver to be significantly lower in the second quarter. The refinery returned to full capacity at the end of the second quarter of 2003. 
Lihir Gold
 
Total production at the Lihir mine (Rio Tinto 16.3%) in Papua New Guinea.
                             
(100% basis)                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 968   891   1,063   933   924   1,873   1,857  
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 5.64   5.25   5.44   4.92   4.65   5.57   4.79  
Gold produced (’000 ounces) (a) 154   138   168   131   128   301   259  
                             

(a)

 Gold production represents quantity of gold poured.                            

Ore treated and gold produced in the second quarter of 2003 were affected by a 10 day total shutdown of the plant, at the end of May, for maintenance of the SAG mill and autoclaves. Gold production was further affected by lower grades.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 14

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
  
3Q
  
4Q
  
1Q
  
2Q
  
1H
  
1H
  
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
  
 
 COPPER & GOLD (continued)  
Northparkes Joint Venture  

Total production and sales at the Northparkes mine (Rio Tinto 80%) in New South Wales, Australia.

(100% basis)                            
Sulphide ore treated (’000 tonnes) 1,399   1,237   1,331   1,306   1,315   2,796   2,621  
Average ore grades:                            
   Copper (%) 0.91   0.81   0.69   0.67   0.62   0.95   0.64  
   Gold (g/t) 0.34   0.41   0.31   0.31   0.32   0.34   0.32  
                             
Copper concentrates produced (’000 tonnes) 29.9   23.0   20.1   20.1   18.7   60.1   38.9  
                             
Contained copper in concentrates:                            
   Saleable production (’000 tonnes) 10.5   8.4   7.6   7.1   6.8   22.4   13.9  
   Sales (’000 tonnes) (a) 8.9   5.9   4.7   8.0   3.8   19.3   11.8  
                             
Contained gold in concentrates:                            
   Saleable production (’000 ounces) 10.1   11.0   8.4   9.5   9.0   21.4   18.5  
   Sales (’000 ounces) (a) 7.7   6.6   6.0   13.4   6.0   18.1   19.4  
 
(a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.

Copper production continued to decline, reflecting lower realised head grades from the near exhausted E26 Lift 1 orebody. This trend will continue until E26 Lift 2 commences production in 2004 and reaches its full potential in 2005.

Palabora

Total production at Palabora (Rio Tinto 49.2%) in South Africa.

(100% basis)                            
Palabora mine                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes)
2,005
  
2,722
  
2,648
  
2,453
  
2,726
  
4,563
  
5,179
  
Average ore grade: copper (%)
0.66
  
0.54
  
0.56
  
0.59
  
0.60
  
0.72
  
0.60
  
Copper concentrates produced (’000 tonnes)
35.9
  
40.5
  
35.7
  
35.3
  
38.2
  
91.8
  
73.5
  
Average concentrate grade: copper (%)
31.2
  
29.9
  
31.9
  
31.5
  
32.7
  
31.3
  
32.1
  
Copper in concentrates (’000 tonnes)
11.2
  
12.1
  
11.4
  
11.1
  
12.5
  
28.8
  
23.6
  
Palabora smelter/refinery                            
New concentrate smelted on site (’000 tonnes) 64.5   68.7   59.7   57.5   73.7   130.2   131.2  
New copper anodes produced (’000 tonnes) (a) 23.1   22.5   18.9   15.8   20.1   40.9   35.9  
Refined new copper produced (’000 tonnes) 22.0   23.0   20.4   15.9   19.2   38.2   35.1  
By-products:                            
Magnetite concentrate (’000 tonnes) 49   31   40   44   51   101   95  
Refined nickel sulphate (tonnes) 88   67   85   61   27   161   88  
Vermiculite plant                            
Vermiculite produced (’000 tonnes) 57.1   62.5   59.8   51.2   53.9   101.1   105.1  
 
(a) Contained copper in anodes; anode production includes a small amount produced from purchased material.

Ore grade and tonnage treated rose during the second quarter of 2003 in line with an improvement in underground production. The underground mine produced at an average rate of 16,300 tonnes per day in June 2003 and a record single day's production of 24,400 tonnes was achieved during the month. Work is ongoing to reach the target level of 30,000 tonnes per day by the end of 2003. New copper in concentrate production was in line with ore supply. Total concentrate smelted comprised run-of-mine production, smelter secondaries, low grade concentrate stocks and imported concentrate. Anode and refined copper production were in line with the availability of concentrate.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 15

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
 COPPER & GOLD (continued)                            
Peak Gold Mine                            

Total production and sales from the Peak Gold Mine (Rio Tinto 0% (a) ) in New South Wales, Australia.

Ore treated (’000 tonnes)
151
  
159
  
144
  
144
  
–
  
307
  
144
  
Average ore grades:                            
   Gold (g/t)
4.74
  
6.33
  
5.13
  
5.23
  
–
  
5.29
  
5.23
  
   Silver (g/t)
3.16
  
2.79
  
3.09
  
3.16
  
–
  
3.16
  
3.16
  
   Copper (%)
0.28
  
0.21
  
0.21
  
0.13
  
–
  
0.36
  
0.13
  
   Lead (%)
0.21
  
0.22
  
0.15
  
0.11
  
–
  
0.25
  
0.11
  
   Zinc (%)
0.19
  
0.35
  
0.13
  
0.00
  
–
  
0.31
  
0.00
  
Bullion produced (’000 ounces)
23
  
32
  
23
  
23
  
–
  
50
  
23
  
Containing:                            
   Gold (’000 ounces)
18
  
29
  
20
  
20
  
–
  
43
  
20
  
   Silver (’000 ounces)
3
  
5
  
3
  
3
  
–
  
5
  
3
  
Gold recovered in concentrates (’000 ounces)
2
  
1
  
0
  
–
  
–
  
4
  
–
  
 
 
Total gold production (’000 ounces)
20
  
30
  
20
  
20
  
–
  
47
  
20
  
 
 
Bullion sales (fine gold) ((’000 ounces)
18
  
26
  
22
  
20
  
–
  
45
  
20
  
Copper in concentrate (’000 tonnes):                            
   Production
0.1
  
0.0
  
0.0
  
–
  
–
  
0.3
  
–
  
   Sales
–
  
0.8
  
0.2
  
–
  
–
  
–
  
–
  
 
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its wholly owned Peak Gold Mine on 17 March 20.
Rio Tinto Brasil Limitada

Total production at Morro do Ouro (Rio Tinto 51%) in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

(100% basis)                            
Morro do Ouro mine                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 4,722   4,406   4,544   4,530   4,586   9,414   9,116  
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 0.49   0.55   0.48   0.44   0.46   0.49   0.45  
Refined gold produced (’000 ounces) 59   59   52   49   53   114   102  

Gold production in the first half of 2003 was below the 2002 average due to mining in a lower grade area of the pit with harder ores.
Rio Tinto Zimbabwe

Total production at Rio Tinto Zimbabwe's gold operations (Rio Tinto 56%) in Zimbabwe.

(100% basis)                            
Patchway mine (a)                            
Ore treated (’000 tonnes)
21
  
24
  
15
  
19
  
19
  
44
  
38
  
Average ore grade: gold (g/t)
3.47
  
2.53
  
2.01
  
2.17
  
2.10
  
3.96
  
2.13
  
Total gold produced (’000 ounces)
2
  
2
  
1
  
1
  
1
  
5
  
2
  
Renco mine                            
Ore treated ’000 tonnes) 65   63   65   49   60   126   109  
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 4.68   3.95   3.46   3.80   3.56   4.85   3.67  
Total gold produced (’000 ounces) 9   7   7   5   6   17   11  
 
 
Total Rio Tinto Zimbabwe                            
Total gold produced (’000 ounces) 11   9   8   6   7   21   13  
 
 

(a) Includes low grade material.

RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 16

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
 COPPER & GOLD (continued)                            
Somincor                            

Total production at Neves Corvo (Rio Tinto 49%) in Portugal.

(100% basis)                            
Neves Corvo mine                            
Total ore treated (’000 tonnes) (a) 475   406   423   425   474   928   899  
   of which, treated to extract tin (’000 tonnes) 7   –   2   –   8   14   8  
Average ore grades:                            
   Copper (%) 5.26   4.87   5.23   6.00   5.07   5.06   5.51  
   Tin (%) 2.09   –   2.87   –   1.74   3.38   1.74  
Copper production:                            
   Copper concentrates produced (’000 tonnes) 90.8   72.3   81.7   93.8   85.5   165.4   179.4  
   Copper concentrate grade: copper (%) 24.3   23.9   23.7   23.9   23.5   24.5   23.7  
   Copper in concentrates produced (’000 tonnes) 22.1   17.3   19.4   22.4   20.1   40.5   42.5  
Tin production:                            
   Tin concentrates produced (’000 tonnes) 0.1   –   0.0   –   0.1   0.5   0.1  
   Tin concentrate grade: tin (%) 60.5   –   72.9   –   57.5   61.8   57.5  
   Tin in concentrates produced (’000 tonnes) 0.1   –   0.0   –   0.0   0.3   0.0  
 
(a) Total ore treated for both copper and tin production.

Tin production resumed in the second quarter of 2003.
 DIAMONDS
Argyle Diamonds

Total production from mining operations at Argyle Diamonds (Rio Tinto 100% (a) ) in Western Australia.

(100% basis)

Ore processed (’000 tonnes):                            
   AK1 ore 2,519   2,558   2,525   2,509   2,305   5,020   4,814  
   Alluvial ore 780   851   348   –   –   1,662   –  
 
Total ore processed 3,299   3,409   2,873   2,509   2,305   6,683   4,814  
 
                             
Diamonds produced (’000 carats):                            
   AK1 8,241   8,599   9,482   6,909   6,004   14,119   12,913  
   Alluvial 174   414   455   –   –   451   –  
 
Total produced 8,415   9,013   9,936   6,909   6,004   14,570   12,913  
 
 
(a) Rio Tinto’s interest in the Argyle Diamond mine increased from 99.8% to 100% on 29 April 2002, following the purchase of the outstanding units in the Western Australian Diamond Trust.

Ore processed from the AK1 pit was lower than in previous quarters due to extended maintenance in June. Carats produced reflected lower ore grade from the northern areas of the pit, in accordance with mining schedules. Production from the alluvial mining areas ceased in the fourth quarter of 2002.
Diavik Diamonds

Total production from mining operations at Diavik Diamonds (Rio Tinto 60%) in the Northwest Territories, Canada.

Ore processed (’000 tonnes)
–
  
–
  
–
  
202
  
304
  
–
  
506
  
Diamonds recovered (’000 carats)
–
  
–
  
–
  
411
  
854
  
–
  
1,265
  

The process plant ramp-up continued ahead of schedule with ore processed during the second quarter of 2003 representing approximately 62% of design capacity. Diamond head grade is increasing as mining moves into the more competent ore body although it continues to be influenced by processing the mud-rich rock type that overlays the orebody. The influence of this mud-rich rock type on the recovered grade should diminish as mining moves deeper into the ore body.
Merlin

Total production from the Merlin mine (Rio Tinto 100%) in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Ore processed (’000 tonnes)
195
  
184
  
217
  
204
  
33
  
385
  
237
  
Diamonds recovered (’000 carats)
22
  
33
  
28
  
–
  
44
  
57
  
44
  

Ore mining and processing ceased during the second quarter of 2003.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 17

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OPERATIONAL DATA                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 
 IRON ORE                             
Hamersley Iron                            

Total production and shipments for all the mines operated by Hamersley Iron (Rio Tinto 100%). These mines are Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman (all Rio Tinto 100%) and Channar (Rio Tinto 60%); all in Western Australia.

(100% basis)                            
                             
Saleable iron ore produced (’000 tonnes):                            
   Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price,                            
   Marandoo, Yandicoogina and Brockman 14,078   15,711   13,121   13,616   15,900   28,731   29,516  
   Channar 2,409   2,423   3,233   2,832   2,442   4,938   5,274  
 
Total production 16,487   18,134   16,354   16,448   18,341   33,669   34,789  
 
                             
Total shipments (’000 tonnes) 16,984   19,284   19,029   17,762   17,948   30,163   35,710  

Improved throughput rates lifted production in the second quarter of 2003 by 11% compared with the second quarter of 2002. Production was up a similar amount compared with the first quarter of 2003, which was affected by adverse weather conditions. Shipments in the second quarter of 2003 continued to benefit from strong demand from key markets, notably China, Taiwan and Japan, which were up by 43%, 36% and 16% respectively compared with the second quarter of 2002. Port congestion is likely to remain an issue while demand remains strong.
Iron Ore Company of Canada

Total production and shipments from the Carol Lake operations (Rio Tinto 58.7% (a) ) in Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada.

(100% basis)                            
Carol Lake operations                            
Saleable production:                            
   Concentrates (’000 tonnes) 1,568   532   494   272   712  
2,157
   984  
   Pellets (’000 tonnes) 2,334   1,778   2,816   2,820   2,908  
4,981
   5,728  
Shipments:                            
   Concentrate (’000 tonnes) 869   973   605   290   570  
1,573
   860  
   Pellets (’000 tonnes) 3,094   3,612   3,461   1,963   3,761  
4,464
   5,724  
                             
(a) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in IOC from 56.1% to 58.7% on 20 December 2002.
   
Concentrate shipments continue to be production constrained. Concentrate production was adversely affected by the prolonged commissioning of the new control system on the automatic train operating system, crusher breakdowns and lower recoveries. Concentrate was diverted to support pellet production for which demand was strong.

Rio Tinto Brasil

Total production at Corumbá (Rio Tinto 100%) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Corumbá mine                            
Total iron ore production (’000 tonnes) (a)
201
  
282
  
271
  
221
  
282
  
305
  
503
  
 
(a) Production includes by-product fines.

Production in the first half of 2003 was higher than for the first half of 2002 due to increased customer demand. This was despite the seasonal low river level early in 2003 which restricted shipping.
Robe River Iron Associates

Total production and shipments from Robe River Iron Associates operations (Rio Tinto 53%) in Western Australia.

(100% basis)                            
Pannawonica mine                            
Saleable iron ore production (’000 tonnes)
6,275
  
8,186
  
8,639
  
8,055
  
8,361
  
14,481
  
16,416
  
Sales (’000 tonnes)
7,179
  
8,848
  
7,612
  
7,054
  
8,137
  
15,513
  
15,191
  
West Angelas mine                            
Saleable iron ore production (’000 tonnes) 680  
1,898
  
1,847
  
2,917
  
2,678
   809   5,595  
Sales (’000 tonnes) 131  
1,777
  
1,532
  
2,908
  
2,943
   131   5,851  

Production of Robe River ore from the Pannawonica mine for the second quarter of 2003 was 33% higher than in the second quarter of 2002, which was affected by an extended plant shut in April 2002. Sales of Robe River ore in the second quarter of 2003 were up 15% compared with the first quarter of 2003 in response to continued strong demand from key markets.

Production of West Angelas ore in the second quarter of 2003 was 8% lower than in the first quarter of 2003, as the operation focused on moving waste ore in preparation for the accelerated ramp-up in the second half of 2003. Shipments continued to firm reflecting widespread market acceptance and an increasing customer base for West Angelas Marra Mamba ore.


RIO TINTO QUARTERLY PRODUCTION
Page 18

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OPERATIONAL DATA

 		                           
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 NICKEL  
Rio Tinto Brasil                            

Total nickel in matte production at the Fortaleza (Rio Tinto 100%) in Brazil.

Fortaleza mine                            
Production (tonnes)
1,290
  
510
  
2,410
  
2,619
  
523
  
3,353
  
3,142
  

Nickel production in the first half of 2003 was below the first half of 2002 due to a halt in production following a fatal accident in April 2003. Mining resumed in July 2003 following modifications to mining methods.
Rio Tinto Zimbabwe

Toll refined metal production at the Empress Nickel (Rio Tinto 56%) in Zimbabwe.

(100% basis)                
Empress Nickel refinery                
Production (tonnes)
1,489
1,761
1,479
1,078
1,481
3,172
2,559
  
 
 SALT  
Dampier Salt                

Total production of salt from Dampier, Lake MacLeod and Port Hedland (Rio Tinto 64.9%) in Western Australia.

(100% basis)                
Salt production (’000 tonnes)
1,671
1,883
1,933
1,493
1,731
3,370
3,224
  
 
TALC  
The Luzenac Group                

Total talc production from Luzenac Group operations in Australia (Rio Tinto 100%), Europe (Rio Tinto 99.9%), and North America (Rio Tinto 100%).

(100% basis)                
Talc production (’000 tonnes)
347
341
318
358
329
669
687
  
 
 TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK  
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium                

Rio Tinto share of titanium dioxide feedstock production in Canada and South Africa.

(Rio Tinto share)                            
Titanium dioxide feedstock production (’000 tonnes)
318
  
309
  
319
  
290
  
319
  
646
  
608
  

Titanium dioxide feedstock production in the second quarters of 2003 and 2002 was virtually the same. However, due to reduced production output in the first quarter of 2003, titanium dioxide feedstock produced in the first half of 2003 was 6% lower than during the same period of 2002.


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OPERATIONAL DATA

                            
 
 
2Q
 
3Q
 
4Q
 
1Q
 
2Q
 
1H
 
1H
 
 
2002
 
2002
 
2002
 
2003
 
2003
 
2002
 
2003
 
 URANIUM  
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd                            

Total uranium production at Ranger (Rio Tinto 68.4%) in the Northern Territory, Australia.

(100% basis)                            
Ranger mine                            
Production (tonnes U3O8)
977
  
1,130
  
1,428
  
1,256
  
1,490
  
1,928
  
2,746
  

Production of U3O8in the second quarter of 2003 was nearly 19% higher than in the first quarter of 2003 and 52.5% higher than in the second quarter of 2002 to meet ongoing sales commitments.

Rössing Uranium Ltd

Total uranium production at the Rössing Uranium mine (Rio Tinto 68.58%) in Namibia.

(100% basis)                            
Production (tonnes U3O8)
675
  
846
  
488
  
20
  
678
  
1,418
  
698
  

The Rössing plant did not operate during the first quarter of 2003, while a new coarse tailings conveyor was installed. During the first quarter, shipments and sales were made from stock as planned.
 ZINC
Zinkgruvan Mining AB

Total production at the Zinkgruvan mine (Rio Tinto 100%) in Sweden.

Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 188   188   163   167   189   385   356  
Average ore grades:                            
   Zinc (%) 6.1   8.0   8.6   9.5   9.1   6.2   9.3  
   Lead (%) 3.0   5.3   4.2   4.3   4.4   2.9   4.4  
   Silver (g/t) 69   119   104   99   101   70   101  
Production of zinc concentrate (’000 tonnes) 18.9   24.6   23.3   26.3   28.2   38.9   54.5  
Production of lead concentrate (’000 tonnes) 7.2   13.1   8.5   9.1   11.0   14.4   20.1  
                             
Production of metal in concentrates:                            
   Zinc (’000 tonnes) 10.4   13.6   12.9   14.7   15.6   21.5   30.3  
   Lead (’000 tonnes) 4.9   9.2   6.0   6.2   7.5   9.5   13.7  
   Silver (’000 ounces) 302   545   383   363   447   626   810  

Zinc production in the first two quarters of 2003 was higher than in all quarters of 2002, reflecting the higher grades in all metals.


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 EXPLORATION

Expenditure

Total pre-tax exploration expenditure charged to the profit and loss account for the first half of 2003 was US$64 million compared with US$58 million for the first half of 2002.

Ongoing Programmes

Country   Commodity  
Programme Summary
 
 
         
Peru   Copper   Exploration drilling concluded during the quarter at the Marcona copper project in Peru.
         
USA   Copper   Evaluation of the Resolution project continues
         
Iran   Gold   Exploration and metallurgical test work continued at the Dashkasan gold project.
         
Turkey   Gold   Drilling and metallurgical studies continued at the Cöpler gold project in Turkey.
         
Africa   Diamonds   Further drilling was completed on targets in Botswana. Drilling was completed at the Aredor project in Guinea with no further work planned.
         
Canada   Diamonds   Exploration continued on kimberlite targets in Ontario, Nunavut and on Brodeur
         
India   Diamonds   Exploration continued on granted reconnaissance permits in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.
         
Australia   Iron Ore   Drilling on targets in the Hamersley Basin commenced during the quarter.
         
Guinea   Iron Ore   Evaluation work continued at the Simandou project as a preliminary to initiation of an Order of Magnitude study.
         

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 INDEX TO OPERATIONAL DATA
    Page
Aluminium    
     
Anglesey Aluminium smelter UK 8
Bell Bay smelter Australia 8
Boké Guinea 8
Boyne Island smelter Australia 8
Eurallumina Italy 8
Queensland Alumina Australia 8
Tiwai Point smelter New Zealand 8
Weipa Australia 8
     
Borates    
     
Boron US 8
Tincalayu Argentina 8
     
Coal    
     
Coal & Allied: Australia 9
   – Bengalla Australia 9
   – Hunter Valley Operations Australia 9
   – Mount Thorley Operations Australia 9
   – Moura Australia 9
   – Narama Australia 9
   – Ravensworth East Australia 9
   – Warkworth Australia 9
Kaltim Prima Coal Indonesia 9
Kennecott Energy & Coal: US 10
   – Antelope US 10
   – Colowyo US 10
   – Cordero Rojo US 10
   – Decker US 10
   – Jacobs Ranch US 10
   – Spring Creek US 10
Pacific Coal: Australia 10
   – Blair Athol Australia 10
   – Kestrel Australia 10
   – Tarong Australia 10
     
Copper    
     
Alumbrera Argentina 11
Escondida Chile 11
Freeport Copper & Gold: US 12
   – Grasberg Indonesia 12
   – Atlantic Copper smelter Spain 12
Kennecott Utah Copper: US 14
   – Bingham Canyon US 14
   – Kennecott smelter and refinery US 14
Neves Corvo Portugal 17
Northparkes Australia 15
Palabora mine and smelter South Africa 15
     
Diamonds    
     
Argyle Diamonds Australia 17
Diavik Diamonds Canada 17
Merlin Australia 17
     
Gold    
     
Alumbrera Argentina 11
Escondida Chile 11
Freeport Copper & Gold: US 12
   – Grasberg Indonesia 12
Kennecott Utah Copper: US 14
   – Barneys Canyon US 14
   – Bingham Canyon US 14
Kelian Indonesia 12
Kennecott Minerals: US 13
   – Cortez/Pipeline US 13
   – Greens Creek US 13
   – Rawhide US 13
    Page
Gold (continued)    
     
Lihir Papua New Guinea 14
Morro do Ouro Brazil 16
Northparkes Australia 15
Peak Australia 16
Rio Tinto Zimbabwe:   16
   – Patchway Zimbabwe 16
   – Renco Zimbabwe 16
     
Iron Ore    
     
Corumbá Brazil 18
Hamersley: Australia 18
   – Brockman Australia 18
   – Channar Australia 18
   – Marandoo Australia 18
   – Mt Tom Price Australia 18
   – Paraburdoo Australia 18
   – Yandicoogina Australia 18
Iron Ore Company of Canada Canada 18
Robe River Australia 18
     
Lead/Zinc    
     
Kennecott Minerals: US 13
   – Greens Creek US 13
Zinkgruvan Sweden 20
     
Molybdenum    
     
Bingham Canyon US 14
     
Nickel    
     
Empress refinery Zimbabwe 19
Fortaleza Brazil 19
     
Salt    
     
Dampier Salt Australia 19
     
Silver    
     
Bingham Canyon US 14
Escondida Chile 11
Grasberg Indonesia 12
Greens Creek US 13
Zinkgruvan Sweden 20
     
Talc    
Luzenac Australia/Europe/  
  US/Canada 19
     
Tin    
     
Neves Corvo Portugal 17
     
Titanium dioxide feedstock    
     
QIT mine and smelter Canada 19
Richards Bay Minerals mine and smelter South Africa 19
     
Uranium    
     
Energy Resources of Australia Australia 20
   – Ranger Australia 20
Rössing Namibia 20

 


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