Rio Tinto has released its production results from the third quarter of 2025. Pilbara iron ore shipments (100%) reached 84.3 million metric tonnes (Mm/t). This was up 6.0% on the second quarter result. Copper equivalent production increased 9% year-on-year in the third quarter, driven by a strong performance across all the company´s assets. Full year bauxite production guidance was upgraded due to operational excellence, especially at Amrun.

“We continue to strengthen performance from our assets, setting back-to-back quarterly production records in our bauxite business and at Oyu Tolgoi, where the underground ramp-up remains on track to boost copper output by more than 50% this year,” said Rio Tinto´s Chief Executive, Simon Trott. “We are focused on delivering a strong finish to the year from the Pilbara. Our growth projects are also progressing at pace. At Simandou, we started loading first ore at the mine for movement down the rail and to the port in October.

Mr Trott said the company is on track to meet production guidance for 2025, with an upwards revision to bauxite this quarter, and is well positioned to deliver significant mid-term production growth. The miner expects to continue to deliver further shareholder value through operational excellence, simplification and discipline on performance and capital investment. It was also confirmed that, as part of Rio Tinto´s iron ore replacement strategy, West Angelas Sustaining Project had received all Government approvals in October.

Additionally, Mr Trott said the Kennecott copper mine performed as expected during the quarter, while major planned maintenance at the concentrator and smelter commenced successfully.