Production & reserves

Production data notes

1. 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 onsite, except for the data for iron ore and bauxite (beneficiated and calcined) which represent production of marketable quantities of ore.
2. Rio Tinto percentage share, shown above, is as at the end of 2008 and has applied over the period 2006-2008 except for those operations where the share has varied during the year and the weighted average for them is shown below. The Rio Tinto share varies at individual mines and refineries in the “others” category and thus no value is shown.




Rio Tinto Share %

Operation	See note	2008	2007	2006
Queensland Alumina	(e)	80.0	46.3	38.6
Palabora	(o)	57.7	57.7	50.5
Dampier Salt Limited	(u)	68.4	67.0	64.9



3. Rio Tinto sold its 56.2 per cent share in Eurallumina with an effective date of 31 October 2006 and production data are shown up to that date.
4. Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name.
5. Rio Tinto held a 38.6 per cent share in QAL until 24 October 2007; this increased to 80.0 per cent following the Alcan acquisition.
6. Following a review of the basis for reporting aluminium smelter production tonnes, the data reported now reflect hot metal production rather than saleable product tonnes.
7. Rio Tinto sold its 50 per cent interest in the Ningxia aluminium smelter with an effective date of 26 January 2009.
8. Production at the Sohar smelter commenced in the third quarter of 2008.
9. Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80 per cent interest in the Awaso mine but purchases the additional 20 per cent of production.
10. Rio Tinto has a 22.95 per cent shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45.0 per cent of production under the partnership agreement. Data have been restated to reflect a moisture content adjustment.
11. Borate quantities are expressed as B₂O₃.
12. Rio Tinto sold its 100 per cent interest in Tarong Coal with an effective date of 31 January 2008; production data are shown up to that date.
13. In view of Rio Tinto Energy America’s responsibilities under a management agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo’s output is included in Rio Tinto’s share of production.
14. Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
15. Rio Tinto’s shareholding in Palabora varied during 2006 due to the progressive conversion of debentures into ordinary shares.
16. Rio Tinto sold its 40 per cent interest in the Cortez/Pipeline joint venture on 5 March 2008, with an effective date end of February 2008. Production data are shown up to that date.
17. Rio Tinto sold its 70.3 per cent share in the Greens Creek joint venture with an effective date of 16 April 2008. Production data are shown up to that date.
18. On the 28 October 2008, Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in the Rawhide Joint Venture from 51 per cent to 100 per cent. The previous Joint Venture shareholder continued to be entitled to 49 per cent of production until 31 December 2008; thereafter Rio Tinto will be entitled to 100 per cent.
19. Rio Tinto’s share of production includes 100 per cent of the production from the Eastern Range mine. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement (Rio Tinto 54 per cent), Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture.
20. Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007.
21. Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Dampier Salt Limited to 68.4 per cent at the beginning of July 2007.
22. Talc production includes some products derived from purchased ores.
23. Quantities comprise 100 per cent of QIT and 50 per cent of Richards Bay Minerals’ production.