Copper

Chief executive, Copper: Andrew Harding

With diverse assets and leading technology, our Copper group is uniquely positioned to supply growing global demand. In 2010, we produced 678 thousand tonnes of copper, making us the world's fifth largest supplier. We also produced 772 thousand ounces of gold and 13 thousand tonnes of molybdenum as by-products of our copper operations.

Products

Overview: Copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, nickel

Copper
About two thirds of copper production is used in electrical applications due to its high conductivity. It helps power our lives, in homes and factories, cars, computers, phones and equipment. Further major uses are in air conditioning and refrigeration, plumbing and roofing.

Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a metallic element frequently used in alloys with stainless steel and other metals. It enhances the metal's toughness, high temperature strength and corrosion resistance. We produce molybdenum as a by-product from the Kennecott Utah Copper operations.

Gold
Gold has enjoyed a mystique and value unrivalled by other metals. Most gold that is not stored as bullion for investment purposes goes into jewellery. Gold's conductivity and non corrosive properties make it a vital fabrication material in technology, electronics, space exploration and dentistry. We produce gold as a by-product from our copper mines.

Silver
Silver is a good conductor of electricity and does not corrode. It is used in many electrical and electronic applications, such as photovoltaic cells, and is the principal ingredient of x-ray film. Silver is also a metal of beauty, used to make lasting products for the home and person. Rio Tinto produces silver as a by-product of its copper production.

Nickel
Nickel is the 5th most common element in the earth's crust and is a component of earth's core. We are most likely to encounter Nickel in coins, rechargeable batteries, and Stainless Steel products. Nickel is also an important part of many high-tech devices. Nickel is being studied as a new, more efficient, catalyst for fuel cells. Nickel is also being used in solar panels. These uses are paramount to the 'green' future we are all working towards.

Download the Copper fact sheet

Operational highlights in 2010

Find out more on Copper's performance results in the Annual report

^(a) See note 2 and the Financial information by business unit section of the 2010 financial statements for a reconciliation of underlying earnings to net earnings.