Gold and silver
- Overview
- Key data
- Learn more
- Sales contacts
Rio Tinto's gold and silver are now produced mainly by Kennecott Minerals, Kennecott Utah Copper and its joint ventures Escondida in Chile, Grasberg in Indonesia and Northparkes in Australia.
The following table details production and commodity information for Rio Tinto's worldwide gold and silver operations:
| Operation | Rio Tinto share | Commodity | Total annual production, '000 ounces (as at December 31 2008) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barneys Canyon, North America | 100% | Gold | 5 |
| Bingham Canyon, North America | 100% | Gold Silver |
368 3,414 |
| Cortez/Pipeline, North America (p) | 40% | Gold | 29 |
| Escondida, South America | 30% | Gold Silver |
43 1,850 |
| Grasberg, Indonesia (n) | 40% | Gold Silver |
220 |
| Greens Creek, North America (q) | 70.3% | Gold Silver |
12 1,275 |
| Kennecott Utah Copper, North America | 100% | Gold (refined) Silver (refined) |
303 3,252 |
| Northparkes, Australia | 80% | Gold | 26 |
| Rawhide, North America (r) | 51% | Gold | 9 |
| Others | Gold (refined) Silver (refined) |
8 417 | |
| Rio Tinto share of total gold and silver production, '000 ounces (as at December 31 2008) | Gold Gold (refined) Silver Silver (refined) |
501 303 7,176 3,252 |
Production data notes
(n) 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.
(p) 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.
(q) 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.
(r) 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.