Rio Tinto plc reported unaudited production results for the fourth quarter and full year 2016. For the quarter, the company reported Pilbara operations produced 85.5 million tons (Rio Tinto share 70.9 million tons) was 4% higher than the same quarter of 2015. Total alumina production was 2,104,000 tons, increase 5% compared to last year. Total aluminum production was 925,000 tons increase 7% compared to last year. Total bauxite production was 12,120,000 tons, increase 8% compared to last year. Hard coking coal production were 15% higher than the same quarter of 2015 due to longwall and plant outperformance at Kestrel. Semi-soft coking coal productions were 22% higher than the corresponding period of 2015 due to mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations and Mt Thorley Warkworth.

For the year, the company reported Pilbara operations produced 329.5 million tons (Rio Tinto share 270.7 million tons) in 2016, 6% higher than in 2015. The strong production performance in 2016 is attributable to the ramp-up of expanded mines, operational productivity improvements and minimal disruption from weather events. Total alumina production was 8,192,000 tons, increase 5% compared to last year. Total aluminum production was 3,646,000 tons increase 10% compared to last year. Total bauxite production was 47,703,000 tons, increase 9% compared to last year. Alumina production for 2016 increased 5% compared with 2015, primarily due to operational improvements driving record production at the Yarwun refinery (up 11 per cent). The Jonquière and Alumar refineries also achieved record annual production. Aluminium production was 5% higher in 2016, due largely to Kitimat, which produced at nameplate capacity for a third consecutive quarter. Record annual production was achieved at ten smelters, whilst quarterly production records at seven smelters resulted in a 7% increase in production compared with the corresponding period in 2015. Hard coking coal production was 4% higher in 2016 due to longwall and plant outperformance at Kestrel. Semi-soft coking coal production was 12% higher than 2015 due to mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations and Mt Thorley Warkworth.

Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017 is expected to be 48 million to 50 million tons of bauxite, 8.0 million to 8.2 million tons of alumina and 3.5 to 3.7 million tons of aluminium. Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in 2017 are expected to be between 330 and 340 million tons (100% basis), subject to weather conditions. In 2017, Rio Tinto's share of mined copper production is expected to be between 525,000 tons and 665,000 tons, with higher production at Escondida, and an expected share of joint venture production at Grasberg. Refined copper production is expected to be between 185,000 tons and 225,000 tons. Diamond production guidance for 2017 is 19 million carats to 24 million carats. In 2017, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 7.8 to 8.4 million tons of hard coking coal, 3.3 to 3.9 million tons of semi-soft coking coal, 17 to 18 million tons of thermal coal, 11.4 to 12.4 million tons of iron ore pellets and concentrates, 1.1 to 1.2 million tons of titanium dioxide slag, 0.5 million tons of boric oxide equivalent production, and 6.5 to 7.5 million pounds of uranium.