Rio Tinto has reported a significant increase in copper equivalent production for the second quarter of 2025, with a year-on-year rise of 13%. This follows a 6% increase for the first half of the year. Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm highlighted record production from the company’s bauxite operations and progress at Oyu Tolgoi, which is on track to become one of the world’s largest copper mines.
Stausholm stated, “We delivered excellent operational performance from our mine operations with record production from our bauxite business and from Oyu Tolgoi as it ramps up to become the world’s fourth largest copper mine before the end of the decade.”
He also noted achievements in Pilbara iron ore production and advancements in their Simandou iron ore project. “We continue to make strong progress in our production and growth projects, achieving our highest Pilbara Q2 production since 2018 and accelerating the first shipment from the Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea,” he said.
Simon Trott will take over as Chief Executive on August 25, 2025. The company expects copper production to be at the higher end of its guidance range for this year.
The company reported that Pilbara iron ore shipments were down by 1% compared to Q2 2024 but increased by 13% compared to Q1 2025. Bauxite achieved another quarterly record and is expected to reach the higher end of its annual guidance range.
Lithium integration is proceeding according to plan, aligning with Rio Tinto’s strategy to develop a leading lithium business. The first shipment from Simandou is anticipated around November 2025.
Rio Tinto continues its Iron Ore replacement strategy with Western Range opening on schedule and Hope Downs 2 receiving all necessary government approvals in Q2.
This announcement was authorized for release by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto’s Group Company Secretary.
