Rio Tinto reported a fourth-quarter Pilbara iron ore production of 89.7 million tonnes, representing a 4% year-over-year increase, and shipments of 91.3 million tonnes, up 7% on the prior year. These results reflect a strong operational rebound following weather disruptions earlier in the year and underscore the Pilbara business’s critical role in driving group volumes and cash generation.

The Simandou project reached a major development milestone with its first commercial shipment during the quarter. This inaugural cargo marks the transition of Simandou from construction phase to revenue-generating asset, validating the company’s multi-year capital investment of over US$20 billion and positioning Rio Tinto to leverage one of the world’s highest-grade iron ore deposits.

Rio Tinto’s copper equivalent production climbed 8% year-over-year in 2025, supported by the ramp-up at Oyu Tolgoi and record bauxite output. Shipments of copper equivalent products rose 5% as higher grades and stronger processing throughput in lithium operations also contributed. Bauxite volumes held steady at 15.4 million tonnes, while alumina output dipped 1% to 2.0 million tonnes, reflecting ongoing refinery modernization work.

For fiscal 2026, management projects Pilbara iron ore sales in the range of 323–338 million tonnes, bauxite production of 58–61 million tonnes, and alumina output of 7.6–8.0 million tonnes. Chief Executive Simon Trott highlighted the company’s streamlined operating model and effective project delivery, noting that first Simandou shipments and record copper production demonstrate Rio Tinto’s ability to extract value across its portfolio and support a resilient earnings outlook.