On October 14, 2025, global mining giant Rio Tinto released its production results for the third quarter of 2025. Data shows that in the first nine months of the year, output of core metals—including copper, aluminum, and titanium—rose steadily. Lithium operations progressed in synergy with the aluminum segment, and key strategic projects such as Simandou were successfully implemented. Rio Tinto has further raised its bauxite production guidance, reflecting an overall operational trend of “capacity ramp-up and operational optimization,” which lays a solid foundation for delivering strong full-year results.

Copper: A Key Growth Driver

Copper emerged as a major growth engine in the first three quarters. In Q3, Rio Tinto’s attributable copper production reached 204,000 tonnes, up 10% year-over-year. The Oyu Tolgoi project stood out, with its underground mine steadily ramping up as planned, positioning the company to achieve the upper end of its full-year copper production guidance of 780,000–850,000 tonnes—a potential increase of over 50% compared to 2024.

Meanwhile, the Kennecott copper mine performed in line with expectations in Q3. Its concentrator and smelter completed major planned maintenance, ensuring stable future copper output. Notably, Rio Tinto lowered its copper C1 net unit cash cost guidance to US$1.10–1.30 per pound, demonstrating significant progress in cost control.

Aluminum & Lithium: Synergistic Growth

The aluminum value chain remained robust throughout the first nine months, providing strong support for lithium business development.

• Bauxite: Q3 production reached 16.4 million tonnes, up 9% year-over-year and 5% quarter-over-quarter.

• Alumina: Output totaled 1.9 million tonnes, a 7% YoY and 4% QoQ increase.

• Primary aluminum: Production hit 860,000 tonnes, up 6% YoY and 2% QoQ.

Thanks to sustained above-nameplate performance at the Amrun and Weipa mines, Rio Tinto has raised its 2025 bauxite production guidance from 57–59 million tonnes to 59–61 million tonnes. The full-year primary aluminum target remains unchanged at 3.25–3.45 million tonnes. This stable aluminum performance creates favorable conditions for expanding the Group’s lithium value chain.

Titanium: Stable Outlook Despite Minor Decline

In Q3, high-grade titanium slag production totaled 300,000 tonnes, down 1% YoY and 3% QoQ. However, Rio Tinto maintained its full-year titanium slag guidance of 1.0–1.2 million tonnes. Current operations are running at a lower level, with production schedules to be dynamically adjusted based on market demand to ensure stable supply.

Strategic Restructuring and Project Advancement

Notably, Rio Tinto has streamlined its business structure in the first three quarters, consolidating aluminum and lithium, as well as copper, into two core divisions—alongside iron ore—to form three world-class business units. This refocuses the company on its core metals: copper, aluminum, lithium, and titanium. Meanwhile, its borates and iron-titanium businesses are under strategic review, with resources being reallocated toward priority metal segments.

Additionally, the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea commenced its first shipment in October. In the Pilbara region, Q3 iron ore shipments reached 84.3 million tonnes—the second-highest level since 2019—providing robust logistical and raw material support for the company’s base metals operations.

Leadership Outlook

Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm stated:

“Safety remains our top priority. Through operational excellence, process simplification, and disciplined capital allocation, we are driving further capacity release in copper, aluminum, and lithium to ensure reliable global metal supply and deliver sustained value for our shareholders.”

(Source: China Nonferrous Metals News)