EX-99 4 b835648ex99-1.htm Prepared and filed by St Ives Financial

Exhibit 99.1

News release…

Date: 19 July 2006
Ref: PR489q

Second quarter 2006 operations review

• The Group’s share of iron ore production was a record for the quarter, increasing by four per cent compared with the second quarter of 2005, and by 16 per cent compared with the previous quarter, as the expansion programme delivered additional capacity. The operations in Western Australia recovered from the severe weather conditions experienced during the first quarter, although the impact on iron ore production continued into the second quarter.
   
• HIsmelt made its first shipment to customers in the US.
   
• Mined copper production rose by two per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by nine per cent compared with the second quarter of 2005, in line with increased grades at Kennecott Utah Copper and higher production at Escondida from the Norte pit.
   
• Production from the Comalco Alumina Refinery increased by 25 per cent in the second quarter compared with the first quarter, with operating levels showing increasing stability and at times exceeding 90 per cent of original design capacity.
   
• Titanium dioxide feedstock production was three per cent higher than the previous quarter, and eight per cent above the same quarter of 2005, reflecting the strength of current customer demand and the further expansion of the Upgraded Slag (UGS) plant.
   
• US coal production reached record levels for the quarter, increasing by seven per cent compared with the first quarter, and by ten per cent compared with the second quarter of 2005. This was in line with the recovery of rail capacity and the expansions of the Spring Creek and Antelope mines.
   
• Australian thermal coal production rose by six per cent compared with the previous quarter consistent with the availability of port and rail capacity. Australian hard coking coal production recovered from the first quarter but was below the second quarter of 2005, reflecting lower customer demand.

All currency figures in this report are US dollars unless otherwise stated

Cont…/

Rio Tinto plc 6 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4LD
Telephone 020 7930 2399 Fax 020 7930 3249
REGISTERED OFFICE: 6 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4LD Registered in England No. 719885

IRON ORE AND IRON

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
  Q2 06   vs Q2 05   vs Q1 06   H1 06   vs H1 05  
Hamersley 23,042   +1%   +13%   43,414   +5%  
Robe River 7,178   +11%   +20%   13,163   +1%  
IOC (pellets and concentrate) 2,641   +7%   +41%   4,513   +1%  

Global iron ore demand remained strong in all markets during the quarter. During May and June, Hamersley and Robe agreed a 19 per cent increase in the benchmark price for their products, for the 2006 contract year. In June, the Iron Ore Company of Canada agreed a 17.3 per cent increase in the price of its iron ore concentrate and a 3.5 per cent decrease in the price of pellets.

Construction of the $1 billion Hope Downs iron ore project in Western Australia (Rio Tinto share $685 million) began in April, following Western Australian Government approval and the ratification of the Hope Downs Joint Venture.

Hamersley and Robe River
The effects of the very severe cyclone season experienced in the first quarter continued into the second quarter at both Hamersley and Robe, albeit to a lesser extent.

Notwithstanding this, Hamersley’s second quarter production was 13 per cent higher than the previous quarter and half year production was five per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2005. This was due, in part, to the commencement of production at the Nammuldi mine.

HIsmelt
HIsmelt made its first shipment of almost 40,000 tonnes of pig iron to the US in June.

Iron Ore Company of Canada
Pellet and concentrate production increased by 41 per cent compared with the first quarter, when extreme winter conditions were experienced. Concentrate production levels were higher than the previous quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2005.

ENERGY

US thermal coal

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)  
  Q2 06   vs Q2 05   vs Q1 06   H1 06   vs H1 05  
Rio Tinto Energy America 31,680   +10%   +7%   61,161   +5%  

Production in 2006 has increased following the recovery of rail capacity from the 2005 maintenance campaign. The Antelope mine set a new quarterly and half year record with the expansion project continuing ahead of schedule. The $46 million expansion that is underway at the Spring Creek mine, which will raise capacity from 12 to 16 million tonnes per annum, contributed to a new quarterly production record.

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Australian coal

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)  
  Q2 06   vs Q2 05   vs Q1 06   H1 06   vs H1 05  
Rio Tinto Coal Australia                    
   Hard coking coal 1,535   -21%   +36%   2,661   -31%  
   Other coal 8,093   +11%   +6%   15,711   +3%  

Production of hard coking coal at Hail Creek reflected lower vessel presentation. Production from the Hunter Valley operations was in line with the allocation set under the Port Waratah Coal Services capacity balancing system, contributing to a six per cent increase in thermal coal production during the quarter.

Uranium

Second quarter uranium production declined by just over one third compared with the first quarter, due to heavy rainfalls from a cyclone which prevented access to high grade ore at the Ranger mine. Production was further impacted by a reduction in the volume of ore treated due to difficulties experienced in bringing the acid plant back to full production after a planned maintenance shutdown.

INDUSTRIAL MINERALS

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)  
  Q2 06   vs Q2 05   vs Q1 06   H1 06   vs H1 05  
Borates 142   -3%   +9%   272   +1%  
Titanium dioxide feedstocks 354   +8%   +3%   699   +8%  

Second quarter borates production was nine per cent higher than the previous quarter during which a number of maintenance shutdowns took place. Production in the first half was consistent with the first six months of 2005.

Increased production of titanium dioxide feedstocks reflected the strength of current demand and QIT’s recently completed UGS expansion to 325,000 tonnes per annum. The UGS expansion to 375,000 tonnes per annum is proceeding as scheduled.

ALUMINIUM

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)                    
  Q2 06   vs Q2 05   vs Q1 06 H1 06   vs H1 05  
Rio Tinto Aluminium                    
   Bauxite 3,815   +4%   -1%   7,658   +8%  
   Alumina 854   +10%   +10%   1,632   +10%  
   Aluminium 206.6   -3%   -0%   413.7   -2%  

Half year bauxite production was eight per cent higher than the comparative period in 2005 due to the successful commissioning of the Andoom mine and processing plant which form part of the NeWeipa project.

Second quarter production from the Comalco Alumina Refinery, at 322,000 tonnes, was 25 per cent above the previous record quarter, with increased digestion pump availability

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resulting in good production rates. There are two major shutdowns planned for the Comalco Alumina Refinery for the third quarter. Production at Queensland Alumina and Eurallumina was in line with the previous quarter.

Production at the aluminium smelters was slightly behind the first quarter of 2006, primarily due to cells being taken out of circuit at Tiwai Point, because of low rainfall in the hydropower catchment area.

COPPER

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)                    
  Q2 06   vs Q2 05   vs Q1 06 H1 06   vs H1 05  
Kennecott Utah Copper                    
   Mined copper (000 tonnes) 68.7   +21%   +11%   130.3   +10%  
   Refined copper (000 tonnes) 67.7   +63%   -5%   138.5   +40%  
   Molybdenum (000 tonnes) 3.5   +8%   -21%   7.9   +11%  
   Mined gold (000 ozs) 149   +50%   +12%   282   +29%  
   Refined gold (000 ozs) 141   +85%   +19%   259   +56%  
Escondida                    
   Mined copper (000 tonnes) 105.9   +12%   -1%   213.1   +19%  
Grasberg JV                    
   Mined copper (000 tonnes) 10.2   -54%   -14%   22.1   -54%  
   Mined gold (000 ozs) 19   -86%   +107%   28   -91%  

Kennecott Utah Copper
The optimisation of mine production in favour of molybdenum continued, although lower grades during the quarter accounted for lower molybdenum production. Mined copper production and gold contained in copper concentrate were higher compared with the previous quarter and the same quarter in 2005, in line with higher grades.

Refined copper and gold production was significantly higher in the second quarter compared with the same period of 2005 due to strong operational performance at the smelter and a 17 day planned maintenance shutdown in May 2005. The smelter will undergo a 45 day planned maintenance shutdown in September and October 2006.

Escondida
Second quarter mined copper production was 12 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2005 as a result of the commissioning of the Norte pit in September 2005 and the commencement of sulphide leaching in 2006.

Grasberg
Lower grades for copper, gold and silver as a result of mine sequencing led to significantly lower production for all three metals compared with the same quarter of 2005.

Other copper operations
Total mill throughput remained in line with the previous quarter at Palabora with a significant improvement in daily ore production. Levels of concentrate smelted and anodes produced increased from the first quarter following the completion of the scheduled shutdown. Increased production at Northparkes reflected the continued mining of higher grade ore from the Lift 2 area, operational performance exceeded design capacity and mill recoveries averaged in excess of 90 per cent.

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DIAMONDS

Rio Tinto share of production (000 carats)                    
  Q2 06   vs Q2 05   vs Q1 06 H1 06   vs H1 05  
Argyle 7,509   -20%   +44%   12,722   -29%  
Diavik 1,632   +8%   +52%   2,705   +6%  

Argyle
Carat production recovered in the second quarter following adverse weather conditions earlier in the year. Continuing variability in production levels can be expected as the mine reaches the end of the open-pit life, and transitions to an underground operation.

Diavik
Throughput at Diavik recovered from the previous quarter, in line with the seasonally expected profile. Grades were higher than the previous quarter with a relatively constant mix from higher grade A154S ore and lower grade A154N ore.

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION

Pre-tax expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first half of 2006 was $113 million compared with $93 million in the first half of 2005. $26 million of this expenditure was charged against business unit earnings.

Exploration drilling was sustained on copper targets in Chile, Argentina, Mexico and the US. Exploration in Russia ramps up as part of the RioNor Joint Venture. Diamond exploration remained focused on targets in Canada, Botswana, Mauritania, India and Brazil. Iron ore exploration continued in Western Australia and in west Africa. Exploration for thermal and coking coal opportunities continued in southern Africa, North America, South America and Mongolia.

Brownfield exploration is underway at a number of Rio Tinto businesses, including the Pilbara, Kennecott Utah Copper, the Freeport and Cortez Joint Ventures, Greens Creek and Northparkes.

Evaluation work continued on a number of projects including Eagle (nickel/copper, US), Resolution (copper/gold, US), Potasio Rio Colorado (potash, Argentina), La Granja (copper, Peru) and Simandou (iron ore, Guinea). Rio Tinto has taken a 9.9 per cent equity position in Northern Dynasty Minerals which controls the Pebble copper-gold-molybdenum deposit in Alaska. Contract of Work negotiations continue at La Sampala nickel in Indonesia.

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CAPITAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

During the first half of 2006, the Group bought back $1,027 million of Rio Tinto plc shares under the 2006/2007 $2.5 billion share buyback programme announced on 2 February 2006. In addition, a special dividend of $1.5 billion was paid on 6 April, bringing the total returned to shareholders to date under the 2006/07 programme to $2,527 million.

For further information, please contact:

LONDON AUSTRALIA
   
Media Relations Media Relations
Nick Cobban Ian Head
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2305 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620
Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101
   
Investor Relations Investor Relations
Nigel Jones Dave Skinner
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2401 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628
Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227 365 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309
David Ovington Susie Creswell
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2326 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3639
Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978 Mobile: +61 (0) 418 933 792

Website: www.riotinto.com
High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk

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RIO TINTO PRODUCTION SUMMARY

RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION

    QUARTER   HALF YEAR   % CHANGE  
   
 
 
 
    2005   2006   2006   2005   2006   Q2 06   Q2 06   H1 06  
    Q2   Q1   Q2   H1   H1   vs   vs   vs  
Principal Commodities                       Q1 06   Q2 05   H1 05  
   
 
 
 
Alumina ('000 t) 779   778   854   1,490   1,632   10%   10%   10%  
Aluminium ('000 t) 213.3   207.1   206.6   421.6   413.7   0%   -3%   -2%  
Borates ('000 t) 146   130   142   268   272   9%   -3%   1%  
Coal - hard coking coal ('000 t) 1,952   1,126   1,535   3,855   2,661   36%   -21%   -31%  
Coal - other Australian ('000 t) 7,298   7,618   8,093   15,290   15,711   6%   11%   3%  
Coal - US ('000 t) 28,916   29,481   31,680   58,156   61,161   7%   10%   5%  
Copper - mined ('000 t) 190.1   203.4   207.4   378.3   410.8   2%   9%   9%  
Copper - refined ('000 t) 62.0   85.6   83.9   139.8   169.5   -2%   35%   21%  
Diamonds ('000 cts) 10,954   6,324   9,206   20,688   15,530   46%   -16%   -25%  
Gold - mined ('000 ozs) 420   220   240   881   460   9%   -43%   -48%  
Gold - refined ('000 ozs) 76   118   141   166   259   19%   85%   56%  
Iron ore ('000 t) 32,166   28,668   33,316   59,784   61,985   16%   4%   4%  
Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 t) 328   344   354   649   699   3%   8%   8%  
   
 
 
 
                                   
Other Metals & Minerals                                  
   
 
 
 
Bauxite ('000 t) 3,674   3,843   3,815   7,117   7,658   -1%   4%   8%  
Lead - mined ('000 t) 3.3   3.0   2.2   6.7   5.2   -27%   -34%   -22%  
Molybdenum ('000 t) 3.3   4.4   3.5   7.1   7.9   -21%   8%   11%  
Pig Iron ('000 t) —   2.4   16.6   —   19.0   584%   —   —  
Salt ('000 t) 1,392   1,209   1,441   2,776   2,650   19%   4%   -5%  
Silver - mined ('000 ozs) 3,726   3,180   3,270   7,746   6,450   3%   -12%   -17%  
Silver - refined ('000 ozs) 1,138   1,398   1,008   1,893   2,406   -28%   -11%   27%  
Talc ('000 t) 365   381   346   690   727   -9%   -5%   5%  
Uranium (tonnes) 1,434   1,508   998   3,050   2,506   -34%   -30%   -18%  
Zinc - mined ('000 t) 10.4   8.6   7.1   20.4   15.6   -17%   -32%   -23%  
   
 
 
 

Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page.
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the half year figures.

Second Quarter 2005 Operations Review Page 7

RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
                                 
ALUMINA                                
Production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Comalco Alumina Refinery 100%   228   191   220   257   322   425   578  
   Eurallumina 56%   150   150   153   152   152   298   304  
   Queensland Alumina 39%   401   384   375   369   381   767   750  
     
Rio Tinto total alumina production     779   725   748   778   854   1,490   1,632  
                                 
ALUMINIUM                                
Refined production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Anglesey 51%   18.2   18.3   18.7   18.5   18.1   36.4   36.6  
   Bell Bay 100%   43.5   43.9   43.6   43.2   43.7   86.3   86.9  
   Boyne Island 59%   81.6   82.4   82.7   80.4   80.9   161.1   161.3  
   Tiwai Point 79%   70.0   72.0   70.6   65.0   63.9   137.8   128.9  
     
Rio Tinto total aluminium production     213.3   216.6   215.6   207.1   206.6   421.6   413.7  
                                 
BAUXITE                                
Production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Weipa 100%   3,674   3,781   4,576   3,843   3,815   7,117   7,658  
                                 
BORATES                                
Borates ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)                                
Rio Tinto total borate production 100%   146   141   151   130   142   268   272  
                                 
COAL - HARD COKING                                
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (a) ('000 tonnes)                                
      Hail Creek Coal 82%   1,223   1,208   1,270   617   797   2,360   1,414  
      Kestrel Coal 80%   729   547   315   508   739   1,495   1,247  
     
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production     1,952   1,755   1,585   1,126   1,535   3,855   2,661  
                                 
COAL - OTHER *                                
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (a) ('000 tonnes)                                
      Bengalla 30%   386   366   622   330   426   819   755  
      Blair Athol Coal 71%   1,789   1,994   1,876   1,730   1,778   3,681   3,509  
      Hunter Valley Operations 76%   2,292   2,259   2,293   2,124   2,639   4,817   4,763  
      Kestrel Coal 80%   227   143   89   125   232   387   357  
      Mount Thorley Operations 61%   648   664   491   763   549   1,245   1,312  
      Tarong Coal 100%   1,334   1,804   1,549   1,803   1,685   3,118   3,488  
      Warkworth 42%   622   766   657   744   784   1,224   1,528  
     
Total Australian other coal     7,298   7,996   7,576   7,618   8,093   15,290   15,711  
     
                                 
Rio Tinto Energy America (b) ('000 tonnes)                                
      Antelope 100%   6,788   7,287   6,413   7,501   7,849   13,474   15,349  
      Colowyo (c)   1,315   1,219   1,477   1,468   1,497   2,629   2,965  
      Cordero Rojo 100%   8,736   7,687   8,642   8,675   9,121   17,905   17,796  
      Decker 50%   872   841   890   776   807   1,412   1,583  
      Jacobs Ranch 100%   8,188   8,014   8,590   8,513   8,879   17,219   17,392  
      Spring Creek 100%   3,018   3,243   3,122   2,549   3,527   5,516   6,076  
     
Total US coal     28,916   28,290   29,135   29,481   31,680   58,156   61,161  
     
Rio Tinto total other coal production     36,214   36,286   36,710   37,099   39,773   73,446   76,872  
                                 
COPPER                                
Mine production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Bingham Canyon 100%   56.7   50.2   51.6   61.6   68.7   118.8   130.3  
   Escondida 30%   94.1   101.7   100.4   107.2   105.9   179.0   213.1  
   Grasberg - Joint Venture (d) 40%   22.0   23.6   38.2   11.9   10.2   47.8   22.1  
   Northparkes 80%   9.5   11.8   13.3   15.5   16.5   18.1   32.1  
   Palabora (e) 46%   7.7   8.2   7.2   7.2   6.1   14.6   13.3  
     
Rio Tinto total mine production     190.1   195.4   210.7   203.4   207.4   378.3   410.8  
     
                                 
Refined production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Escondida 30%   11.2   10.2   10.4   8.0   6.1   22.5   14.1  
   Kennecott Utah Copper 100%   41.5   68.1   65.1   70.9   67.7   98.7   138.5  
   Palabora (e) 46%   9.3   10.8   9.9   6.7   10.2   18.6   16.8  
     
Rio Tinto total refined production     62.0   89.2   85.5   85.6   83.9   139.8   169.5  
                                 
DIAMONDS                                
Production ('000 carats)                                
   Argyle 100%   9,393   5,995   6,455   5,214   7,509   18,026   12,722  
   Diavik 60%   1,509   1,306   1,098   1,073   1,632   2,558   2,705  
   Murowa 78%   52   48   44   38   66   104   103  
     
Rio Tinto total diamond production     10,954   7,349   7,598   6,324   9,206   20,688   15,530  

Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined on-site.
* Coal - other includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
See footnotes on page 10.

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 8

RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued)

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
                                 
GOLD                                
Mine production ('000 ounces)                                
   Barneys Canyon 100%   4   4   4   4   3   9   7  
   Bingham Canyon 100%   95   92   99   129   146   210   274  
   Cortez/Pipeline 40%   110   89   74   35   27   198   62  
   Escondida 30%   13   13   13   12   15   29   27  
   Grasberg - Joint Venture (d) 40%   140   122   248   9   19   300   28  
   Greens Creek 70%   14   11   12   11   9   29   20  
   Kelian (f) 90%   8   —   —   —   —   38   —  
   Lihir (g) 0%   19   28   —   —   —   33   —  
   Northparkes 80%   11   12   13   15   16   21   31  
   Rawhide 51%   5   3   4   4   3   10   7  
   Others —   2   2   2   2   2   3   4  
     
Rio Tinto total mine production     420   376   469   220   240   881   460  
     
Refined production ('000 ounces)                                
   Kennecott Utah Copper 100%   76   92   110   118   141   166   259  
                                 
IRON ORE & IRON                                
Production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Channar 60%   1,311   1,371   980   1,211   1,486   2,835   2,697  
   Corumbá 100%   372   371   290   440   455   749   895  
   Eastern Range (h)   1,831   1,897   1,536   1,756   2,021   3,126   3,777  
   Hamersley 100%   19,704   18,915   19,931   17,404   19,536   35,540   36,940  
   Iron Ore Company of Canada (i) 59%   2,459   2,292   2,424   1,871   2,641   4,472   4,513  
   Robe River 53%   6,489   7,341   7,362   5,986   7,178   13,061   13,163  
     
Rio Tinto total mine production     32,166   32,187   32,522   28,668   33,316   59,784   61,985  
     
Pig iron production ('000 tonnes)                                
   HIsmelt® (j) 60%   —   —   5   2   17   —   19  
LEAD                                
Mine production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Greens Creek 70%   3.3   2.5   2.7   3.0   2.2   6.7   5.2  
                                 
MOLYBDENUM                                
Mine production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Bingham Canyon 100%   3.3   3.9   4.6   4.4   3.5   7.1   7.9  
                                 
SALT                                
Production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Dampier Salt 65%   1,392   1,121   1,610   1,209   1,441   2,776   2,650  
                                 
SILVER                                
Mine production ('000 ounces)                                
   Bingham Canyon 100%   1,050   884   884   1,036   1,217   2,190   2,252  
   Escondida 30%   439   505   593   457   565   872   1,021  
   Grasberg - Joint Venture (d) 40%   249   280   718   19   30   366   49  
   Greens Creek 70%   1,797   1,313   1,562   1,451   1,231   3,916   2,682  
   Others —   193   216   226   216   228   402   445  
     
Rio Tinto total mine production     3,726   3,197   3,982   3,180   3,270   7,746   6,450  
     
Refined production ('000 ounces)                                
   Kennecott Utah Copper 100%   1,138   830   814   1,398   1,008   1,893   2,406  
                                 
TALC                                
Production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Luzenac Group 100%   365   328   346   381   346   690   727  
                                 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK                                
Production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100%   328   327   335   344   354   649   699  
                                 
URANIUM                                
Production (tonnes U3O8)                                
   Energy Resources of Australia 68%   936   1,035   1,040   938   376   1,962   1,314  
   Rössing 69%   497   712   745   569   622   1,089   1,192  
     
Rio Tinto total uranium production     1,434   1,747   1,785   1,508   998   3,050   2,506  
                                 
ZINC                                
Mine production ('000 tonnes)                                
   Greens Creek 70%   10.4   8.1   8.7   8.6   7.1   20.4   15.6  

Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined on-site, except for the data for iron ore which represent production of saleable quantities of ore plus pellets.
See footnotes on page 10.

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 9

RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued)

Production data notes

(a) Rio Tinto Coal Australia manages all the operations below; including the mines which were previously reported separately under the Coal & Allied name.
   
(b) Rio Tinto Energy America was previously known as Kennecott Energy.
   
(c) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under a management agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo's output is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
   
(d) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
   
(e) During the second half of 2005, the conversion of debentures into ordinary shares resulted in a dilution of Rio Tinto's shareholding in Palabora from 49.2% to 47.2%. The conversions continued during the first half of 2006 and the Rio Tinto shareholding on 30 June 2006 was 46.4%.
   
(f) Kelian ceased processing ore on 7 February 2005 and the final gold pour was on 27 May 2005.
   
(g) On 30 November 2005, Rio Tinto sold its interest in Lihir Gold; it had agreed in September 2005 to relinquish the management agreement for Lihir The production data are shown up to 30 September 2005, from which date the Rio Tinto interest in Lihir was held as an investment rather than being equity accounted.
   
(h) Rio Tinto's share of production includes 100% of the production from the Eastern Range mine. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture.
   
(i) Rio Tinto sold its 19% interest in the Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Income Fund on 23 March 2005. The Fund has a shareholding in Iron Ore Company of Canada but this was not included in the calculation of tonnage attributable to Rio Tinto.
   
(j) HIsmelt® commenced production during September 2005.

Where Rio Tinto's beneficial interest in an operation has changed, as indicated above, the share of production has been calculated using the weighted average interest over the relevant periods. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006.

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 10

RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
ALUMINIUM                                
                                 
Rio Tinto Aluminium                                
Weipa mine 100.0%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Beneficiated bauxite production ('000 tonnes)     3,674   3,781   4,576   3,843   3,815   7,117   7,658  
Metal grade bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)     3,472   3,979   4,034   3,788   3,596   6,938   7,384  
Calcined bauxite production ('000 tonnes)     42   34   22   47   40   74   87  
Comalco Alumina Refinery 100.0%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)     228   191   220   257   322   425   578  
Eurallumina refinery 56.2%                              
Sardinia, Italy                                
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)     267   267   273   271   270   531   541  
Queensland Alumina refinery 38.6%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)     1,038   995   972   956   986   1,986   1,942  
Anglesey Aluminium smelter 51.0%                              
United Kingdom                                
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)     35.8   35.8   36.7   36.2   35.5   71.3   71.7  
Bell Bay smelter 100.0%                              
Tasmania, Australia                                
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)     43.5   43.9   43.6   43.2   43.7   86.3   86.9  
Boyne Island smelter 59.4%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)     136.1   137.9   138.4   134.7   135.9   268.5   270.6  
Tiwai Point smelter 79.4%                              
New Zealand                                
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)     87.7   90.2   88.1   81.6   79.9   173.1   161.5  
                                 
Rio Tinto Aluminium share                                
Share of primary aluminium sales ('000 tonnes)     215.3   221.6   225.0   200.2   208.0   412.0   408.2  
BORATES                                
                                 
Rio Tinto Borax 100.0%                              
California, US and Argentina                                
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)     146   141   151   130   142   268   272  
                                 
(a) Production is expressed as B2 O3 content.                                
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 11

RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
COAL                                
                                 
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (a)                                
Bengalla mine 30.3%                              
New South Wales, Australia                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     1,274   1,208   2,053   1,088   1,406   2,704   2,494  
Blair Athol Coal mine 71.2%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     2,512   2,799   2,634   2,429   2,496   5,167   4,925  
Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)     1,492   1,473   1,549   753   971   2,878   1,724  
Hunter Valley Operations 75.7%                              
New South Wales, Australia                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     2,497   2,429   2,651   2,386   3,136   5,262   5,522  
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)     530   555   378   419   350   1,101   769  
Kestrel Coal mine 80.0%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     283   179   112   156   290   483   446  
Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)     912   683   393   635   923   1,869   1,559  
Mount Thorley Operations 60.6%                              
New South Wales, Australia                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     612   836   529   969   582   1,330   1,551  
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)     458   261   281   291   325   725   615  
Tarong Coal mine 100.0%                              
Queensland, Australia                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     1,334   1,804   1,549   1,803   1,685   3,118   3,488  
Warkworth mine 42.1%                              
New South Wales, Australia                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     1,335   1,736   1,495   1,759   1,766   2,715   3,525  
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)     145   85   67   11   96   195   107  
     
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)     2,403   2,157   1,943   1,388   1,895   4,746   3,283  
     
Total hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)     2,312   1,557   1,684   1,220   1,471   4,285   2,691  
     
Total other coal production ('000 tonnes) (b)     10,979   11,891   11,746   11,309   12,133   22,800   23,442  
     
Total other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) (d)     10,813   12,424   11,816   11,860   11,882   23,222   23,742  
     
     
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)     13,382   14,048   13,689   12,698   14,027   27,547   26,725  
     
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)     13,126   13,981   13,500   13,080   13,353   27,507   26,433  
     
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share                                
     
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)     1,881   1,268   1,374   994   1,196   3,489   2,189  
     
Share of other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) (d)     7,241   8,399   7,719   7,986   8,022   15,547   16,008  
     
                                 
(a) Rio Tinto Coal Australia manages all the operations below; the mines in New South Wales were previously reported separately under the Coal & Allied name.
(b) Other coal production includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
(c) Other coal sales includes thermal coal, semi-soft coking coal and semi-hard coking coal (a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal).
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
                                 
Rio Tinto Energy America (a)                                
Antelope mine 100.0%                              
Wyoming, US                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     6,788   7,287   6,413   7,501   7,849   13,474   15,349  
Colowyo mine (b)                                  
Colorado, US                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     1,315   1,219   1,477   1,468   1,497   2,629   2,965  
Cordero Rojo mine 100.0%                              
Wyoming, US                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     8,736   7,687   8,642   8,675   9,121   17,905   17,796  
Decker mine 50.0%                              
Montana, US                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     1,745   1,683   1,781   1,552   1,614   2,825   3,166  
Jacobs Ranch mine 100.0%                              
Wyoming, US                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     8,188   8,014   8,590   8,513   8,879   17,219   17,392  
Spring Creek mine 100.0%                              
Montana, US                                
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)     3,018   3,243   3,122   2,549   3,527   5,516   6,076  
                                 
     
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)     29,789   29,131   30,025   30,257   32,487   59,568   62,744  
     
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)     29,789   29,131   30,025   30,257   32,487   59,568   62,744  
     
(a) Rio Tinto Energy America was previously known as Kennecott Energy.
(b) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under a management agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo's output is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 12

RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
COPPER & GOLD                                
                                 
Escondida 30.0%                              
Chile                                
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)     21,725   22,255   22,161   21,843   21,473   41,638   43,315  
Average copper grade (%)     1.51   1.59   1.58   1.62   1.63   1.46   1.63  
Mill production (metals in concentrates):                                
   Contained copper ('000 tonnes)     277.8   304.4   304.0   302.8   295.9   519.0   598.7  
   Contained gold ('000 ounces)     44   42   43   40   49   98   89  
   Contained silver ('000 ounces)     1,462   1,682   1,975   1,522   1,882   2,908   3,405  
                                 
Ore to leach ('000 tonnes) (a)     4,218   4,214   4,261   16,158   15,536   8,455   31,693  
Average copper grade (%)     0.85   0.82   0.72   0.34   0.37   0.92   0.35  
Contained copper in leachate/mined material ('000 tonnes)     36   35   31   55   57   78   112  
                                 
Refined production from leach plants:                                
   Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)     37.2   34.1   34.8   26.8   20.3   75.1   47.1  

(a) Escondida has recently commenced leaching of sulphide ore. The figures for 2006 show aggregate feed to and production from both the oxide and sulphide leach processes.

 
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (a)                                
Grasberg mine 0.0%   (40.0% of the expansion)                  
Papua, Indonesia                                
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)     19,271   19,899   21,791   19,512   20,353   37,217   39,865  
Average mill head grades:                                
   Copper (%)     0.98   1.06   1.31   0.72   0.72   1.06   0.72  
   Gold (g/t)     1.43   1.16   2.33   0.92   0.67   1.52   0.79  
   Silver (g/t)     4.54   4.36   5.36   4.21   3.84   4.89   4.02  
Production of metals in concentrates:                                
   Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)     164.1   185.5   260.8   115.9   121.7   347.6   237.6  
   Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)     750   609   1,400   485   336   1,537   821  
   Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)     1,576   1,662   2,489   903   1,170   3,380   2,073  
                                 
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (b)                                
   Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)     164.4   179.9   249.0   114.0   108.8   337.4   222.  
   Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)     759   594   1,342   486   294   1,502   780  
   Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)     1,257   1,284   1,897   711   844   2,614   1,555  

(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
(b) Net of smelter deductions.

                                 
Kelian Equatorial Mining (a) 90.0%                              
East Kalimantan, Indonesia                                
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)     —   —   —   —   —   826   —  
Average ore grades:                                
   Gold (g/t)     —   —   —   —   —   1.68   —  
   Silver (g/t)     —   —   —   —   —   2.29   —  
Production:                                
   Gold ('000 ounces)     8   —   —   —   —   43   —  
   Silver ('000 ounces)     4   —   —   —   —   32   —  
Sales:                                
   Gold ('000 ounces)     10   —   —   42   —   100   42  
   Silver ('000 ounces)     304   —   —   —   —   304   —  

(a) Kelian ceased processing ore on 7 February 2005 and the final gold pour was on 27 May 2005. Mine closure programmes including reclamation, rehabilitation and sustainable monitoring continue.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 13

RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
COPPER & GOLD (continued)                                
                                 
Kennecott Minerals Company                                
Cortez/Pipeline mine 40.0%                              
Nevada, US                                
Ore treated                                
   Milled ('000 tonnes)     868   759   798   756   745   1,690   1,501  
   Leached ('000 tonnes)     5,962   5,725   3,352   3,812   4,464   13,983   8,276  
   Sold for roasting ('000 tonnes)     72   90   73   35   —   114   35  
Average ore grade: gold                                
      Milled (g/t)     5.62   4.81   4.71   2.33   2.13   5.21   2.23  
      Leached (g/t)     0.60   0.49   0.49   0.39   0.37   0.64   0.38  
      Sold for roasting (g/t)     6.52   6.73   8.89   6.50   —   6.79   6.50  
Gold produced ('000 ounces)     274   223   186   87   68   495   155  
Greens Creek mine 70.3%                              
Alaska, US                                
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)     178   154   151   158   157   346   315  
Average ore grades:                                
   Gold (g/t)     5.22   4.71   5.02   4.54   3.97   5.34   4.26  
   Silver (g/t)     608   527   615   533   471   670   502  
   Zinc (%)     10.5   9.6   10.4   10.0   8.4   10.7   9.2  
   Lead (%)     4.1   3.6   3.9   4.0   3.1   4.2   3.6  
Metals produced in concentrates:                                
   Gold ('000 ounces)     20   15   17   16   13   41   29  
   Silver ('000 ounces)     2,557   1,869   2,222   2,065   1,751   5,573   3,817  
   Zinc ('000 tonnes)     14.7   11.6   12.4   12.2   10.1   29.0   22.3  
   Lead ('000 tonnes)     4.7   3.5   3.8   4.3   3.1   9.5   7.4  
Rawhide mine (a) 51.0%                              
Nevada, US                                
Metals produced in doré:                                
   Gold ('000 ounces)     9   7   8   7   6   20   13  
   Silver ('000 ounces)     88   63   67   63   55   191   118  

(a) Mining operations were completed in October 2002 and processing of stockpiled ores was completed in May 2003. Residual gold and silver production continues from the leach pads.

                                 
Kennecott Utah Copper                                
Barneys Canyon mine (a) 100.0%                              
Utah, US                                
Gold produced ('000 ounces)     4   4   4   4   3   9   7  
 
(a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads.           
 
Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%                              
Utah, US                                
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)     11,757   11,875   11,369   11,702   11,739   23,421   23,440  
Average ore grade:                                
   Copper (%)     0.53   0.47   0.51   0.62   0.67   0.56   0.64  
   Gold (g/t)     0.35   0.34   0.38   0.52   0.56   0.38   0.54  
   Silver (g/t)     3.36   2.81   3.02   3.73   3.98   3.55   3.85  
   Molybdenum (%)     0.057   0.052   0.058   0.060   0.055   0.060   0.058  
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)     231   193   213   242   263   475   505  
Average concentrate grade (% Cu)     24.4   26.0   24.1   25.3   26.1   25.0   25.7  
Production of metals in copper concentrates:                                
   Copper ('000 tonnes) (b)     56.7   50.2   51.6   61.6   68.7   118.8   130.3  
   Gold ('000 ounces)     95   92   99   129   146   210   274  
   Silver ('000 ounces)     1,050   884   884   1,036   1,217   2,190   2,252  
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):     6.3   7.6   8.6   8.2   6.3   13.3   14.5  
   Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)     3.3   3.9   4.6   4.4   3.5   7.1   7.9  
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%                              
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)     224   300   300   270   272   442   542  
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (c)     43.1   68.6   67.3   66.4   65.7   93.5   132.1  
Production of refined metal:                                
   Copper ('000 tonnes)     41.5   68.1   65.1   70.9   67.7   98.7   138.5  
   Gold ('000 ounces) (d)     76   92   110   118   141   166   259  
   Silver ('000 ounces) (d)     1,138   830   814   1,398   1,008   1,893   2,406  
 
(b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(c) New metal excluding recycled material.
(d) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 14

RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
COPPER & GOLD (continued)                                
                                 
Lihir Gold (a) 0.0%                              
Papua New Guinea                                
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)     1,051   917   —   —   —   1,854   —  
Average ore grade: gold (g/t)     4.41   7.15   —   —   —   4.41   —  
Gold produced ('000 ounces) (b)     130   193   —   —   —   231   —  
 
(a) On 30 November 2005, Rio Tinto sold its interest in Lihir Gold; it had agreed in September 2005 to relinquish the management agreement for Lihir. The production data are shown up to 30 September 2005, from which date the Rio Tinto interest in Lihir was held as an investment rather than being equity accounted.
(b) Gold production represents quantity of gold poured.
                                 
Northparkes Joint Venture 80.0%                              
New South Wales, Australia                                
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)     1,360   1,372   1,421   1,425   1,438   2,660   2,862  
Average ore grades:                                
   Copper (%)     0.97   1.17   1.27   1.45   1.53   1.01   1.49  
   Gold (g/t)     0.43   0.47   0.49   0.56   0.58   0.44   0.57  
                                 
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)     33.7   39.5   43.9   48.4   52.5   63.8   100.8  
                                 
Contained copper in concentrates:                                
   Saleable production ('000 tonnes)     11.9   14.7   16.7   19.4   20.7   22.6   40.1  
   Sales ('000 tonnes) (a)     9.8   11.0   13.1   14.3   17.1   19.2   31.4  
                                 
Contained gold in concentrates:                                
   Saleable production ('000 ounces)     13.4   15.0   16.1   18.6   19.9   25.9   38.5  
   Sales ('000 ounces) (a)     9.0   10.6   14.7   13.3   16.4   24.6   29.7  
 
(a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.                
                                 
Palabora (a) 46.4%                              
Palabora mine                                
South Africa                                
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)     2,459   2,572   2,349   2,646   2,633   4,615   5,279  
Average ore grade: copper (%)     0.71   0.71   0.72   0.71   0.70   0.71   0.70  
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)     48.4   52.9   47.8   51.5   43.0   96.4   94.5  
Average concentrate grade: copper (%)     32.2   31.3   31.2   29.9   30.5   30.8   30.1  
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)     15.6   16.6   14.9   15.4   13.1   29.7   28.5  
Palabora smelter/refinery                                
New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes)     71.7   75.2   82.2   42.0   83.3   147.0   125.3  
New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes)     19.4   22.7   22.4   10.0   24.0   39.3   34.0  
Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes)     19.0   22.1   20.6   14.3   21.9   37.7   36.2  
By-products:                                
Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes)     189   267   231   251   296   390   547  
Refined nickel sulphate (tonnes)     57   37   57   35   28   91   63  
Vermiculite plant                                
Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes)     54   53   55   48   48   102   95  
 
(a) During the second half of 2005, the conversion of debentures into ordinary shares resulted in a dilution of Rio Tinto's shareholding in Palabora from 49.2% to 47.2%. The conversions continued during the first half of 2006 and the Rio Tinto shareholding on 30 June 2006 was 46.4%.
DIAMONDS                                
                                 
Argyle Diamonds 100.0%                              
Western Australia                                
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)     2,358   2,111   2,158   1,956   2,131   4,700   4,087  
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)     9,393   5,995   6,455   5,214   7,509   18,026   12,722  
                                 
Diavik Diamonds 60.0%                              
Northwest Territories, Canada                                
Ore processed ('000 tonnes)     612   619   497   492   608   1,106   1,100  
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)     2,515   2,177   1,831   1,788   2,720   4,264   4,508  
                                 
Murowa Diamonds 77.8%                              
Zimbabwe                                
Ore processed ('000 tonnes)     28   49   73   66   61   57   126  
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)     67   61   57   48   85   133   133  
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 15

RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
IRON ORE & IRON                                
Hamersley Iron                                
Western Australia                                
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes):                                
   Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo,                                
   Yandicoogina, Brockman and Nammuldi 100.0%   19,704   18,915   19,931   17,404   19,536   35,540   36,940  
   Channar 60.0%   2,185   2,284   1,634   2,018   2,476   4,725   4,494  
   Eastern Range (a)       1,831   1,897   1,536   1,756   2,021   3,126   3,777  
     
Total production ('000 tonnes)     23,720   23,097   23,101   21,178   24,033   43,392   45,211  
     
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)     21,885   22,387   25,793   20,982   22,611   41,909   43,593  
     
 

(a) Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.

                                 
HIsmelt® (a) 60.0%                              
Western Australia                                
Pig iron production ('000 tonnes)     —   —   9   4   28   —   32  
 
(a) HIsmelt® commenced production during September 2005.
                                 
Iron Ore Company of Canada                                
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada                                
Carol Lake operations 58.7%                              
Saleable iron ore production:                                
   Concentrates ('000 tonnes)     745   581   683   341   1,292   1,052   1,633  
   Pellets ('000 tonnes)     3,442   3,322   3,445   2,846   3,206   6,564   6,052  
Sales:                                
   Concentrate ('000 tonnes)     612   552   755   316   555   816   871  
   Pellets ('000 tonnes)     3,326   2,951   4,230   2,150   3,282   5,670   5,432  
                                 
Rio Tinto Brasil                                
Corumbá mine 100.0%                              
Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil                                
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) (a)     372   371   290   440   455   749   895  
Sales ('000 tonnes)     243   391   276   418   413   636   831  
 
(a) Production includes by-product fines.                
                                 
Robe River Iron Associates                                
Pannawonica mine 53.0%                              
Western Australia                                
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)     7,574   8,076   7,998   6,481   7,273   14,907   13,754  
Sales ('000 tonnes)     7,118   7,802   8,203   6,756   7,135   15,057   13,892  
West Angelas mine 53.0%                              
Western Australia                                
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)     4,670   5,775   5,891   4,813   6,270   9,737   11,082  
Sales ('000 tonnes)     4,469   5,902   6,187   4,745   5,833   9,401   10,578  
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 16

RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA

  Rio Tinto   2Q   3Q   4Q   1Q   2Q   1H   1H  
  interest   2005   2005   2005   2006   2006   2005   2006  
SALT                                
Dampier Salt 64.9%                              
Western Australia                                
Salt production ('000 tonnes)     2,144   1,726   2,480   1,862   2,219   4,274   4,081  
TALC                                
The Luzenac Group 100.0%                              
Australia, Europe, and North America                                
Talc production ('000 tonnes)     365   328   346   381   346   690   727  
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK                                
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%                              
Canada and South Africa                                
(Rio Tinto share)                                
Titanium dioxide feedstock production ('000 tonnes)     328   327   335   344   354   649   699  
URANIUM                                
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd                                
Ranger mine 68.4%                              
Northern Territory, Australia                                
Production (tonnes U3O8)     1,369   1,514   1,521   1,372   550   2,868   1,922  
                                 
Rössing Uranium Ltd 68.6%                              
Namibia                                
Production (tonnes U3O8)     725   1,038   1,086   830   908   1,587   1,738  
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review Page 17

INDEX TO OPERATIONAL DATA

    Page
     
Aluminium    
     
Anglesey Aluminium smelter UK 11
Bell Bay smelter Australia 11
Boyne Island smelter Australia 11
Comalco Alumina Refinery Australia 11
Eurallumina Italy 11
Queensland Alumina Australia 11
Tiwai Point smelter New Zealand 11
Weipa Australia 11
     
Borates    
     
Boron US 11
Tincalayu Argentina 11
     
Coal    
     
Rio Tinto Coal Australia: Australia 12
   -Bengalla Australia 12
   -Blair Athol Australia 12
   -Hail Creek Australia 12
   -Hunter Valley Operations Australia 12
   -Kestrel Australia 12
   -Mount Thorley Operations Australia 12
   -Tarong Australia 12
   -Warkworth Australia 12
Rio Tinto Energy America: US 12
   -Antelope US 12
   -Colowyo US 12
   -Cordero Rojo US 12
   -Decker US 12
   -Jacobs Ranch US 12
   -Spring Creek US 12
     
Copper    
     
Escondida Chile 13
Freeport Copper & Gold: US 13
   -Grasberg Indonesia 13
Kennecott Utah Copper: US 14
   -Bingham Canyon US 14
   -Kennecott smelter and refinery US 14
Northparkes Australia 15
Palabora mine and smelter South Africa 15
     
Diamonds    
     
Argyle Diamonds Australia 15
Diavik Diamonds Canada 15
Murowa Zimbabwe 15
     
Gold    
     
Escondida Chile 13
Freeport Copper & Gold: US 13
   -Grasberg Indonesia 13
Kennecott Utah Copper: US 14
   -Barneys Canyon US 14
   -Bingham Canyon US 14
Kelian Indonesia 13
Kennecott Minerals: US 14
   -Cortez/Pipeline US 14
   -Greens Creek US 14
   -Rawhide US 14
Northparkes Australia 15
    Page
     
Iron Ore    
     
Corumbá Brazil 16
Hamersley: Australia 16
      -Brockman Australia 16
      -Channar Australia 16
      -Eastern Range Australia 16
      -Marandoo Australia 16
      -Mt Tom Price Australia 16
      -Nammuldi Australia 16
      -Paraburdoo Australia 16
      -Yandicoogina Australia 16
Iron Ore Company of Canada Canada 16
Robe River Australia 16
     
Lead/Zinc    
     
Kennecott Minerals: US 14
      -Greens Creek US 14
     
Molybdenum    
     
Bingham Canyon US 14
     
Pig Iron    
     
HIsmelt® Australia 16
     
Salt    
     
Dampier Salt Australia 17
     
Silver    
     
Bingham Canyon US 14
Escondida Chile 13
Grasberg Indonesia 13
Greens Creek US 14
     
Talc    
     
Luzenac Australia/Europe/  
  US/Canada 17
     
Titanium dioxide feedstock    
     
QIT mine and smelter Canada 17
Richards Bay Minerals mine and    
smelter South Africa 17
     
Uranium    
     
Energy Resources of Australia Australia 17
      -Ranger Australia 17
Rössing Namibia 17

 

Second Quarter 2006 Operations Review 18