Rio's Amrun bauxite project to contribute to its $5bn free cash flow

Leading metal and mineral producer Rio Tinto is aiming to generate $5 billion of free cash flow through productivity improvements over a five-year period at its multiple projects. Amrun greenfield bauxite projects are expected to deliver significantly to the targeted cash flow.

The mining company who participated in an investor conference hosted by Macquarie in Sydney, on Thursday, April 27, said that there was scope to broaden its cost savings programme to improve upon the utilisation of its haul trucks, processing activities and reducing maintenance downtime.

Rio highlighted the expected profitability of its investments, including the Amrun greenfield bauxite projects, which it said were progressing to plan.

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The company was targeting an internal rate of return in excess of 15 per cent for Amrun bauxite mining site and other projects and "to deliver value through the cycle".

Rio's cash flows reached $9.58bn in 2016 with aluminium operations adding $2.1 billion to it.