Rio Tinto reports steady aluminium output in Q1 2026 despite disruptions in bauxite

Rio Tinto reported steady performance in its aluminium value chain in the first quarter of 2026, with mixed production volumes of bauxite, alumina and primary metal output

Bauxite production was reported at 13.3 million tonnes, down 11 per cent year-on-year, largely flagged by the company towards weather complications in Australia. Heavy rainfall at Weipa early in the quarter, followed by Cyclone Narelle impacting both Weipa and Gove in March, weighed on output. The same factors also affected third-party shipments, which declined during the period.

In contrast, alumina production rose to 2.04 million tonnes, up 6 per cent compared to the same period last year. The increase was mainly driven by the consolidation of Queensland Alumina Limited on a full basis, along with generally stronger refinery performance, even as some sites in the Pacific region faced weather-related interruptions.

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Primary aluminium production was stable at 835,000 tonnes, a 1 per cent year-on-year increase. Output was improved by continued full capacity operations at the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter following its production increase in late 2025. At the same time, Rio Tinto began phasing out older potlines at Arvida, including the closure of one line in March, as part of a transition toward newer technology, which will also close the two remaining potlines by the end of this year as AP60 ramps up following its first hot metal in March. 

Recycled aluminium output stood at 61,000 tonnes, down 8 per cent year-on-year, reflecting earlier changes to the company’s downstream footprint. On a sequential basis, however, volumes remained relatively stable.

Market conditions during the quarter were more volatile. Aluminium prices on LME were reported higher due to disruptions outside China for geopolitical tensions and logistics constraints. Regional premiums also increased across key markets, while transportation costs and input, especially in bauxite supply chains, added to the overall cost. Alumina prices, however, remained lower due to steady demand from Indonesia and China

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Rio Tinto said it was able to ship all the aluminium produced during the quarter, adjusting sales flows in response to market conditions. Shipments to the United States declined compared to the previous quarter, which helped reduce total tariff costs, although per-tonne tariff impacts remained elevated.

Overall, upstream production was affected by external factors such as weather and geopolitical tensions, but the company’s aluminium system helped maintain stable output, and supply remained steady throughout the quarter. 

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