Rio Tinto’s bauxite production down by 6% YoY in Q2 2021; bauxite shipments stand at 9.493 million tonnes

Rio Tinto announced its bauxite production results for the second quarter of 2021. The output was down by 6% year-on-year due to ongoing system instability following severe wet weather in Eastern Australia in the first quarter.

The second quarter bauxite production came in at 13.7 million tonnes. The output was up by 1%quarter-on-quarter.

“The non-managed CBG joint venture in Guinea experienced shipping constraints, which was partly offset by higher production from the Porto Trombetas (MRN) joint venture in Brazil,” Rio Tinto said.

In the first half of 2021, Rio Tinto produced 27.264 million tonnes of bauxite.  That was down by 4% year-on-year.

Rio Tinto shipped 9.493 million tonnes of bauxite to third parties in the second quarter. That was a drop of 11% than the same period of 2020. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, shipments were up by 5%.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm, said: “The global economy, in particular China, recovered strongly and we are intensely focused on servicing our customers with as much product as we can. However, we faced some challenges in the first half notably at our Pilbara operations, which were impacted by replacement mine tie-ins and materially higher rainfall.”

“Safety is our first priority and our performance in this area remains robust in challenging conditions. However, as identified shortly after my appointment, operationally we are not where we want to be. Our first half performance has reaffirmed my belief that we have identified the right priorities to strengthen the business: to become the best operator, strive for impeccable ESG credentials, excel in development and secure a strong social licence.”