Rio Tinto's iron ore production increased by five percent in the first half of the year

Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has announced that its global iron ore production increased by five percent year-on-year to 169.9 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, boosted by improved operating performance in the Pilbara, where the company achieved its highest production level in the first half of the year since its record in 2018.

In the second quarter, Rio Tinto's global iron ore production decreased by one percent compared to the previous year. Pilbara iron ore production remained stable year-on-year and increased by six per cent quarter-on-quarter to 83.5 million tonnes in the second quarter. Pilbara iron ore shipments increased by seven per cent year-on-year and 18 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 85.3 million tonnes

In the first half of the year, Pilbara iron ore production increased by six per cent year-on-year to 162.3 million tonnes, while shipments increased by five per cent to 157.7 million tonnes. Rio Tinto maintained its annual forecast at 343-366 million tonnes for global iron ore sales and 323-338 million tonnes for shipments to the Pilbara.

Meanwhile, the company said that the construction of the SinFer mine and related port infrastructure within the framework of the Simandou iron ore project exceeded 75 percent, and the full commissioning of the railway was achieved in the first quarter.