Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has seen its Pilbara iron ore shipments rise in the first quarter by five per cent.
This was due to productivity improvements and fewer weather disruptions.
Bauxite production of 12.7 million tones was 12 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017, due to operational improvements.
Aluminium production of 0.8 million tones was five per cent lower primarily due to disruptions at the Becancour smelter in Canada.
Total divestments announced in 2018 total $5 billion - thats subject to completion conditions expected in the second quarter of this year.
Shares in Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) closed up 0.17% to $78.09 yesterday
