Rio Tinto
(ASX:RIO) has today announced a 14 percent drop in quarterly Pilbarra iron ore shipments to 69.1 million tonnes when compared to the first quarter of 2018.
Production was significantly impacted by the weather disruptions in March and a fire at Cape Lambert A in January
Meantime, aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was in line with the first quarter of 2018.
Mined copper production of 144 thousand tonnes was three per cent higher than the first quarter of 2018.
Rio has cut its 2019 shipments estimate due to disruption caused by a tropical cyclone which hit its export terminal in Western Australia last month.
Rio says its iron ore business faced several challenges at the start of this year, particularly from tropical cyclones. As a result, and following the continuing assessment of damage at the port resulting from the cyclones and other minor disruptions.
2019 guidance for Pilbara shipments is reduced to between 333 and 343 million tones.
Shares in Rio Tinto
(ASX:RIO) closed 0.25 per cent higher to $100.75 yesterday.
