Rio Tinto Limited
(ASX:RIO) has reported a 10 per cent rise in first half production on the back of record iron ore results from its Pilbara mines.
The global miner reported iron ore production of 73.1 million tonnes in the second quarter, lifting its interim output to 139.5 million tonnes.
Quarterly global iron ore shipments rose 23 per cent to take half year shipments 20 per cent higher from the prior year.
CEO Sam Walsh has described the performance as strong and driven by productivity gains and cost savings.
Looking ahead Rio has affirmed global full year iron ore production and shipments guidance and upgraded its annual copper guidance by 15 per cent.
Rio Tinto swung from an annual loss to a profit of $1.2 billion in the 2013 calendar year.
