Rio Tinto has released an operations review of its fourth quarter 2010. “Running our operations at full capacity was a priority for Rio Tinto in 2010, in an environment of strong prices for most of our commodities,” said Tom Albanese, chief executive. “Our success is clearly demonstrated in iron ore, where we set new quarterly and annual production records. During the quarter, we approved a further $5.5 billion in value-adding growth projects, including the expansion of our Pilbara iron ore operations to 283 million tons/year and the first phase of an aluminum smelting pilot plant in Quebec using our new AP60 technology.”

Highlights include:

• Rio Tinto’s global iron ore operations set a new quarterly production record at 65 million tons (50 million tons attributable) and a new annual record at 239 million tons (185 million tons attributable).
• Mined and refined copper were down 9% and 6%, respectively, from the fourth quarter of 2009 and down 16% and 5% from the full year 2009, in line with previous guidance.
• Bauxite production increased 9% year-on-year, in line with higher demand. Alumina and aluminum production were broadly flat.

For additional details, visit www.riotinto.com.