Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) reported a robust start to the 2026 financial year, delivering a 9% year-on-year increase in copper equivalent production.
The growth was underpinned by operational excellence across its three core pillars—copper, iron ore, and aluminium—despite weather disruptions and a renewed, sombre focus on safety following two recent fatalities.
The copper portfolio saw a 9% surge in output, driven by the successful ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia and progress at the Resolution Copper Project in the US.
In the Pilbara, Rio Tinto achieved its second-highest first-quarter iron ore production since 2018, rising 13% YoY to 78.8 million tonnes.
However, shipments were tempered by Tropical Cyclones Mitchell and Narelle, which impacted volumes by approximately 8 million tonnes.
The company delivered its first high-grade Simandou shipment to China, marking a historic milestone for the Guinean project.
The integrated aluminium business maintained steady performance, offsetting weather-related bauxite disruptions in northern Australia.
Meanwhile, the lithium division is gaining momentum, with the Fenix 1B and Sal de Vida projects achieving mechanical completion.
Rio Tinto remains on track for first lithium production in the second half of 2026.
CEO Simon Trott highlighted the completion of US$650 million in annualised productivity benefits, with further gains planned.
While the company is monitoring global supply chain risks stemming from Middle East instability, it has maintained its full-year 2026 production and cost guidance across all commodities.