Shares of Rio Tinto Plc (NYSE: RIO) gained momentum on Wednesday after the company unveiled strong production results for the final quarter of the year. The miner reported a 4% year-over-year increase in Pilbara iron ore production, reaching 89.7 million tonnes (Mt). Concurrently, shipments of Pilbara iron ore experienced a 7% year-over-year rise to 91.3 Mt, underlining robust operational performance.
Among the highlights, Rio Tinto's Simandou project progressed at a rapid pace, initiating commercial operations and recording its first shipment within the quarter. This milestone reflects the company's strategic focus on expanding its production capacity through new ventures.
In contrast, bauxite production remained consistent with the previous year at 15.4 Mt, while alumina output saw a slight decline of 1%, amounting to 2.0 Mt for the quarter. Despite these stable and marginal decreases in other materials, copper equivalent (CuEq) production demonstrated a positive trajectory by increasing 8% year-over-year for 2025. Shipments of CuEq climbed 5%, supported by the ramp-up activities at the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine, elevated bauxite output records, and steady progress in lithium operations.
Looking ahead, Rio Tinto has provided preliminary guidance for fiscal year 2026, forecasting bauxite production between 58 and 61 Mt and alumina production ranging from 7.6 to 8.0 Mt. The company also projects sales of Pilbara iron ore to fall between 323 and 338 Mt, reaffirming its strong position in the iron ore market.
CEO Simon Trott underscored the company's achievements, citing strong sequential and full-year production improvements driven by efficient project execution and operational excellence across the Rio Tinto portfolio. He emphasized the record-setting quarterly iron ore output in the Pilbara region, a recovery following earlier weather-related disruptions, as well as the significant achievement of the first shipment from Simandou. Trott also highlighted sustained record copper production following the completion of underground development at Oyu Tolgoi and noted the substantial increase in bauxite output alongside steady lithium production growth aligned with the company’s 2025 targets.
Additionally, Trott commented on the benefits stemming from Rio Tinto’s streamlined operating model, indicating that it is beginning to yield measurable performance and value improvements, reinforcing the company’s competitive positioning.
Rio Tinto is scheduled to release its full financial results for 2025 on Thursday, February 19, 2026, an event closely monitored by investors and market participants for detailed insights into the company’s operational and financial performance.
In trading activity Wednesday morning, Rio Tinto’s shares exhibited a 3.36% increase, priced at $88.56 during premarket sessions. This rise places the stock at a new 52-week high, reflecting positive investor sentiment following the recent production disclosures.