Rio Tinto's iron ore production in Q3 2025 increased 20% QoQ.

October 14, 2025, Rio Tinto released its Q3 production and sales report.

Production:Q2 Pilbara operationsproduction was 84.1 million mt, flat QoQ and flat YoY.

Shipments:Q2 Pilbara operationswere 84.35 million mt, up 6% QoQ and flat YoY.

In addition, Q3 Iron Ore Company of Canada(IOC)and concentrate production totaled 2.3 million mt, down 6% QoQ and up 11% YoY (Rio Tinto share). Full-year output is expected to be at the low end of the 9.7–11.4 million mt guidance range.

As announced in Q2, new PB commenced shipments in July 2025 and continued smoothly through Q3. With the PB specification adjustment, the share of SP10 (a specific iron ore product type) in total Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) fell from 29% in Q2 to 9% as planned. Regarding the Simandou iron ore project, commissioning time: first ore will be loaded at the mine in October 2025, with first shipment expected in November.

Rio Tinto’s 2025 Pilbara iron ore shipment target (100%) remains unchanged at 323–338 million mt (lower end).

New projects:

1. Western Range:

Ownership: Rio Tinto (54%), Baowu (46%)

Designed capacity: 25 million mt

Commissioning time: commissioned March 2025; project progress: ramp-up proceeding smoothly.

2. Brockman Syncline 1 (sustaining):

Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)

Designed capacity: 34 million mt

Planned commissioning: expected 2027

Current progress: major contractors are now on site, bulk earthworks advancing steadily. The new construction camp has been officially opened and put into use.

3. Hope Downs 2 (sustaining):

Ownership: Rio Tinto (50%), Hancock (50%)

Designed capacity: 31 million mt

Approval progress: approved June 2025

Planned commissioning: expected 2027

Current progress: major construction activities continue, including bulk earthworks and installation of tunnel segments above the rail line. The construction camp has been completed and is ready for occupancy. The construction of the road train transfer facility has commenced.

4. West Angelas Project (Sustaining Project):

Equity Structure: Rio Tinto (53%), Mitsui Iron Ore (33%), Nippon Steel (14%)

Designed Capacity: 35 million mt/year

Approval Progress: Received government approval in October 2025 (originally expected in August 2025)

Planned Commissioning Time: 2027