Rio Tinto is riding a wave of aluminium growth, with record bauxite production and strategic moves positioning the miner for long-term value.
While copper and iron ore often dominate headlines, the latest aluminium developments show the company is quietly strengthening its market position.
Bauxite production hit a new annual record at 62.4 million tonnes (Mt) in 2025, a six per cent increase to the same period in 2024, reflecting the ongoing uplift from Rio Tinto’s Safe Production System and stable operating performance.
The company said in the fourth quarter (Q4) production remained robust after a record Q3, with Amrun sustaining its high plant utilisation rates, while production at Gove was slightly lower due to scheduled maintenance.
Alumina operations also performed strongly, with improvements at Yarwun and steady results from Alumar. Rio plans to reduce production by 40 per cent at Yarwun from October to extend the operation’s life until 2035, while exploring further life-extension and modernisation options.
Meanwhile, Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) now operates exclusively as a tolling entity for Rio Tinto, giving the group full access to 100 per cent of its capacity.
Aluminium output remained solid at 3.38Mt for 2025, with the NZAS and Kitimat plants performing near full capacity. Average realised prices for value-added products jumped 17 per cent year-on-year to $3318 per tonne, with LME aluminium prices rising nine per cent to $2632 per tonne.
“Implementation of our stronger, sharper, simpler way of working continues, and is delivering results and creating value,” Rio Tinto chief executive officer Simon Trott said.
With global premiums rising and hydro contracts secured through 2026, The company’s aluminium strategy demonstrates the company is quietly shaping long-term growth in the sector.
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