Rio Tinto reported a 5% increase in global iron ore sales for the second quarter of 2026, reaching 89 million tonnes. Pilbara operations sold 85.3 million tonnes, contributing to first-half sales of 157.7 million tonnes, also up 5% year-on-year. The company will need a strong second half to meet its annual forecast of 323 to 338 million tonnes. Average Pilbara pricing improved to $85.2 per wet tonne from $83.2 last year. Copper production fell 7% to 213,000 tonnes, partly due to a 13% drop at Escondida, while the 2026 copper cost forecast was lowered to between $0.30 and $0.50 per pound. Lithium production rose 20% year-on-year, and CEO Simon Trott highlighted a 3% increase in copper equivalent production for the first half.
Rio Tinto PLCIron ore sales rose 5% in Q2, with improved pricing, indicating strong demand for Rio Tinto's core product.