# Rio Tinto Boosts Copper Output and Iron Ore Sales in Q3 Update

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/rio-tinto-boosts-copper-output-and-iron-ore-sales-in-q3-update-19522e
- Published: 2026-10-13T21:29:00Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: mixed; impact: medium
- Symbols: [LSE:RIO](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/LSE-RIO)
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Rio Tinto plc (LSE:RIO) reported strong operational gains across key operations in its latest update. Year-to-date copper production at its Oyu Tolgoi project rose 29%, while global iron ore sales increased 3% over the same period. Additionally, the Simandou iron ore project achieved an annualized run-rate of approximately 10 million tonnes per annum during the third quarter. Shares of the company closed down 2.06% at 6,997 GBX.

The expansion in copper output and steady growth in iron ore sales provide crucial volume momentum for the mining giant. The company has released more than $2 billion in capital year-to-date and remains on track to achieve an annualized productivity benefit of $1.8 billion by the end of 2026, helping support cash flow and margins.

Investors will be watching for confirmed full-year production guidance updates and detailed unit cost metrics in upcoming operational releases. Further progress on the Simandou project ramp-up, including clearer shipment timelines, will also be key factors determining long-term volume gains.

## Key points

- Oyu Tolgoi copper production increased 29% year-to-date.
- Global iron ore sales grew 3% year-to-date.
- Simandou reached an annualized run-rate of about 10 million tonnes per annum in Q3.
- Rio Tinto remains on track for an annualized productivity gain of $1.8 billion by end-2026.
- The company has unlocked over $2 billion in capital release year-to-date.

## Questions and answers

### How much did Rio Tinto copper output grow?

Year-to-date copper production at Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi mine increased 29%.

### What is Rio Tinto's productivity goal by end-2026?

Rio Tinto remains on track to reach an annualized productivity benefit of $1.8 billion by the end of 2026.

### What run-rate did the Simandou project achieve in Q3?

The Simandou iron ore project reached an annualized run-rate of approximately 10 million tonnes per annum in the third quarter.