Rio Tinto has reported a production record for its bauxite operations.
According to the company’s fourth-quarter operations review of 2025, bauxite production reached a new annual production milestone of 62.4 million tonnes.
This reflected a 6% increase over 2024 results, and was attributed to the uplift of the company’s "Safe Production System" and stable operating performance.
Alumina and aluminium also saw growth, with production increases of 4% and 3% respectively.
While production was consistent, Chinese bauxite spot import prices declined. Despite this, Rio Tinto’s third-party bauxite shipments grew by 5% in 2025, reaching 43.1 Mt.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Simon Trott, stated: “Our operations delivered exceptional production performance, both on a quarter-on-quarter and full year basis, as we leverage our strong foundation of operating excellence and project delivery across our portfolio.
“A step change in bauxite production through the year once again highlights the ongoing maturation of our operational excellence.“
“Implementation of our stronger, sharper, simpler way of working continues, and is delivering results and creating value.”
Production of recycled aluminium also grew by 2% to 269 thousand tonnes, supported by North American market demand.
Now entering the first quarter of 2026, Rio Tinto is continuing to advance its low-carbon AP60 aluminium smelter expansion in Quebec, Canada.
The project is expected to see its first hot metal and commissioning in Q1 2026, adding 160,000 tonnes of annual capacity.
