SYDNEY: Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Tuesday said production of iron ore and coal increased in the January-March quarter, but copper output slumped 18 percent.
The company, one of the world's biggest miners, said global iron ore output rose 10 percent to 59 million metric tons compared to the same period in 2011.
Production was five million tons above shipments as ports in Western Australia were forced to close during cyclones.
Hard coking coal output jumped five percent while thermal coal production rose three percent. However, copper production slid due to lower grades at the company's Kennecott Utah mine.
Chief executive Tom Albanese said the miner had a solid three months, pointing also to increased production of bauxite, alumina and titanium dioxide.
"This was driven by a combination of our consistently high operating performance and reduced impact from severe weather than in 2011," he said.
"We were therefore well positioned for the relatively strong markets in the first quarter, albeit with continued volatility as we anticipated."
Rio shares ended the day 0.75 percent lower at Aus$64.70.
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