Rio Tinto's iron ore exports remained stable in the third quarter (Q3) ending 30 September 2025, compared to the previous year. 

The company continues to invest in maintaining its production levels in spite of plateauing steel demand from China, reported Bloomberg. 

In Q3, the company exported 84.3 million tonnes (mt) of iron ore, a 6% increase from the previous quarter. Its full-year shipment guidance was between 323mt and 338mt. 

Rio Tinto reported a 9% year-on-year (YoY) increase in copper equivalent production due to robust performance across all its operations. 

The company reported progress in copper output, with total production on track to reach the upper end of its annual forecast. 

It attributed this progress to a strong ramp-up at the Oyu Tolgoi project and the Kennecott mine, which also met expectations amid major maintenance at the concentrator and smelter. 

Rio Tinto’s operations in the Pilbara region represented its second-highest Q3 shipments since 2019, showing a 6% rise from the previous quarter. 

The company secured government approvals for the West Angelas Sustaining Project as part of its iron ore replacement strategy. 

Rio Tinto upgraded its full-year bauxite production guidance, driven by improved operations, particularly at the Amrun site. 

The mining company stated that it has introduced a new operating model and executive team aimed at simplifying its business structure and enhancing shareholder value. 

The company has been divided into three primary divisions, namely Iron Ore, Aluminium and Lithium, and Copper. Borates, and Iron and Titanium have been placed under review. 

Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott said: “We continue to strengthen performance from our assets, setting back-to-back quarterly production records in our bauxite business and at Oyu Tolgoi – where the underground ramp-up remains on track to boost copper output by more than 50% this year. 

“We are focused on delivering a strong finish to the year from the Pilbara. Our growth projects are also progressing at pace – at Simandou, we started loading first ore at the mine for movement down the rail and to the port in October. 

“We are on track to meet production guidance for 2025, with an upwards revision to bauxite this quarter, and are well positioned to deliver compelling mid-term production growth.”