Rio Tinto raises global copper output in 2025

Rio Tinto raises global copper output in 2025 on strong Oyu Tolgoi growth

Rio Tinto raises global copper output in 2025, reaching 883,000 tonnes on an equity basis.
This represents an 11% increase from 2024 and exceeds the company’s 860,000–875,000t guidance range.
The surge was largely driven by the ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia.
The mine produced 345,000t of copper in concentrate, up 61% year-on-year.

The Oyu Tolgoi expansion will further increase output over the next decade.
Rio Tinto targets 500,000t per year of copper in concentrate from 2028–2036.
Meanwhile, overall company production from Chile, the US, and Mongolia is expected to reach 800,000–870,000t in 2026.
These targets reinforce Rio Tinto’s position among the world’s leading copper producers.

Performance at Escondida and Kennecott projects

Rio Tinto raises global copper output in 2025 despite challenges at some sites.
At Escondida, copper in concentrate reached 348,000t and refined copper 56,000t in 2025, up 5.7% and 1.8% respectively.
However, concentrator feed grades declined from 1.09% to 0.91% over the year, reducing output in the last quarter.

Kennecott in Utah produced 134,000t of refined copper, down 31% due to geotechnical issues.
The smelter faced 21-day and 45-day shutdowns in September and October.
Rio Tinto plans to expand Kennecott’s pit operation and ramp up its underground mine through 2032.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Rio Tinto’s 2025 copper results highlight the importance of Oyu Tolgoi’s underground ramp-up.
While Chile and Utah face operational and geotechnical constraints, the company’s long-term growth remains strong.
Investors should monitor feed grades and pit expansions to gauge 2026 copper output.
The firm’s global strategy balances production increases in Mongolia with modernization and efficiency projects elsewhere.