Prices of iron ore, from which Rio Tinto derives around 70% of its profits, eased over the second quarter on concerns over China's debt-ridden property sector, but could improve after Beijing on Tuesday pledged to roll out policies to boost growth.
"China's economic recovery has fallen short of initial market expectations, as the property market downturn continues to weigh on the economy and consumers remain cautious despite monetary policy easing," Rio Tinto said in its quarterly report.
Rio Q2 Shipments easeRio downgraded its expectations for refined copper production, alumina production, and output at its Canadian iron ore operations and warned of rising costs.
"Production downgrades during the quarter highlight that we still have much more to do," Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said in the report.
Wildfires in Northern Quebec impacted Canadian iron ore production, it said.
Persons:
Rio, Glyn Lawcock, Jakob Stausholm, Melanie Burton, Navya Mittal, Rishav Chatterjee, Shounak Dasgupta, Sonali Paul
Organizations:
Rio Tinto, Alpha, Tinto Chief, Thomson
Locations:
MELBOURNE, Rio, Beijing, Barrenjoey, Sydney, Utah, Northern Quebec, Rincon, Argentina, Melbourne, Bengaluru