Rio Tinto 2026 Interim Results

Rio Tinto reported a significant increase in performance for the first half of 2026, with underlying EBITDA rising by 28% to $14.8 billion and free cash flow increasing by 75% to $3.8 billion. This strong financial performance was driven by favorable commodity prices, a 3% increase in copper equivalent production, and accelerated productivity gains, which have already generated $870 million in benefits, on track for an annualized run-rate of $1.8 billion. The company's strategic pillars of safety, operational excellence, project execution, and capital discipline underpinned these results. Safety remains the highest priority, despite the tragic loss of two colleagues. Operational highlights include the Simandou iron ore project achieving first sales and significant progress on mine construction and port infrastructure, as well as the early achievement of first production at lithium projects Fénix 1B and Sal de Vida. The company declared an interim ordinary dividend of $3.4 billion, a 43% increase, reflecting its strong cash flow and balance sheet, while continuing to invest in growth opportunities. The decarbonization efforts are also progressing, with a 14% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions compared to the 2018 baseline.