BINGHAM CANYON (KENNECOTT UTAH)

Rio Tinto has increased its copper mineral resources by 20 million tonnes to 106 million tonnes at its Kennecott Utah Copper Bingham Canyon Mine, Utah, USA.

Rio Tinto has approved US$238 million to advance a feasibility study for extending the life of Kennecott Utah Copper’s Bingham Canyon Mine in Salt Lake City, USA.

Rio Tinto is to invest US$270 million in the construction of a new molybdenum autoclave process (MAP) facility at its Kennecott Utah Copper Bingham Canyon operation in Salt Lake City, USA. This will enable lower-grade concentrate to be processed more efficiently than conventional roasters, allow improved molybdenum recovery and operating flexibility and enable production of chemical grade molybdenum products. MAP follows a series of investments to increase long term profitability and accelerate mining operations to meet global demand for natural resources. With a capacity to produce up to 9,000 lbs of rhenium per year, MAP will also make it possible for Rio Tinto to recover rhenium from its concentrate and become a secure long term supplier. The MAP facility is scheduled to begin operating in the third quarter of 2010.