Global resources group Rio Tinto on Wednesday announced a 35% increase in its interim earnings per share to 157,6 United States cents from 116,8 US cents in the 2004 interim period.
First-half net earnings were $2,165-billion, up from $1,611-billion in the first half of last year. Cash flow from operations rose to a record $3,421-billion, 69% higher than the first half of 2004, when $2,02-billion was produced.
Construction of major rail and port infrastructure expansion for Western Australian iron-ore operations remains on track, while commissioning of port expansion has started and is set to progress in the second half of the year, the group said. — I-Net Bridge