Rio Tinto Gets Tailwind on Copper Costs From Gold Rally — Market Talk

Rallying gold prices are aiding Rio Tinto's effort to drive down copper unit costs, Citi analysts say in a note. The miner in July revised its annual copper unit cost guidance lower, citing strong production and work to contain expenses. It expects 2025 copper unit costs of US$1.10-US$1.30/pound, down from US$1.30-US$1.50/pound before. The rally in gold, which has surged to record highs, "could provide further tailwinds for unit costs" to be toward the lower end of the new guidance range, the Citi analysts say. Rio Tinto produces gold as a byproduct of copper mining. A rising gold price consequently contributes to higher byproduct credits, which reduce net unit costs in its copper division. Rio Tinto is up 1.5% in Sydney at A$127.12. (rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com; @RhiannonHoyle)