Bernama reported that Rio Tinto Limited's Yandicoogina iron ore mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region has produced more than 50 million tonnes per annum for the first time.

Rio said that its biggest producing mine at Yandicoogina exceeded the production mark on December 29th 2009. Last year, Yandicoogina produced 45.6 million tonnes of saleable product.

Yandicoogina now accounts for about one quarter of Rio Tinto's iron ore global output, likely to be between 210 and 215 million tonnes in 2009.

Mr Sam Walsh iron ore chief of Rio Tinto said that the 50 million tonne milestone came despite the twin obstacles of the global financial crisis and severe flood damage to rail operations. He added that "The 50 million tonnes per year mark is a worthy effort."

(Sourced from www.bernama.com)