Logistics
Rio Tinto Aluminium's smelters have their own warehouse and port facility, managed and operated by Rio Tinto Aluminium personnel. Regular export shipments depart every month (and in some cases twice or more per month) from each smelter. The logistics team synchronises metal production at the smelters with customer requirements and various shipping line schedules. This ensures that metal is delivered to customers in the shortest possible time. Export shipments take from a few days to a few weeks to reach customers within Rio Tinto Aluminium's market region. By contrast, domestic shipments leave by road, rail or ship and can take only a few hours to deliver.
All shipments of aluminium metal are sold and delivered on the basis of Incoterms, 2000 (International Chamber of Commerce, publication No. 560). Export shipments are delivered on a Cost, Insurance, Freight (CIF) basis. There are also options for direct delivery to the customer. Shipment type is Bulk ('Breakbulk') or Containerised. Domestic deliveries are on a Free in Store (FIS) basis. Carriage is by ship, road or rail. Documentation is prepared and issued by the Administration team upon shipment of the metal. This documentation can include the following:
- Commercial invoices
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin (issued by producing smelter)
- Packing list
- Certificate of analysis (issued by producing smelter)
- Marine insurance certificate (110 per cent of shipment value)
- Final manifest
- Cast lot summary
Rio Tinto Aluminium also ships bauxite and alumina to international destinations on a regular basis. Logistics services to meet customer's requirements are available if required.
