OREANDA-NEWS. August 11, 2014. Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "Our outstanding half year performance reflects the quality of our world-class assets, our programme of operational excellence and our ability to drive performance during a period of weaker prices.

These results show that our current strategic and management focus is making a meaningful contribution to cash flow generation.

"During the first half we have increased underlying earnings by 21 per cent to USD5.1 billion and enhanced operating cash flow by eight per cent. We delivered what we said we would, exceeding our USD 3 billion operating cash cost reduction target six months ahead of schedule while producing record volumes and driving productivity improvements across all our businesses.

"We have decreased net debt by USD 6.0 billion compared with this time last year, through our stronger operating cash flows, sharply reduced capital spend and proceeds from divestments. We are confident Rio Tinto's low cost, diversified portfolio will continue to generate strong and sustainable cash flows over the coming years. This solid foundation for growth will result in materially increased cash returns to shareholders, underscoring our commitment to deliver greater value."