This afternoon, the company reported underlying earnings of $4.4 billion, below UBS' forecast of $4.6 billion but up 12% year-on-year, underlying EBITDA of $9.2 billion, up 2%, and EBITDA margin of 43%.
Rio chief financial officer Chris Lynch described it as only a "slight miss", but put it down to the impact of legacy contracts in alumina.
Rio CEO J-S Jacques told reporters he was delighted to report today's results.
"We are proud of this result and have clear momentum," he said.
"But we will not become complacent.
"In these uncertain times, resilience is key."
Free cashflow was down by 38% to $2.8 billion, but capital expenditure jumped by 34% to $2.3 billion as the company invested in Oyu Tolgoi, Amrun and AutoHaul.
Rio announced an interim ordinary dividend of $1.27 per share, or $2.2 billion, up 15% on last year and representing 50% of underlying earnings.
The company also announced a $1 billion top-up to its existing buy-back.
Rio has already announced $5 billion of divestments this year and today the board approved that the disposal proceeds, net of tax, would be returned to shareholders.
The divestments to date don't include the non-binding agreement signed last month to sell Rio's stake in Grasberg for $3.5 billion.
Jacques said he was confident the sale would go through.
"I'll be absolutely delighted the day we can put out a press release saying we've got the cash on the balance sheet," he said.
Jacques said there were still a few assets the company regarded as non-core, and revealed there were processes underway on other unnamed assets.
Lynch added that the audience for divesting assets was shrinking.
Jacques said the company would still consider acquisition opportunities.
"Are we looking at potential options to grow out portfolio and create value through M&A? The answer is yes," he said.
"However, if it doesn't make sense for shareholders, so be it."
Jacques said Rio was concerned about rising inflation and global trade.
"If I use Rio Tinto as a proxy for the mining industry, 90% of our product moves from one country to another," he said.
"Trade is the best way to create wealth.
"We really hope people talk to each other, put their issues on the table and find common ground going forward."
Rio shares closed half a cent higher at A$81.65.
