Global miner Rio Tinto on Tuesday posted a record first half iron ore production of 127.2 million tonnes, up six percent, compared to the same period last year.

"Our iron ore operations continue their impressive performance, " Rio Tinto Chief Executive Sam Walsh said in a statement on Tuesday.

Rio Tinto also reported a record iron ore shipment of 118.6 million tonnes for the first half of 2013, a four percent increase from the corresponding period of the previous year.

Meanwhile, Walsh said a new milestone was reached in Mongolia, with the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine making its first shipment of copper concentrate to China.

He added the Pilbara expansion projects in Western Australia remain on track, despite the challenging weather conditions.