Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto said Tuesday it saw record iron ore output in the first half of the year, adding that the expansion of capacity in Western Australia's Pilbara was on track.

It said the production, shipments and rail volumes came despite unseasonal wet weather in Pilbara and a conveyor belt breakage resulting in one of five ship loaders being sidelined for almost three weeks.

The firm added in its second quarter report that iron ore output at its mines in Australia and Canada came in at 66 million tons for the three months to June, up 7 percent on the same period last year.

"Our iron ore operations continue their impressive performance, with period-on-period improvements," Chief Executive Sam Walsh said.

"One of our key priorities this year is to deliver our growth projects. Despite some challenging weather conditions, our Pilbara 290 iron ore expansion remains on track to deliver first tons by the end of this quarter."

Softer commodity prices and slowing demand from China have forced resources companies to back-pedal on some projects.

AFP