Profit after tax attributable to the group was $US5.8 billion ($A8.9 billion) for the six months to June 30, little changed from $US5.1 billion a year earlier, the company announced on Wednesday.
Underlying EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) rose three per cent to $US12.1 billion ($A18.5 billion).
"We are at an inflection point in our growth, with a step change from our aluminium business and consistent production at our Pilbara iron ore operations," chief executive Jakob Stausholm said.
Jakob Stausholm says Rio Tinto is at a significant turning point in its operations. (Matt Jelonek/AAP PHOTOS)
Rio Tinto committed to spending about $US1 billion ($A1.5 billion) per year on closure activities at the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia, Energy Resources of Australia's uranium mine, the Gove alumina refinery in the Northern Territory and legacy sites.
The big emitter said technology and partnerships, such as the renewable power solutions announced for Boyne smelter in central Queensland and their New Zealand aluminium smelter, were solving some of their most complex challenges.
Tightness in key labour markets - Western Australia, Quebec and Utah - raised costs above general inflation, the company said.
Free cash flow was $US2.8 billion ($A4.3 billion), taxes and government royalties were $US4.4 billion ($A6.7 billion) and return on capital employed was a healthy 19 per cent.
Expectations for Pilbara iron ore shipments in 2024 remained at 323-338 million tonnes.
Rio Tinto declared an interim dividend of $US1.77 per share, the same as a year earlier.
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