LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Plc (RTNTF, RIO, RIO.L, RTPPF) reported that Pilbara iron ore shipments for the second quarter were 77.7 million tonnes, six per cent lower than the same quarter of 2016. Shipments were impacted by accelerated rail track maintenance. Pilbara iron ore production was 79.8 million tonnes, one per cent lower than last year. Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said, 'Iron ore production was in line with last year, although iron ore shipments were impacted by an acceleration in our rail maintenance programme following poor weather in the first quarter. We believe our focus on capital discipline, maximising cash flow from operations, driving productivity and portfolio shaping will continue to support the delivery of strong cash generation and shareholder returns.'