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Principal joint operations - Summary of principle joint operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2019 Subsidiary
Minera Escondida Limitada [Member] |
Disclosure of joint operations [line items] |
Group interest (%) | 30.00%
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited [member] |
Disclosure of joint operations [line items] |
Group interest (%), Joint Operation | 79.40%
Principal activities, Joint Operation | Aluminium smelting
Queensland Alumina Limited [member] |
Disclosure of joint operations [line items] |
Group interest (%), Joint Operation | 80.00%
Principal activities, Joint Operation | Alumina production
Pilbara Iron arrangement [Member] |
Disclosure of joint operations [line items] |
Number of subsidiary | 2
Company of operation, Subsidiary | Pilbara Iron (Company) Services Pty Ltd and Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd.
Principal activities, Joint Operation | Infrastructure, corporate and mining services
Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc |
Disclosure of joint operations [line items] |
Group interest (%), Joint Operation | 50.20%
Principal activities, Joint Operation | Aluminium smelting
Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc | Aluminerie De Becancour Inc |
Disclosure of joint operations [line items] |
Group interest (%) | 50.10%
Company of operation | Aluminerie de Bécancour, Inc.
Principal activities, Joint Operation | aluminium smelter

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