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Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Net Operating Costs Excluding Items Shown Separately [Abstract]  
Summary of net operating costs (excluding items shown separately)
 
Note
2019
US$m

2018
US$m

2017
US$m

Raw materials, consumables, repairs and maintenance

9,485

10,613

9,286

Amortisation of intangible assets
13
133

133

177

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
14
4,251

3,882

4,198

Employment costs
5
4,522

4,728

4,765

Shipping and other freight costs(a)

2,257

2,580

2,338

Decrease/(increase) in finished goods and work in progress

42

(186
)
(82
)
Royalties

2,501

2,117

2,228

Amounts charged by equity accounted units(b)

1,136

1,200

980

Net foreign exchange (gains)/losses

(52
)
(56
)
61

Other external costs(a)(c)

3,627

3,184

3,967

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment(d)

31

(506
)
(32
)
Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions)
26
753

1,011

527

Research and development

45

45

58

Costs included above qualifying for capitalisation

(651
)
(589
)
(486
)
Other operating income

(773
)
(1,041
)
(1,002
)
Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately)

27,307

27,115

26,983