Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares have long been a popular option for Australian investors seeking exposure to the resources sector.
As well as offering exposure to world class operations, the mining giant has a reputation for paying substantial dividends when commodity markets are favourable.
But was Rio Tinto a good place to invest $10,000 one year ago? Let's run the numbers.
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Buying Rio Tinto shares
Rio Tinto shares were trading at around $112.36 on 7 August 2025.
At that price, a $10,000 investment would have bought almost exactly 89 shares before brokerage.
Fast-forward 12 months and Rio Tinto shares are changing hands for approximately $176.30. That means those 89 shares would now be worth around $15,691.
In other words, the share price alone has added close to $5,691 to the original investment. That represents a capital return of approximately 57%, which is a fantastic result over such a relatively short period.
However, Rio Tinto shareholders have also collected some welcome cash along the way.
Don't forget the dividends
Rio Tinto has paid two fully franked dividends during the past 12 months.
Shareholders received the equivalent of approximately $2.22 per share in September 2025, followed by another $3.67 per share in April this year.
Across 89 Rio Tinto shares, those two payments would have produced around $524 in dividend income.
Adding that cash to the current value of the shares takes the investment to approximately $16,215.
That equates to a total return of just over 62%, before brokerage and tax.
What has supported the rise?
Rio Tinto has benefited from stronger commodity prices, including copper, alongside improving production across its portfolio.
Its first-half copper equivalent production increased by 3%, with the continued ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine making an important contribution. Oyu Tolgoi's copper production rose by more than 30% compared with the prior corresponding period.
This growing copper exposure gives Rio Tinto another major earnings driver alongside its enormous Pilbara iron ore operations.
Another payday is approaching
Existing Rio Tinto shareholders also have another dividend on the horizon.
The company recently declared an interim dividend equivalent to approximately $3.03 per share at current exchange rates. This is scheduled to be paid on 24 September, with the shares trading ex-dividend on 13 August.
For our hypothetical holding of 89 shares, that would represent another payment of roughly $270.
Foolish takeaway
Rio Tinto has certainly rewarded investors who bought shares a year ago.
A $10,000 investment would now be worth approximately $16,215 after including the two dividends already received.
The next dividend is also close, giving shareholders another reason to feel pleased with what has been an excellent 12 months.
