Iron ore prices have flatlined from a 2011 peak, falling more than 75 percent since then, landing in at below US$40 a tonne. Despite the dreary outlook, Rio Tinto isn’t slowing down their production anytime soon.

The iron ore producer reported an 11 percent rise in annual iron ore shipments, while announcing plans to ship 350 million tonnes in 2016. Their unorthodox supply tactics might be actually working, with many expecting the company to maintain or even raise its dividends for the next 12 months.

Their bullish attitude on the supply side hasn’t come without its fair share of hardships. The company have recently gone on a global pay freeze, with stricter expense management and cutting what it spends on consultants and contractors.

Chief executive Sam Walsh sees the global carnage on the iron ore market could prove an ideal opportunity for the company to widen the gap between other competitors who have decided to halt or cut down on their iron ore productions, stating: “Rio Tinto can thrive when others falter.”