Rio Tinto vide a release said that it has noted the announcement by Chinalco and Alcoa.

Mr Paul Skinner chairman of Rio Tinto said "This unsolicited development, of which we had no prior notice, reinforces our view of the long term value of Rio Tinto.”

He added that "In line with our long standing strategy, we shall continue to focus on operating our many world class assets to maximize value and prospects for all shareholders."