According to Mr Tom Albanese CEO of Rio Tinto Plc the company has had recent contact with China Chinalco over cooperating on new projects.

Mr Albanese said "We are still keen to work with Chinalco in future on projects of mutual benefit. He said that it is too early to say what these might be but I am encouraged that we have had some recent engagement."

A proposed tie up with Chinalco, Rio biggest shareholder was scrapped earlier this year when Rio decided to pursue an iron ore production joint venture with competitor BHP Billiton Ltd.

Mr Sam Walsh Rio Iron Ore Chief Executive said the company remains on track to meet a December 5th deadline for signing a binding deal with BHP.

(Sourced from www.marketwatch.com)