“Rio Tinto believes that the allegations in recent media reports that employees were involved in bribery of officials at Chinese steel mills are wholly without foundation,” said Sam Walsh, chief executive of Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore division. “We remain fully supportive of our detained employees, and believe that they acted at all times with integrity and in accordance with Rio Tinto’s strict and publicly stated code of ethical behavior.”

Rio Tinto remains very concerned about the four employees detained in Shanghai. The Australian Government is keeping the company fully briefed on its efforts to assist them. Rio Tinto will continue to work to support the employees and their families and colleagues.

Rio Tinto continues to operate in China and is maintaining high levels of iron ore shipments from Australia. The company’s website is located at www.riotinto.com.

Additional details regarding the case are available via the links below.

Links

• "Rio Tinto Case Tied to Price Negotiations"
• "U.S. Presses Beijing to Play Fair"
• "All Losers as Australia Hits China's Brick Wall"
• "Australia's 'Concerned' over China's Rio Tinto 'Spy' Arrest"
• Rio Tinto