Rio Tinto says that the Chinese Public Security Bureau, which is investigating the four Shanghai employees detained on 5 July 2009, has transferred the case to the People’s Procuratorate.
Sam Walsh, chief executive Iron Ore, said, “This transfer is the next stage in a continuing legal process under Chinese law. It would not be appropriate for the company to comment any further at this point in the case other than to reaffirm our hope that matters proceed in an expeditious and transparent manner.”
Senior managers from Rio Tinto continue to maintain regular contact with the families of the detained employees and provide support to them.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.
