Rio's Paul Skinner reiterates support for Chinalco deal

RIO Tinto chairman Paul Skinner today reiterated the board's endorsement of a tie-up with Chinalco at the miner's annual meeting.

¡°A strategic partnership that strengthens our platform in the Chinese market and gives us access to the sources of capital within its economy has strong appeal,¡± Mr Skinner said.

Rio has faced significant political and shareholder opposition to its planned $US19.5 billion ($27 billion) alliance with Chinese state-owned aluminium producer Chinalco.

Some Rio investors are expected to use today¡¯s meeting to push for an overhaul of the miner¡¯s board.

Rio shares were down 3.2 per cent to $57.24.

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