Rio Tinto completes sale of Grasberg interest
(Posted on 07/01/19)
Rio Tinto has completed the sale of its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia for $3.5 billion, as part of a series of transactions involving Inalum (PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero)), Indonesia’s state mining company, and Freeport McMoRan Inc.
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said “This sale brings the total divestment proceeds received across the last two years to over $11 billion as we continue to strengthen the portfolio. Over that same period, we have returned or announced an intention to return over $18 billion to our shareholders, demonstrating our disciplined approach to capital allocation and commitment to continuing to deliver sector leading returns.”
The binding agreement was announced on 28 September 2018 and was subject to a number of conditions precedent, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, which have now been satisfied.
The board will announce how the proceeds from the sale will be allocated when Rio Tinto announces its 2018 full year results.
Prior to the completion of this transaction, the Grasberg mine in Indonesia was owned by Freeport McMoRan Inc., who held a 90.64 per cent interest, and Inalum, who owned the remaining 9.36 per cent.
In line with a participation agreement signed on 11 October 1996, Rio Tinto held a right to 40 per cent of production above a pre agreed level and 40 per cent of all production after 2022.
In 2017 the Grasberg mine produced 468kt and Rio Tinto’s share of mined copper was 5.7kt.
As at 31 December 2017, losses attributable to Rio Tinto’s interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia were $169 million and the gross assets of the company which holds such interest which is the subject of the transaction were $1,497 million.
Latest News
SSAB invests $74 Million to expand steel production in Alabama
(Posted on 07/05/25)Highly-specialised global steel company, SSAB has announced a significant investment of approximately... Read more
GGC welcomes new Canadian government and urges farm priorities action
(Posted on 01/05/25)Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney and all Members of Parliament... Read more
US Soybean growers disappointed in 2;4-D Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties vote
(Posted on 30/04/25)The International Trade Commission in the USA has voted in favour of imposing final anti-dumping (AD... Read more
Ukraine already sown two million hectares of spring grains
(Posted on 28/04/25)As of April 25, 2025, farmers in all regions of Ukraine have sown 2M hectares (ha) of spring grain and... Read more
Condobolin rail upgrade fast-tracks NSW grain
(Posted on 25/04/25)GrainCorp’s rail site at Condobolin, in the heart of central west New South Wales, Australia,... Read more
Rio Tinto and AMG assess low-carbon aluminium project in India
(Posted on 22/04/25)Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M), an energy transition solutions provider, have... Read more
BHP record iron ore and copper production demonstrates resilience
(Posted on 22/04/25)BHP has released its Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2025.BHP Chief Executive... Read more
WTO: Trump’s tariffs will shrink global trade
(Posted on 16/04/25)The volume of world merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2% in 2025 under current conditions... Read more
$235million syndicated loan agreement to boost UAE trade with Trafigura
(Posted on 15/04/25)In a strategic move to empower UAE exporters and advance the nation’s economic diversification... Read more
Anglo American update on sale of steelmaking coal business to Peabody
(Posted on 15/04/25)Anglo American plc has noted the recent statement issued by Peabody Energy in relation to the definitive... Read more
