Rio Tinto plc - RIO STOCK NEWS

Rio Tinto announced that the Turquoise Hill Special Committee has terminated its review of Rio Tinto's proposal for full ownership of Turquoise Hill at C$34 per share. This offer represented a significant premium, with a 32% increase over Turquoise Hill's closing price on March 11, 2022. Rio Tinto expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the proposal would provide compelling value for minority shareholders. Furthermore, Turquoise Hill revealed the need to raise over US$1 billion for funding requirements amidst a 35% decline in peer companies' share prices since the proposal date.

Rio Tinto has finalized the sale of a 1.2% gross production royalty on the Cortez mine and Fourmile project in Nevada to RG Royalties LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Gold Inc., for $525 million in cash. This move is expected to unlock hidden value and provide immediate cash flow, with royalty payments set to commence shortly after the Cortez Complex produces 15 million ounces of gold since 2008. The CFO emphasizes the value this transaction brings to the company's portfolio.

The joint venture company, La Compagnie du TransGuinéen, was incorporated to develop the Simandou project infrastructure in Guinea, as per the Framework Agreement signed on March 25, 2022. This milestone enables the co-development of crucial rail and port infrastructures, which are essential for economic growth in the region. The shareholding is divided among WCS, Rio Tinto, and the Guinean government. The partnership emphasizes adherence to ESG standards, intending to create a sustainable source of wealth for Guinea.

Rio Tinto reported financial results for H1 2022, revealing underlying EBITDA of $15.6 billion, down 26% year-on-year. Free cash flow decreased by 30% to $7.1 billion, with operating cash flows also dropping to $10.5 billion (-23%). The company announced a robust interim dividend of $4.3 billion, equating to 267 US cents per share, maintaining a 50% payout ratio. Despite challenges, ongoing projects include the Gudai-Darri mine and the Rincon lithium project, illustrating commitment to growth and shareholder returns.

Emergent Metals Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement to raise up to CDN$1,000,000 by issuing up to 5,000,000 units at CDN$0.20 each. Each unit consists of one common share and one warrant, exercisable at CDN$0.26 for 24 months. Insiders may participate, exempting them from certain minority approval requirements. Funds will be used for exploration in Quebec and Nevada. The offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Securities will have a four-month and one-day hold period.

Rio Tinto has reached agreements with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to resolve longstanding tax disputes. The agreements cover transfer pricing and tax matters from 2010 to 2021, ensuring Rio Tinto is not subject to double taxation. As part of the settlement, Rio Tinto will pay an additional A$613 million in taxes, which includes A$55 million in interest and A$22 million in penalties. These resolutions provide certainty for future tax outcomes until 2026.

Rio Tinto's CEO, Jakob Stausholm, highlights operational enhancements in its Pilbara projects, including the launch of the Gudai-Darri mine, which is expected to boost productivity. The company is also producing critical minerals, such as scandium and tellurium, from existing waste streams. In the second quarter of 2022, Pilbara iron ore shipments increased by 5% to 79.9 million tonnes. However, aluminium production saw a significant decrease of 10%. The company maintains its annual shipment guidance of 320 to 335 million tonnes amidst fluctuating performance across various commodities.

Rio Tinto is investing US$188 million (CA$240 million) to boost low-carbon aluminium billet production at its Alma smelter in Quebec by 202,000 metric tonnes. This expansion includes state-of-the-art equipment, with construction starting in May 2023 and commissioning expected by Q1 2025. The project aims to meet the growing demand for aluminium in North America, particularly in automotive and construction, and is projected to generate US$160 million (CA$200 million) in economic benefits and 40 new jobs.