Orissa

Orissa in India is one of the key iron ore regions of the world. We have a joint venture interest (51 per cent) in Rio Tinto Orissa Mining with the state owned Orissa Mining Corporation. The joint venture holds rights to iron ore leases in Orissa, which we are seeking to develop.

With expectations of significant infrastructure and industrial development in India in the medium and long term, Rio Tinto remains keen to contribute to the development of the Indian iron ore sector through the Orissa joint venture. Plans for the project align production to meet domestic demand for iron ore.  Rio Tinto continues discussions with major iron ore and steel companies in India and we expect to commence mining in 2009.

The Orissa project team is based in New Delhi.