Rio Tinto behind Captain Camara attack? signs Guinea contract now

Post date: Mar 19, 2010 11:13:45 AM

Spy case In China, attack on Camara

The Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto says it has signed a deal with China to develop a massive iron ore mine in West Africa.

China's state metals group Chinalco will pay $1.3bn for 47% of the Simandou project in Guinea.

According to the company, Simandou is one of the world's biggest undeveloped iron ore deposits. The tie-up comes days ahead of the controversial trial of four Rio employees, accused of spying on China.

Last year, China was condemned by human rights groups after it signed a $7bn

mining and oil deal with the government of Captain Camara (photo)

Rio Tinto Spy's accused in China

However, relations between China and Australia are strained because of the "spying" case.

The four accused, Australian Stern Hu and three Chinese colleagues, Wang Yong, Ge Minqiang and Liu Caikui, were arrested last June, and their trial begins on Monday.