Rio Tinto Halts Richards Bay Minerals Operations, Declares Force Majeure on Contracts

By Rhiannon Hoyle

SYDNEY--Rio Tinto PLC said it will cease operations at its South African mineral sands business, Richards Bay Minerals, because of an escalation in security issues.

The mining company said it has declared force majeure on customer contracts and will keep the operations shuttered until safety and security are improved.

"We continue to offer our full support to the investigating authorities and I would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the regional and national governments and South African Police Service as we work together to ensure that we can safely resume operations," said Sinead Kaufman, chief executive of Rio Tinto's minerals business.

Write to Rhiannon Hoyle at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-29-21 1849ET