Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) Stock

Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto PLC is a global diversified miner. Iron ore is the dominant commodity, with significantly lesser contributions from copper, aluminum, diamonds, gold, and industrial minerals. The 1995 merger of RTZ and CRA, via a dual-listed structure, created the present-day company. The two operate as a single business entity, with shareholders in each company having equivalent economic and voting rights. Major assets included the Pilbara iron ore operations, a 30% stake in the Escondida copper mine, 66%-ownership of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia, the Weipa and Gove bauxite mines in Australia, and six hydro-powered aluminum smelters in Canada.

London,,Uk,-,May,14,,2016:,London,Stock,Exchange,Group

Large Cap

News

Commodities

Legal

Markets

GLCNF

PICK

Glencore and Rio Tinto are reportedly reconsidering their London listings; their departure would be another significant blow to the LSE.

Glencore, Rio Tinto Ponder Leaving London Stock Exchange As European Financial Hub Loses Luster

West,Bangal,,India,-,October,09,,2021,:,Rio,Tinto

Technicals

Previews

Trading Ideas

VALE

Both stocks have shown bullish technical signals; investors are watching closely to see which one has a stronger post-earnings trajectory.

Rio Tinto Vs. Vale: Both Mining Stocks Show Bullish Technical Signals Ahead Of Q4 Earnings

Loading,Of,Coal,Into,Truck.,Excavator,At,Work,.,Mining

Small Cap

Opinion

CSTM

Oil and gold are the first things that come to mind when investors think about mining and exploration stocks, but the sector is far more diverse and expansive than just two commodities.



Coal, natural gas, construction materials like limestone, industrial metals like copper and aluminum, and even the lithium in our batteries, all come from mining companies.

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Rio Tinto PLC

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RION Co Ltd

Glencore (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLCNF#OTC">GLCNF</a>) and Rio Tinto (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>), two leading mining companies, are discussing their listings with the London Stock Exchange, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mining">albeit for different reasons</a>. 
Swiss-based Glencore is exploring the possibility of moving to the New York Stock Exchange.
&#8220;We want to ensure that our securities are traded on the right exchange, where we can get the right and optimal valuation. If there's a better one, and those include the likes of the New York Stock Exchange, we have to consider that,&#8221; CEO Gary Nagle <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/19/glencore-ditch-london-stock-exchange-new-york">said</a> for The Guardian.
Glencore has been on the LSE since its record-breaking $10 billion initial public offering in 2011. Today, the miner belongs to one of the 20 most valuable listings, with a market capitalization of £40 billion ($50 billion).
However, its <a href="https://www.glencore.com/media-and-insights/news/preliminary-results-2024">latest financial result</a> might catalyze a change. It reported a $1.6 billion net loss for 2024, in contrast to the previous year's $4.3 billion profit, as asset impairments weighted it down. 
Zinc and copper smelting assets suffered a $1.5 billion writedown, while South African coal operation value dropped by $600 million. Adjusted EBITDA declined 16% to $14.4 billion, reflecting a weaker commodity environment. While Glencore had previously considered spinning off its coal business in New York, the company ultimately decided to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40216672/glencore-votes-against-spinning-off-coal-remains-open-to-more-acquisitions">retain the assets</a>, recognizing the demand for fossil fuels in certain markets.
Glencore's potential departure would be yet another significant blow to the LSE, which has lost around 30% of listed companies since 2015. In 2024 alone, LSE saw 88 companies delist or relocate, marking the largest exodus in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/25/01/43314653/uk-faces-triple-threat-as-economic-uncertainty-hits">over a decade</a>.
Better valuations and favorable financial conditions are offered abroad—particularly in the U.S., which boasts deeper capital pools and no 0.5% stamp duty on share sales.
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto faces pressure to reconsider its London listing and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42334888/rio-tinto-ceo-defends-london-listing-outlines-future-growth-plans">abandon a dual listing structure</a>. Activist investor Palliser Capital recently pushed for the company to consolidate its shares in Australia, arguing that such a move would improve liquidity and potentially boost its market valuation. The global multi-strategy fund claimed that the dual listing has destroyed $50 billion in value and hampered mergers and acquisitions.
However, CEO Jakob Stausholm favors the current structure.
&#8220;We are a global company, we have global investors, and London kind of works for us. I just don&#8217;t believe that you&#8217;re going to change fundamentally your value by swapping exchange,&#8221; he said <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/rio-tinto-reports-smallest-full-year-profit-five-years-2025-02-19/">for</a> Reuters.
Rio Tinto reported its weakest full-year earnings in five years, with underlying earnings falling to $10.87 billion from $11.76 billion in the previous year. While the company remains heavily reliant on iron ore, its expansion into copper and aluminum has helped offset some of the weaker Chinese steel demand.
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWU#NYSE">EWU</a>) is up 7.88% year-to-date.
iShares MSCI Global Metals &amp; Mining Producers ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PICK#BATS">PICK</a>), which contains both Glencore and Rio Tinto, is up 7.55% year-to-date.
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Image: Shutterstock

Guidance

Rio Tinto Sees FY25 Production Guidance Is Consistent With Our Investor Seminar, Released On Dec. 4; In 2025 Expect Share Of Capital Investment To Be $11B; Sees 2025 Pilbara Iron Ore Unit Cash Costs $23.0-24.50 Per WMT; Mid-Term Guidance For Our Share Of Capital Investment Is $10B-$11B

Two of the world's largest miners, Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) and Vale SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VALE#NYSE">VALE</a>), are set to report their fourth-quarter <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">earnings on Wednesday</a>.
While both stocks have shown bullish technical signals, investors will be watching closely to see which one has the stronger post-earnings trajectory.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RIO: Bullish But Facing Resistance</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent021825&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="629" height="470" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130942/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-11.39.24-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-787480" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130942/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-11.39.24-PM.png 629w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130942/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-11.39.24-PM-300x224.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px" /></a></figure>
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RIO stock has climbed 9% YTD, with its stock trading above its eight, 20, and 50-day simple moving averages (SMAs) &#8211; a strong technical indicator. 
However, it remains below its 200-day SMA of $64.55, suggesting a potential ceiling for further upside. With an RSI (relative strength index) of 66.54, RIO stock is approaching overbought territory, and selling pressure could lead to some post-earnings weakness.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43432736/copper-stocks-on-shaky-ground-jpmorgan-analysts-say-tariffs-deepseek-cloud-outlook">Copper Stocks On Shaky Ground, JPMorgan Analysts Say: Tariffs, DeepSeek Cloud Outlook</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VALE: A Stronger Rebound?</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent021825&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="629" height="470" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130951/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-11.39.13-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-787483" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130951/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-11.39.13-PM.png 629w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130951/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-11.39.13-PM-300x224.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px" /></a></figure>
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Vale, after a brutal 26.3% over the past year, has outpaced RIO so far this year with a 10.98% YTD gain. Like Rio Tinto, Vale is trading above its short-term moving averages, signaling bullish momentum. However, its RSI of 69.71 is higher than RIO's, indicating it&#8217;s closer to overbought levels.
The 200-day SMA at $10.55 could act as resistance, and investors will be watching if earnings provide the catalyst needed to break through.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Takeaway</h2>
Technically, VALE appears stronger due to its more aggressive rebound and higher RSI, but it also carries more risk of overheating. 
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto's selling pressure and resistance at its 200-day SMA suggest a potential consolidation.
Earnings will be key in determining which miner has the momentum to continue its rally. If Vale's results impress, it could break through its 200-day resistance, while Rio's performance will need to offset concerns about selling pressure.
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Image: Shutterstock

The sanction hearing for the Royal Court of Jersey (the "Court") to hear Arcadium Lithium's application to sanction the scheme of arrangement under Part 18A of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 has been set on March 5, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. EST (9:00 p.m. AEDT), with closing of the Transaction expected to occur shortly thereafter on March 6, 2025.
 &nbsp;

ALTM

Arcadium Lithium Gets All Required Pre-closing Regulatory Approvals In Connection With Proposed Acquisition Of By Rio Tinto

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Shares of metals companies are trading higher after the US paused tariffs on Canada.

Shares of metals stocks are trading lower following US tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China.

Oil and gold are the first things that come to mind when investors think about mining and exploration stocks, but the sector is far more diverse and expansive than just two commodities.
Coal, natural gas, construction materials like limestone, industrial metals like copper and aluminum, and even the lithium in our batteries, all come from mining companies.
However, mining operations consume immense amounts of time and capital expenditure, so mining companies tend to perform well during economic booms, and poorly during downturns.
As luck would have it, we have a strong economy, low inflation, and a new, business-friendly administration, all pointing to a very good year for mining stocks.
Here are four stocks that are well-positioned for growth through 2025.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rio Tinto Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rio#NYSE">RIO</a>)</h2>
Rio Tinto Group is a diversified large-cap mining company with a $100 billion market cap and operations in numerous industrial metals and materials. Based in Melbourne, RIO trades on several global stock exchanges, including the FTSE, ASX, and the NYSE.
The company was named after the original mine it purchased from the Spanish government in 1871. Over time, RIO has become the world&#8217;s second-largest public mining company, focusing on iron ore, aluminum, copper/diamonds, and energy minerals (like uranium).
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="299" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165348/RIO-1024x299.png" alt="" class="wp-image-752215" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165348/RIO-1024x299.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165348/RIO-300x87.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165348/RIO-768x224.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165348/RIO.png 1293w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
RIO shares have a few tailwinds that could benefit investors in 2025. First, the company has been dropping unprofitable coal mining operations to improve efficiency and recently purchased Arcadium Lithium in a $6.7 billion deal to add more properties to its renewable energy portfolio (RIO is now the third largest lithium miner in the world).
Additionally, the company is said to be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43040137/rio-tinto-and-glencore-weigh-historic-merger-shaking-up-global-mining?adt_ei=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;he=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;el=ResearchDaily">pursuing a merger</a> with Glencore, which would create the largest combined mining company in the world. With demand for copper, aluminum, and lithium expected to increase as more electric infrastructure is built, RIO is set up to be a major beneficiary. The stock is a consensus Buy based on nine analysts covering the stock, and the average price target is $73, representing a 17% upside. Plus, that 7% dividend yield isn't too shabby, either.
[<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge/?utm_source=WebRD-0128&amp;el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}">Get a New, High-Potential Trade Every Morning</a>]
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Constellium SE (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cstm#NYSE">CSTM</a>)</h2>
Constellium was part of Rio Tinto Group but was spun out in 2011 when the company sold its Alcan Engineered Products unit. Today, Constellium is a major manufacturer of aluminum and various related alloys with plants in North America, Asia, and Europe. Constellium is headquartered in Paris and employs over 12,000 full-time workers.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="298" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165355/CSTM-1024x298.png" alt="" class="wp-image-752216" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165355/CSTM-1024x298.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165355/CSTM-300x87.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165355/CSTM-768x223.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165355/CSTM.png 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Compared to its former parent company, Constellium is small. The company has a mere $1.5 billion market cap and posted $1.6 billion in revenue last quarter, but it has a high-profile list of clients in the aerospace and automotive industries, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Boeing, and Airbus.
According to analyst reports, the stock is a consensus Buy with an average price target over $20, which would be nearly double the current market price. The company recently announced it's moving to US-based accounting principles (like filing 10K reports with the SEC), which could hint at potential expansion into new US markets. With defense spending expected to increase over the next decade, companies manufacturing lightweight and innovative aluminum products stand to reap the rewards.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alcoa Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aa#NYSE">AA</a>)</h2>
Alcoa Corp. used to be a staple amongst Jim Cramer's most essential earnings calls and guidance reports. Still, the long-time aluminum producer has seen its market cap shrink from nearly $17 billion to just over $10 billion in the last three years.
Year-over-year revenue growth declined for seven consecutive quarters starting in Q3 2022, and 2023 full-year gross profit was a disappointing $738 million (down from $2.2 billion in 2022). However, the last two quarterly reports have shown that revenue is growing again, and the stock is positioned fundamentally and technically for a turnaround.&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="298" src="https://editorial.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AA -1024x298.png" alt="" class="wp-image-752217" /></figure>
Alcoa primarily produces aluminum and bauxite and operates in 10 countries, including the United States, Australia, Iceland, and several Caribbean nations. At its peak in the bull market in 2022, the stock traded near the $90 range.
Today, it sits around $40 and only has a Hold rating and a $43 price target based on 15 analyst reports. However, revenue growth has returned, and the stock's 200-day moving average could act as a support level for a continuing uptrend.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BHP Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bhp#NYSE">BHP</a>)</h2>
BHP is the world's largest mining company, with a market cap of over $125 billion and operations in materials like iron core, copper, zinc, gold, silver, uranium, and more. The company is based in Australia but has mines worldwide, including domestic operations in Queensland and Western Australia, plus international extraction sites in Canada, Brazil, and Chile.
BHP's copper operations are expected to be a main profit driver over the next few decades as the material is required for EV batteries, data center grids, and other electrification projects. The company expects copper demand to increase by 70% by 2050, and recent output from the Escondida mine in Chile has significantly boosted BHP's production.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="298" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165445/BHP-1024x298.png" alt="" class="wp-image-752219" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165445/BHP-1024x298.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165445/BHP-300x87.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165445/BHP-768x223.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27165445/BHP.png 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Additionally, the company has found another profit driver: potash! BHP has become one of the largest potash producers, a water-soluble potassium mineral commonly used in fertilizer. Based on coverage from eight different analysts, BHP shares are currently a consensus Buy, with an average price target of $67 (indicating a potential 34% upside from the current market price).
The valuation looks cheap with a 16.1 P/E ratio, and the stock also pays a hefty 5.8% dividend yield. BHP is also a serial M/A participant, and that type of business is expected to pick up under a merger-friendly Trump administration.
Simplify your strategy with a daily, carefully curated stock pick designed for profit potential, complete with expert analysis and actionable insights. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge/?utm_source=WebRD-0128&amp;el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}">Get My Trades.</a>
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Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Rio Tinto. Our analysis of options history for Rio Tinto (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) revealed 11 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 54% of traders were bullish, while 27% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 9 were puts, with a value of $928,577, and 2 were calls, valued at $69,620.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $52.5 to $75.0 for Rio Tinto over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Rio Tinto stands at 1673.56, with a total volume reaching 2,468.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Rio Tinto, situated within the strike price corridor from $52.5 to $75.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Rio Tinto Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738005316_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RIO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$13.6</td>
<td>$15.2</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$466.6K</td>
<td>136</td>
<td align="right">308</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$2.55</td>
<td>$2.45</td>
<td>$2.45</td>
<td>$57.50</td>
<td>$109.5K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td align="right">542</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$87.8K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
<td align="right">294</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$57.50</td>
<td>$65.7K</td>
<td>440</td>
<td align="right">138</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$60.5K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
<td align="right">467</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Rio Tinto</h3>
Rio Tinto is a global diversified miner. Iron ore is the dominant commodity, with significantly lesser contributions from copper, aluminum, diamonds, gold, and industrial minerals. The 1995 merger of RTZ and CRA, via a dual-listed structure, created the present-day company. The two operate as a single business entity, with shareholders in each company having equivalent economic and voting rights. Major assets included the Pilbara iron ore operations, a 30% stake in the Escondida copper mine, 66%-ownership of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia, the Weipa and Gove bauxite mines in Australia, and six hydro-powered aluminum smelters in Canada.
In light of the recent options history for Rio Tinto, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Rio Tinto's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,445,321, the price of RIO is down -0.81% at $61.59. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 23 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Rio Tinto</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $73.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Jefferies continues to hold a Buy rating for Rio Tinto, targeting a price of $73. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Rio Tinto with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Rio Tinto Unusual Options Activity

Tropical Cyclone Sean delivered record rain along parts of the Pilbara coastline of Western Australia, impacting Rio Tinto rail and port operations.
A railcar dumper at the East Intercourse Island (EII) port facility, which shipped 45 million tonnes of total Rio Tinto Iron Ore shipments in 2024, was flooded after the weather event passed the coast, delivering 274mm to Karratha during January 20, 2025.
The company is working to mitigate impacts and will provide an update at its full year results on 19 February 2025.

Rio Tinto Provides Iron Ore Update After Tropical Cyclone Sean; Q1 Shipments Will Be Affected, Overall Shipment Guidance For 2025 Remains Unchanged

President Donald Trump&#8216;s revoking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43122855/trumps-plan-to-revoke-7500-ev-tax-credit-is-a-huge-negative-for-tesla-says-gary-black-downplays-impact-on-rivals">the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit</a> hasn&#8217;t discouraged mining companies from continuing to source critical materials needed for EV manufacturing.
Rio Tinto (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) CEO Jakob Stausholm, for example, remains optimistic about the global demand for lithium. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Stausholm noted, &#8220;Lithium demand will probably go up another five times over the next 15 years.&#8221;
Stausholm also praised Trump&#8217;s greenlighting of the Resolution mine in Arizona. Resolution is a massive joint venture project with BHP Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>) that could become the biggest copper mine on the continent, the companies claim. 
&#8220;I do think that we have really good chances now to progress that project," he <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/a022764b-59a6-4292-bdee-6379d0200564">told</a> the Financial Times. The $64 billion project has an estimated life span of a 60-years. It&#8217;s expected to produce over 1 billion pounds of copper per year or around 25% of the U.S. needs.
Trump&#8217;s interest in Greenland is also said to go deeper than simply <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/01/43133508/trump-wants-to-buy-greenland-for-us-security">projecting power</a> on the global stage. The Denmark-owned island is home to 25 of the 34 critical metals (per the EU&#8217;s classification). Companies like Australia-based Energy Transition Minerals have already mapped over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/42884764/how-trump-could-impact-chinas-role-in-emerging-greenland-mining-frontier">one billion tons of mineral resources</a>. This includes heavy rare earth metals like terbium, neodymium, dysprosium, and uranium.
As of January, Greenland <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2024/10/31/greenland-faces-one-of-historys-great-resource-rushes-and-curses?utm_source=chatgpt.com">has</a> one active mine. In 2023, there were <a href="https://www.energymonitor.ai/sectors/industry/why-the-world-finds-itself-in-a-greenland-mining-rush/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">two</a>.
Another key focus of Trump's critical minerals strategy may be deep-sea mining. The Metals Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMC#NASDAQ">TMC</a>), a prospective deep-sea miner, plans to submit its first application to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in June. 
The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company seeks approval to extract polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor. These nodules contain cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements crucial for battery and electronics production.
TMC's application, with support from the Republic of Nauru, could face hurdles as ISA&#8217;s new Secretary-General, Leticia Carvalho, has touted sustainability and equity in deep-sea mining governance.
"Our mandate is both a privilege and a responsibility—to act in the interest of all humankind," Carvalho <a href="https://www.isa.org.jm/news/leticia-carvalho-assumes-role-as-secretary-general-of-the-international-seabed-authority/">said</a> after assuming the leadership role earlier this month.
Despite this, TMC remains undeterred. CFO Craig Shesky <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40119611/exclusive-seabed-mining-company-execs-see-industry-developing-regardless-of-un-authority-vote">told</a> Benzinga last summer, &#8220;There&#8217;s nothing to stop [deep-sea mining] at this point. This is now inevitable.&#8221;
With Trump's administration favoring deregulation and resource independence, TMC may find a more conducive environment for advancing its ambitions.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43124968/paladin-energy-soars-on-corporate-achievements-trumps-appetite-for-ai">Paladin Energy Soars On Corporate Achievements, Trump&#8217;s Appetite For AI</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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No EV Credits, No Problem: Mining Giants Still See Green In Trump Deregulation Push

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Shares of stocks in the broader metals and mining sector are trading higher in possible sympathy with Rio Tinto and Glencore who announced discussions regarding a potential merger, the largest in mining industry history.

Rio Tinto Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) and Glencore Plc (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLNCY#OTC">GLNCY</a>), two of the largest mining companies in the world, have engaged in preliminary discussions about merging their businesses. 
What To Know: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-16/rio-tinto-glencore-are-said-to-discuss-potential-combination?srnd=homepage-americas">According to Bloomberg,</a> the talks, which remain in the early stages, have not been confirmed as ongoing. Sources, who requested anonymity due to the confidentiality of the information, noted the uncertainty surrounding whether the discussions will progress further. Representatives from Rio Tinto declined to comment, while Glencore did not immediately respond to statement requests.
Shares of both companies reacted to the news. Rio Tinto&#8217;s stock dropped 2.03% during recent trading, likely reflecting investor caution surrounding the uncertainty of the talks. Meanwhile, Glencore's stock surged 7.76%, potentially driven by market optimism about the potential synergies and scale such a merger could deliver.
This development, if it progresses, could have significant implications for the global mining industry, given the combined operational reach and resource portfolio of the two firms.
Price Action: Rio Tinto shares were down 1.70% at $59.43 and Glencore PLC shares were up 5.32% at $9.53 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?new_user=False&amp;backend=google-oauth2">Benzinga Pro.</a>
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Photo by solarseven on Shutterstock.

Movers

GLNCY

Rio Tinto And Glencore Weigh Historic Merger, Shaking Up Global Mining

Rio Tinto, Glencore Are Said To Discuss Potential Combination

Rio Tinto Says Pilbara Iron Ore Operations Produced 328.0 Million Tonnes In 2024, With Shipments Of 328.6 Million Tonnes, Each 1% Lower Than 2023

Arcadium Lithium Secures CFIUS Clearance For Acquisition By Rio Tinto, With Key Regulatory Approvals Completed In Multiple Countries; Transaction Expected To Close Before Mid-2025

Jefferies analyst Chris LaFemina maintains Rio Tinto (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $83 to $73.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Jefferies Maintains Buy on Rio Tinto, Lowers Price Target to $73

Arcadium Lithium plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALTM#NYSE">ALTM</a>, ASX: LTM, ", Arcadium Lithium", ))), a leading global lithium chemicals producer, today announced that it has obtained all requisite shareholder approvals in connection with the proposed acquisition by Rio Tinto previously announced on October 9, 2024.&nbsp;

Arcadium Lithium Announces Shareholder Approval Of Proposed Rio Tinto Transaction And Provides Regulatory Update

Shares of stocks in the broader metals and mining sector are trading lower amid overall market weakness following the Fed's rate decision to cut rates by 25 basis points.

Australia's main opposition has proposed a $211 billion taxpayer-funded nuclear power plan. If successful, the turn to nuclear power would be a historic event for one of the largest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities" rel="noreferrer noopener">global commodity producers</a>.
"Nuclear power will underpin the economic success of our country for the next century. This will make electricity reliable. It will make it more consistent. It will make it cheaper for Australians, and it will help us decarbonize," Peter Dutton, leader of the center-right Liberal Party, said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/australia-s-opposition-reveals-211-billion-nuclear-power-plan" rel="noreferrer noopener">per</a> Bloomberg's report.
The country's approach to climate change has been politically charged, contributing to the downfall of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2022. Australia remains one of the largest per-capita polluters globally, and Dutton's proposal directly challenges the ruling Labor Party's renewables-only strategy.
He called Labor's plan costly, citing claims that a balanced energy mix, including nuclear, would save taxpayers and businesses $167 billion. Australia has no operational nuclear power plants, as the industry was banned in 1998 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.&nbsp;
Despite Australia's position as the world's fourth-largest producer and holder of <a target="_blank" href="https://minerals.org.au/about/mining-facts/mineral-uranium/" rel="noreferrer noopener">one-third of global reserves</a>, uranium mining remains banned in Western Australia and Queensland. These restrictions persist even as the Minerals Council of Australia <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40182376/uranium-explorers-call-for-lifting-mining-ban-in-western-australia-target-1b-in-exports" rel="noreferrer noopener">advocates for lifting bans</a> to help meet global clean energy demand.
Currently, the active uranium mining operations exist at just 3 locations:
<ul>
<li>Olympic Dam – the largest known deposit in the world, owned by BHP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>)</li>
<li>Four Mile &#8211; a high-grade mine owned by Quasar Resources.</li>
<li>Ranger (Northern Territory) &#8211; controlled by Rio Tinto (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>), but at the end of its lifespan.</li>
</ul>
Dutton's plan includes constructing seven nuclear power plants by 2050, with the first operational by 2036. If it goes through, it would be reasonable to expect the removal of mining restrictions, presenting opportunities for domestic and foreign uranium explorers. If Western Australia lifts the mining ban, operators like Toro Energy and Paladin Energy could pursue <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Uranium-1459.aspx" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple regional projects</a>.
The largest publicly traded uranium producer, Cameco (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCJ#NYSE">CCJ</a>), owns the Yeelirrie project in the region, which it acquired from BHP in 2012.
Volatile energy costs in Australia have been an issue exaggerated by significant regional disparities. In October, The Guardian <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/18/energy-prices-soar-after-volatile-wind-saw-heavier-gas-hydro-and-battery-use-australian-regulator-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> a price of $114/MWh in Queensland compared to $201/MWh in South Australia, as high transmission costs can constitute 40% of an energy bill.
A network of strategically placed nuclear power plants would help solve this problem, reducing the cost of commodity production and further strengthening the Australian industry. As the 2025 general elections draw closer, nuclear power and uranium mining will likely become important topics down under.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42433867/lithium-producers-brace-for-prolonged-oversupply-stalled-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lithium Producers Brace For Prolonged Oversupply, Stalled Prices</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by metamorworks via Shutterstock

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Australian Opposition Goes Nuclear, $211 Billion Plan Could Open Doors For Uranium Miners

Rincon's capacity of 60,000 tonnes of battery grade lithium carbonate per year is comprised of the 3,000-tonne starter plant and 57,000-tonne expansion plant.

Rio Tinto Plans To Invest $2.5B To Expand Rincon Lithium Project Capacity To 60,000 Tonnes Per Year

Press Releases

Domestic Mining Development Crucial as Copper Demand Skyrockets: Experts Say

Copper Price Set to Rebound Amid Supply Shortages and EV Demand Surge, Miners Respond

Iron Ore's Price Collapse Threatens Mining Operations

Rio Tinto Buys Arcadium Lithium For $6.7 Billion

Renewables and EVs Are Driving Copper Shortages Faster Than Expected

AI-Powered Market Forecasting: A Game Changer for Critical Minerals?

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