China Minmetals chairman says there are strong prospects for cooperation with Rio

The Chinese firm's chairman, Weng Zuliang, said there are strong prospects for cooperation between China Minmetals and global miner Rio Tinto.

Weng made a statement on Thursday with Rio's chief executive, Jakob Stausholm, and an accompanying delegation from the Anglo-Australian company.

He expressed hope for both sides to promote and deepen pragmatic co-operation in iron ore trading, exploration and development of mineral resources as well as new energy.

The firm's joint efforts in recent years had resulted in continuous achievements, the statement quoted Weng as saying.

Weng said that this will lay a solid foundation for future co-operation at a deeper level.

There were other issues that both sides could address, including energy conservation and emission cuts, low-carbon development, adoption of environmental, social and governance ESG norms, and sustainable development, Weng said.