LONDON (BNO NEWS) – Riot Tinto, a leading international mining group, released the following statement on Thursday evening on the detention of four employees in China who are accused of bribery:

Sam Walsh, chief executive Iron Ore said, “Rio Tinto believes that the allegations in recent media reports that employees were involved in bribery of officials at Chinese steel mills are wholly without foundation. We remain fully supportive of our detained employees, and believe that they acted at all times with integrity and in accordance with Rio Tinto’s strict and publicly stated code of ethical behaviour.”

Rio Tinto remains very concerned about the four employees detained in Shanghai. The Australian Government is keeping the company fully briefed on its efforts to assist them. Rio Tinto will continue to work to support the employees and their families and colleagues.

Rio Tinto continues to operate in China and is maintaining high levels of iron ore shipments from Australia.