Market Chatter: Rio Tinto Targets Trading Business Expansion

01:28 AM EDT, 09/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Rio Tinto Group (RIO.L) is looking to enhance its metals and derivatives trading operations with other producers, Bloomberg News reported Thursday, citing people familiar with its strategy. Through third-party trading, the mining giant aims to shift from its current model of primarily marketing its own products to generate more profit from its assets. It does not, however, intend to mirror standalone trading giants in the sector. Rio will focus on the alumina market, trading options in the North American copper market, and copper cathodes, among other products. Rio did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)