By Andrea Hotter / January 25, 2018 / www.metalbulletin.com /
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Rio Tinto is in preliminary talks to sell its stake in the Grasberg mine to the Indonesian government, according to the chief executive officer of Freeport-McMoRan.
The US company, which operates the Grasberg mine through its 90.64%-owned PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI) subsidiary, is providing information to assist the sale process but has no control over its outcome, Richard Adkerson said.
"The Indonesian government is in discussions with our joint-venture partner with the potential of acquiring their interest," Adkerson said during a conference call for its 2017 earnings.
"We are cooperating and helping to facilitate that transaction...That transaction, if it goes ahead, would be the best outcome for everyone, I believe," he added.
The transaction "appears to be the desire of the parties" and was the "most likely outcome." Adkerson said
Rio Tinto has a joint venture with Freeport for a 40% share of production above specific levels until 2021, and 40% of all production after 2021.
Freeport is also currently negotiating to
divest its stake in PT-FI to give the government a 51% stake.