The People's Procuratorate in China has charged Australian iron ore giant Rio Tinto's four Shanghai employees, detained since 5 July 2009, with receiving bribes from Chinese steel companies and stealing commercial secrets, and has transferred the case to the Shanghai Number One Intermediate Court for trial. A trial date has not yet been set.
According to a company statement, Rio Tinto iron ore chief Sam Walsh said, "We are very concerned about the nature of these charges; however, as this is part of an ongoing legal process, it is inappropriate to comment any further."
Rio Tinto has stated that it continues to hope for a transparent and expeditious process for its employees.