International commodities producer and trader Glencore
Xstrata and US-based private equity firm Blackstone Group LP are interested in the global miner
Rio Tinto's majority share in
Canada's largest
iron ore producer
Iron Ore Company of
Canada, according to media reports.
Rio Tinto's 59 percent stake in the Canadian company is estimated to be worth $4 billion.
Media reports also suggest that out of 13 to 15 initial bidders for the Canadian
iron ore operations,
Rio Tinto has drawn up a shortlist including five to six companies.