Big miners uncertain over China demand, pricing outlook

Melbourne

RIO Tinto Group, the world's second-biggest miner, is no longer certain of picking the path ahead for growth in China, its biggest customer. It isn't alone.

China's short-term demand remains difficult to read, Glencore Plc's chief executive officer Ivan Glasenberg said last month after the largest miners were wrong-footed this year by Chinese stimulus that's boosted raw materials demand, lifting prices following five straight annual declines. Rio now sees long-term targets as unhelpful, and has drafted a range of potential growth scenarios, with titles including "China Malaise" and "Fits and Starts", according to CEO Jean-Sebastien Jacques.