Chinese company buys into Rio Tinto. - Chinese state-owned group Chinalco is to inject $19.3 billion into the Anglo-Australian mining group Rio Tinto, thus reducing its $39 billion debt. In return, Chinalco will take a share in seven of Rio Tinto's most profitable assets (four in aluminium, four in copper, and one in iron ore). It will also get $7.2 billion in convertible debentures, ultimately giving it an 18% stake in the Anglo-Australian group. The two partners will also set up a $1 billion project fund. Chinalco also paid $1 billion for the $1.2 billion debt that Alcoa contracted a year ago to take part with it in buying 9% of Rio Tinto's capital. (I.L./transl.rt)