Rio Tinto, Glencore Confirm Preliminary Talks Regarding Potential Merger

11:16 PM EST, 01/08/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Rio Tinto (RIO.L) and Glencore (GLEN.L, GLN.JO) confirmed they are in preliminary discussions regarding a potential partial or complete combination of their businesses. The mining giants noted in separate Thursday statements that if pursued, the all-share merger transaction will be carried out through a court-sanctioned scheme in which Rio Tinto will acquire Glencore. Under takeover regulations, Rio Tinto has until Feb. 5 to clarify its intentions for Glencore. The parties cautioned that there was no guarantee that a deal would be finalized.