Rio Tinto Limited (ASX:RIO) has reported a net profit attributable to owners of $US4.4 billion in the first half of this year.
The diversified miner has beaten analysts expectations to post the strong first half result after shipping record iron ore volumes and cutting costs.
CEO Sam Walsh says they have increased underlying earnings by 21 per cent to $US5.1 billion and enhanced operating cash flow by eight per cent.
Mr. Walsh added that the result will see materially increased cash returns to shareholders, underscoring the commitment to deliver greater value.
