By Tim Webb
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 15 April 2009
Private investors in Rio Tinto vented their anger at the mining group’s annual meeting in London today over the board’s decision to pursue a $20bn (£13.3bn) bailout from the Chinese government.
John Farmer, a shareholder, said the deal with state-owned firm Chinalco “could be construed as selling part of the family silver”.
“Why have you got us into this mire?,” he asked. “You are mortgaging part of Rio Tinto to China. It’s something you will regret.”
Outgoing chairman Paul Skinner did not rule out a compromise deal to appease shareholders angry at being shut out from the fundraising.