Diversified mining giant Rio Tinto CEO Tom Albanese reiterated the company's commitment to strengthening its relationship with China, in a recent speech before the China Development Forum, Mining Weekly reported.

Albanese told forum goers that, “Our iron-ore, copper, aluminium and other mined products help to build China. A positive relationship with this market is vital to the continued success of our company.”

Albanese further noted that China provided the mining giant with important products: “This year, the Chinese enterprise will supply some $400-million dollars in manufactured goods to Rio Tinto operations worldwide,” he said.

Rio Tinto, he added, aims to bolster its partnership with Chine in various strategies meant to assist China in achieving its long-term goal of securing a sustainable supply of raw materials.

“I recognize China has considerable expertise in this area and that a lot of exploration work is being undertaken in China, and that new resources are being discovered there. However, I do believe that our long experience in exploring for and finding mineral resources around the world could usefully be brought to bear to supplement China’s own efforts,” Albanese said.

“We believe that we can bring that expertise and know how to bear in helping China to find major ore bodies on its home soil.”

Rio Tinto’s relationship with China has been somewhat strained since Rio staff were arrested in July of 2009, on suspicion of commercial spying. On the subject, Albanese noted that although the issue was of 'great concern' to the company, Rio would “respectfully await the outcome of the Chinese legal process."