Demand for iron ore to remain strong, Rio Tinto CEO says

As China implements more stringent policies and regulations on the environment, the demand for high-quality iron ore will remain strong in the coming years, which provides companies like Rio Tinto an edge in the country, CEO Jean-Sebastien Jacques said.

"The dividend of high-grade ore in China will continue to be very strong, and we believe Rio Tinto is very well-placed," said Jacques during an interview with China Daily.

"In the context of the new environmental policy introduced by China, even if the consumption of steel was to fall, the need for high-quality iron ore will increase in order to improve environmental footprint, and that's what we have experienced already in the last few years."