智通财经网·2026-01-13 13:33Group 1 - Rio Tinto (RIO.US) is seeking a deal with Glencore and has hired several banks, including Evercore and JPMorgan, to assist in the negotiations [1] - The potential merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore could create the world's largest mining company with a market value exceeding $200 billion, marking the largest deal in the industry's history [3] - The discussions come amid soaring copper prices, which have recently surpassed $13,000 per ton due to supply constraints and increased demand from sectors like artificial intelligence and defense [3] Group 2 - A successful merger would significantly boost Rio Tinto's copper production and provide access to the coveted Collahuasi copper mine in Chile [4] - Rio Tinto's new CEO, Simon Trott, is focused on cost-cutting and simplifying operations, indicating a willingness to pursue acquisitions more openly [4] - Glencore, while primarily attractive for its copper assets, is also the world's largest coal trader and has significant operations in nickel and zinc, raising questions about Rio Tinto's interest in acquiring all of Glencore's assets [4]