Rio Tinto Said to Sign $6 Billion Loan to Refinance Alcan Deal

Rio Tinto Group, the world’s third- biggest mining company, signed a $6 billion credit line to refinance debt used for its takeover of Alcan Inc. in 2007, a person familiar with the situation said.

The five-year revolving credit will replace a $5 billion credit line maturing in 2012, said the person, who declined to be identified because the deal is private. Deutsche Bank AG and Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc are coordinators of the new facility.

Officials at London-based Rio didn’t reply to an e-mail seeking comment. The miner borrowed $40 billion in 2007 to fund its acquisition of Canadian aluminum maker Alcan.