Rio lifts force majeure at Australia's Clermont coal mine

Global miner Rio Tinto has lifted its force majeure on its Clermont coal mines in Australia's northeast Queensland state, the company said Friday.

"Three of Rio Tinto Coal Australia's mines in central Queensland have now lifted the force majeure from sales contracts declared in late December 2010 as a result of severe weather events," a spokesperson from Rio Tinto Coal Australia said, but added that a force majeure remains in effect at Rio's other operation in central Queensland, Hail Creek mine.

A force majeure is a legal let-out suspending sales obligations due to factors beyond a supplier's control. (Reuters)