Rio said to get approaches on last $1.5bn of coal assets

Rio Tinto Group, which agreed last month to sell $2.45-billion of Australian assets, has received approaches for its remaining coal operations in the country, people with knowledge of the matter said. The London-based company is considering options for its Hail Creek and Kestrel mines, including a potential sale, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the details are private. Its controlling stakes in the operations, which are located in Queensland state’s Bowen Basin and mainly produce coking coal used in steelmaking, could fetch as much A$2-billion ($1.5-billion), the people said.