Rio Tinto has reported resilient annual results, buoyed by higher copper output and strong operational performance, while reaffirming its commitment to shareholder returns even as net debt rose sharply following a major acquisition. The London-listed miner said underlying earnings were steady at $10.9bn for the year to December 31, as underlying EBITDA climbed 9 per cent to $25.4bn and revenue rose 7 per cent to $57.6bn. Operating cash flow increased 8 per cent to $16.8bn, underpinned by higher production volumes and tighter cost discipline. The company declared an ordinary dividend of $6.5bn, maintaining its payout ... (full story)