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Principal joint ventures - Summary of joint ventures (Detail) - shares | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items] |  |  |
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C shares held by Rio Tinto | 0 | 0 | 0
Minera Escondida Limitada [member] |  |  |
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items] |  |  |
Company of operation | Minera Escondida Limitada |  |
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture | Chile |  |
Principal activities, Joint Venture | Copper mining and refining |  |
Proportion of class held (%), Joint Venture | 30.00% |  |
Group interest (%), Joint Venture | 30.00% | 30.00% |
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member] |  |  |
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items] |  |  |
Group interest (%), Joint Venture | 20.00% | 20.00% |
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] |  |  |
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items] |  |  |
Company of operation | Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. |  |
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture | Oman |  |
Principal activities, Joint Venture | Aluminium smelting/power generation |  |
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C shares held by Rio Tinto | 37,500 |  |
Proportion of class held (%), Joint Venture | 20.00% |  |
Group interest (%), Joint Venture | 20.00% |  |

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