The share price of Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) climbed 2.21% to close Monday at $68.00 despite environmental concerns lingering around Queensland Alumina Limited which produces alumina on behalf of Rio.
Queensland Alumina is facing scrutiny after reports of its caustic soda allegedly leaking into Gladstone Harbour last week.
The company is awaiting the outcome of an official investigation into the chemical spill.
But shares in aluminium companies continued to rise amid prospects of greater demand from China.
The share price of Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) notched up steady gains on Monday, climbing by 2.27% to close at $2.25.
Alumina Limited's share price has risen steadily since trading at around $1.45 last year, representing a one-year return of 54%, as the price of aluminium continued to climb over that period.
The Rio Tinto share price also climbed over that period, in line with the price of aluminium.
And with increased demand in aluminium expected it is likely the price of aluminium will experience more long-term gains.
