August hasn't been a great month for the Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) share price

Here's what might have weighed on the Rio Tinto share price in August

| More on:
Man sits at table in office with head in hand as colleagues watch on

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

August has brought a blow to the Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price despite the company staying relatively quiet.

Having ended July trading at $133.42, the Rio Tinto share price is now $112.92. It has slipped another 0.18% today.

Perhaps most peculiar is the fact there doesn't seem to be any particular catalyst for Rio Tinto's woes. Though, the company has recently had some bad press.

Let's take a look at what the resource giant has been up to lately.

What's weighing on the Rio Tinto share price?

The Rio Tinto share price had a rough trot in August. It has fallen about 15% between the end of July and the time of writing.

Rio Tinto has only released one announcement to the market in August. Last Tuesday it announced it was restarting its Richards Bay Minerals operation in South Africa after the security situation surrounding the mine stabilised.

While it's not exactly ground-breaking news, Rio Tinto's stock gained 1.3% last Tuesday.

Other news that might have moved the Rio Tinto share price in August was its earnings for the first half of 2021, which were released during the final days of July.

The 6 months ended 30 June 2021 was a good period for Rio Tinto. It saw US$33.08 billion in sales revenue and US$12.2 million in underlying earnings.

Additionally, Rio Tinto announced it's investing $2.4 billion into a Serbia-based lithium project.

Despite the company's seemingly strong performance and exciting news, the Rio Tinto share price dipped 0.1% on the back of its results.

Bad press

The small mountain of bad press that's surrounded Rio Tinto lately likely isn't helping its recover from its bad month on the ASX.

As the Motley Fool Australia covered recently, it has been reported that the company's $1.4 billion cost blowout at the Oyu Tolgoi mine was caused by mismanagement rather than challenging conditions, as Rio Tinto claimed.

Additionally, Rio Tinto's name has come up at the Western Australian parliamentary inquiry into sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry. Those interested can read Rio Tinto's submission to the inquiry here.

Finally, Rio Tinto is also in the headlines as, according to the Australian Financial Review, its planned lithium mine in Serbia has sparked protests in the European nation

Rio Tinto share price snapshot

Rio Tinto's poor month on the ASX has seen it back into the long-term red.

Right now, its share price is about 2% lower than it was at the start of 2021. However, it's still about 15% higher than it was this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Resources Shares

a miner holds his thumb up as he holds a device in his other hand.
Resources Shares

3 reasons why the BHP share price could still be a buy

There are a few reasons why this mining giant could be appealing.

Read more »

Miner standing in front of trucks and smiling, symbolising a rising share price.
Resources Shares

The pros and cons of buying Fortescue shares in June

Let’s dig into whether it’s a good time to invest in this mining giant.

Read more »

Image from either construction, mining or the oil industry of a friendly worker.
Resources Shares

Why did the Mineral Resources share price rip 15% higher today?

The iron ore and lithium giant was the fastest riser of the ASX 200 on Thursday.

Read more »

A man wearing a hard hat and high visibility vest looks out over a vast plain where heavy mining equipment can be seen in the background.
Resources Shares

2030 forecast: As Australia's iron ore export earnings decline, copper will rise. What does this mean for BHP shares?

BHP is expanding its iron ore and copper production.

Read more »

An engineer takes a break on a staircase and looks out over a huge open pit coal mine as the sun rises in the background.
Resources Shares

4 reasons to buy BHP shares today

A leading expert outlines four key reasons BHP shares are a buy.

Read more »

Businessman walks through exit door signalling resignation
Resources Shares

Pilbara Minerals share price drops as CFO announces resignation

It’s been a challenging few years for outgoing Pilbara Minerals CFO Luke Bortoli.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

What happened with the BHP share price in May?

Did you buy BHP shares in May? Here’s how much the ASX 200 miner returned.

Read more »

Two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Should I buy Fortescue shares today?

A leading investing expert offers his verdict on the outlook for Fortescue shares.

Read more »