Rio Tinto to supply Wal-Mart with gold, silver

Mining company Rio Tinto PLC said Tuesday it will provide gold and silver for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to use in its "Love, Earth" jewelry collection.

Using metal from a Rio Tinto mine in Utah, the project will feature mostly gold and silver jewelry that will be sold at Wal-Mart stores and discount store Sam's Club. The jewelry can also be purchased at both companies' Web sites.

"As the largest retailer of jewelry in the world, Wal-Mart is in a unique position to influence sustainable practices in the jewelry industry," said Pam Mortensen, vice president and divisional merchandise manager for Wal-Mart.

Financial terms of the agreement between Rio Tinto, headquartered in London, and the world's largest retailer were not disclosed.