The mining giant said it did not agree with the decision and would appeal within the next 10 days.

China’s infrastructure and automotive sectors are “already responding to policy support,”.

The daily Argus ICX 62pc iron ore index was at $108.75/dry metric tonne on 10 August, lower by 33pc from a year earlier.

The firm will invest 575bn rupees [$7.23bn] in the two projects that have received high-level clearance approval from the Odisha government.

China is a large consumer of iron ore.

Rio Tinto is not concerned about China's plans to centralise iron-ore purchases and has strong ties with its customers, the Australia CEO for the global miner said on Friday.

Centrally administered group aims to facilitate trade, better guarantee supply

China has established a mineral resource group with a registered capital of 20 billion yuan ($2.97 billion) in Xiongan New Area.