0237 GMT [Dow Jones] Predictable "no comment" from Rio Tinto spokesman in Australia on Tokyo newspaper report Rio asking for 50% price hike in current iron ore talks with Japanese steel mills. Analysts say tough bargaining stance by Rio, BHP, no surprise in market short of key steel-making commodity. Smart money on iron ore miners winning 30%-plus increase, providing major revenue boost from April 1 when new prices take effect. Rio shares up 1%, BHP up 0.3%.(SPB)
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