1873 The Rothschilds become shareholders in Rio Tinto In 1873, the loss making Rio Tinto copper mines were acquired by foreign financiers, including the Rothschilds. The mines, Europe's largest source of copper, had belonged to the Spanish government since ore had first been discovered in the area. Investing heavily in new facilities for the transport of ore, the new owners began to realise a profit and, by 1905, Rothschilds' London and Paris houses held over 30 percent of Rio Tinto shares.  Close window  Back to top