The announcement pushes Rio's new CEO Sam Walsh to deliver on his promise of vast operating cost cuts, asset sales and reduced capital expenditure ahead of a possible collapse in iron ore prices.
The violence comes as union leaders and company executives prepare to hold talks today, hoping to end a strike that is costing the company millions of dollars a day.
The company, with operations in Turkey, China, Greece, Romania and Brazil, plans to produce close to 705,000 to 760,000 ounces in 2013, up from 656,324 ounces in 2012.