Resource giant Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) could find itself working with some new partners at its Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, according to the Australian Financial Review.

This comes after its joint-venture partner Aluminium Corp of China Ltd (Chalco) signed an agreement that allows it to sell up to half its stake in the venture to introduce up to 10 consortium members provided these meet certain eligibility criteria.

Media reports speculate that potential partners could include Chinese construction and infrastructure groups hired to oversee the development of the project.

China's biggest aluminium producer Chalco has invested about $1.35 billion for a 47 per cent stake in the Simandou project, which Rio claims is the world's largest iron ore deposit.