Feb 24 (Reuters) -:
* Moody's downgrades Rio Tinto (L:RIO) group's and all subsidiary sr. unsec. ratings to
baa1; outlook negative
* Moody's- downgrade of Rio Tinto reflects downward shift in the mining sector
with the downturn being deeper and prospects for a recovery extended
* Moody's- rio tinto's debt protection metrics will remain outside appropriate
levels for a baa1 rating during 2016
* Moody's- supply imbalances, particularly in iron ore, the major earnings
driver for Rio Tinto will maintain pressure on prices for several years
* Source text for Eikon Further company coverage RIO.L