Nov 9 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto Plc RIO.L :
* Aware of email correspondence from 2011 relating payments $10.5 mln to consultant providing advisory services on Simandou project in Guinea
* Company launched an investigation into matter led by external counsel
* Based on investigation to date, Rio Tinto has today notified relevant authorities in United Kingdom and United States
* Energy & minerals chief executive Alan Davies, who had accountability for Simandou project in 2011, suspended with immediate effect
* Legal & regulatory affairs executive Debra Valentine, has stepped down from her role Source text for Eikon: For the full story, click on: Further company coverage: RIO.L
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