Aug 3 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) Ltd RIO.AX :
* SIGNED A FARM-IN AND JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT WITH RTX, A UNIT OF RIO TINTO
* RTX CAN EARN INTEREST IN SIPA'S PATERSON NORTH COPPER-GOLD PROJECT IN PATERSON PROVINCE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
* DEAL TO ALLOW CO TO ACCELERATE EXPLORATION & BENEFIT FROM POTENTIAL SYNERGIES WITH RTX'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDING AT WINU PROJECT
* RTX WILL CONTRIBUTE EXPERTISE AND FUNDING WHILE CO TO MANAGE EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN INITIAL STAGE OF FARM-IN