Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) Thursday said the strength and durability of a global economic recovery remains uncertain, though current market conditions are a just a "blip" against long-term demand expectations for commodities.

"Ongoing development in emerging markets will drive metals demand," Rio Chief Financial Officer Guy Elliott said in a presentation posted to the company's Web site.

Already, China's stimulus spending, loan growth and restocking of commodities has provided the initial basis for a recovery in demand, Elliott said.

But he cautioned that the market "could see some 'pay-back' for this in coming months" if a slowdown in China isn't offset by a resumption in growth among developed economies.

Longer-term, the miner expects rising demand for commodities driven by growth in emerging markets. "Expansion cut-backs during (the) current downturn will serve to support prices in the long-term," Elliott said.

Elliott also highlighted Rio's recent $15.2 billion rights issue and said the company is now focused on reducing costs, completing an iron ore joint venture with BHP Billiton Ltd (BHP) and continued divestment of assets.

Company Web site: http://www.riotinto.com

-By Jeffrey Sparshott, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 (0)207 842 9347; jeffrey.sparshott@dowjones.com