Nov. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Rio Tinto Group, fighting a takeover approach from rival BHP Billiton Ltd., declined to confirm or deny a newspaper report it was considering a counter bid for the world's largest mining company.

Rio could consider a counter bid for BHP as it plans to repel BHP's approach, Wall Street Journal said, citing unidentified people. Ian Head, a spokesman for London-based Rio declined to comment today when contacted in Melbourne. Samantha Evans, a spokeswoman for Melbourne-based BHP, also declined to comment.

To contact the reporters on this story: Tan Hwee Ann in Melbourne on hatan@bloomberg.net; Rebecca Keenan in Sydney on Rkeenan5@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 15, 2007 17:22 EST