Ratings agency, Standard & Poor's has made an up-gradation of Rio Tinto Ltd's outlook rating from stable to positive, on a decrease in the  arrears of the miner and a bounce back in global metals and minerals prices.

The outlook amendment reflects the firm’s opinion that Rio Tinto's credit metrics could get better over the coming 12-18 months to be proportionate with a higher rating, Standard & Poor's credit analyst, Alex Herbert said in a statement.

The ratings organization gave affirmation of Rio Tinto's 'BBB+' long-term and 'A-2' short-term corporate credit and debt ratings.

The upgrade comes regardless of Rio Tinto's plans to boost capital spending and dividends from 2010, which Standard & Poor's says is not projected to stop Rio Tinto from maintaining an optimistic free operating money pour.

The miner's spending in 2010 is projected to comprise of up to $6 billion of capital expenses and a dividend cash payment totaling to no less than $1.75 billion.

Rio Tinto's ratio of finances from operation to attuned arrears is anticipated to stay at about 35%, on a continued basis.

A constant ratio of more than 40% would be in line with an A-rating.

In the year to December 31, 2009, Rio Tinto's operating results damaged noticeably, as contrasted with the preceding year.