Mining multinational Rio Tinto has revealed plans to sell its aluminium smelting plant near Fort William.

The firm began a review of the operation in January and is now in talks with a potential buyer.

Rio Tinto, which employs about 170 people in Lochaber, told staff on Friday morning.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Following a thorough review of all options, we have today advised our employees that we have concluded that divestment provides the best potential for a long-term and sustainable future for the operations, its employees and the development of economic activities around Fort William.

"We are continuing discussions with a preferred bidder for a potential sale of the entire operation.

The British-Australian firm has made $6.2bn worth of cuts over the last three years.