In neighboring Guinea, he was already embroiled in a U.S. probe over bribery allegations, locked in a legal spat with two of the world's biggest miners, Rio Tinto Group and Vale SA, and was looking to reduce his exposure to mining in Africa, according to a person familiar with the decision. Steinmetz and BSGR deny any wrongdoing. After failing to agree to terms during a meeting with Zeitlin at BSGR's offices in London in July, Steinmetz ended months of often acrimonious talks and decided to either look for another buyer or try to hold on to the mine.