2007 Financial statements
Auditor's Independence Declaration
As lead auditor for the audit of Rio Tinto Limited for the year ended 31 December 2007, I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the only contravention of:
- the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
- any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit;
is set out below.
On 16 August 2007, a partner of the firm located overseas and unconnected to the audit reported that he held during the period an immaterial investment in Rio Tinto Limited. The investment was disposed the next business day after becoming aware of the matter.
This matter was identified as part of our on-going quality control system. All reasonable steps were undertaken to ensure that the matter was resolved as soon as possible. I report that the matter has been resolved, and in doing so do not believe that the matter has impacted my objectivity or impartiality for the purpose of this audit.
This declaration is in respect of Rio Tinto Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.
Robert Hubbard
Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Brisbane
5 March 2008
