Skip to main content [Access key S]Go to homepage [Access key 1]Go to Sitemap [Access key 2]Go to Site terms and conditions [Access key 3]Go to Contact us [Access key 4]Go to Accessibility [Access key 5]
Rio Tinto logo and link to homepage
Home Financial review Critical accounting policies and estimates Exploration

Financial review

Exploration

Under the Group's accounting policy, exploration and evaluation expenditure is not capitalised until the point is reached at which there is a high degree of confidence in the project's viability and it is considered probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group.

The carrying values of exploration and evaluation assets are reviewed twice per annum by management and the results of these reviews are reported to the Audit committee. In the case of undeveloped projects, there may be only inferred resources to form a basis for the impairment review. The review is based on a status report regarding the Group's intentions for development of the undeveloped project. In some cases, the undeveloped projects are regarded as successors to orebodies, smelters or refineries currently in production and may therefore benefit from existing infrastructure and equipment.



Back to top

© 2009 Rio Tinto – All rights reserved.