Performance

Key priorities for 2009

Safety will continue to be a paramount concern throughout 2009, particularly in light of the natural disruption from planned redundancies. Copper & Diamonds intends to continue to focus on safety improvements for employees and contractors at all sites. Specific areas to focus on include contractor familiarity and adherence to Rio Tinto standards.
To support the Group's debt reduction targets, Copper & Diamonds intend to optimise cash management at all operations by implementing working capital initiatives and associated reporting processes.
Investigations will continue at KUC on the life of mine extension through local drilling programmes.
Copper Projects will maintain and maximise optionality around key projects despite reduced capital spending. In particular, deferral periods will be utilised to improve orebody and technological knowledge.
Palabora Mining Company expects to complete its planned black economic empowerment transaction.