The following describes some of the material risks that could affect Rio Tinto. There may be additional risks unknown to Rio Tinto and other risks, currently believed to be immaterial, which could turn out to be material. These risks, whether they materialise individually or simultaneously, could significantly affect the Group’s business and financial results. It also outlines the exposure to risk without explaining the detail of how each is managed and mitigated, or how some risks could result in either a positive (upside) or negative (downside) impact. They should also be considered in connection with any forward looking statements in this document and the cautionary statement in About Rio Tinto.

Commodity prices and global demand for the Group’s products are expected to remain uncertain, which could have a positive or negative impact on the Group’s business.

Commodity prices and demand for the Group’s products are cyclical and strongly influenced by world economic growth. This is particularly so for our key customers, especially in the US and Asia (notably China). There is potential volatility in short to medium term commodity prices as various national stimulus packages are reduced. Muted consumer spending may result from concerns over unemployment. The Group’s normal policy is to sell its products at prevailing market prices and not to enter into price hedging arrangements. The recent improvement in commodity prices and demand for the Group’s products may not remain as strong, which would have an impact on Group revenues, earnings, cash flows, asset values and growth.

Continued growth in demand for the Group’s products in China could be affected by future developments in that country.

The Group’s iron ore is sold to Chinese customers predominantly at fixed prices rather than at spot rates. The 2009 benchmark prices were never officially agreed. Failure to agree on prices remains a source of tension between China and all the major iron ore suppliers.

The slowdown of China’s economy in 2009 contributed to a contraction in demand for aluminium and lower aluminium prices. If Chinese customers’ demand for the Group’s products fails to continue to recover or Chinese customers source such products from elsewhere, the Group’s business, financial condition and prospects could be affected.

Rio Tinto is exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates that could have an adverse impact on its overall business results.

The Group uses US dollars to denominate most of its sales, hold surplus cash, finance its operations, and present its external and internal results. Although many costs are incurred in US dollars, significant costs are influenced by the local currencies of the countries where the Group operates, principally the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar and Euro. The Group’s normal policy is to avoid hedging arrangements relating to changes in foreign exchange rates. Appreciation in the value of these currencies against the US dollar or prolonged periods of exchange rate volatility may adversely affect the Group’s business results.

Political, legal and commercial instability or community disputes in the countries and territories in which the Group operates could affect the viability of its operations.

The Group has operations in jurisdictions with varying degrees of political, legal and commercial stability. Commercial instability can be influenced by bribery and corruption in their various guises. Administrative change, policy reform, and changes in law or governmental regulations can result in civil unrest, increased regulation and potentially expropriation, or nationalisation. Renegotiation or nullification of existing agreements, leases and permits, changes in fiscal policies (including increased tax or royalty rates) or currency restrictions as well as significantly increased costs or impediments to operation are all possible consequences. Such instability could have an adverse effect on the profitability, the ability to finance or, in extreme cases, the viability of an operation.

Some of the Group’s current and potential operations are located in or near communities that may regard the operation as being detrimental to their environmental, economic or social circumstances. Community reaction could have an adverse impact on the cost, profitability, ability to finance or even the viability of an operation. Such events could lead to disputes with national or local governments or with local communities and give rise to reputational damage. If the Group’s operations are delayed or shut down as a result of political and community instability, its revenue growth may be constrained and the long term value of its business could be adversely impacted.

The Group’s land and resource tenure could be disputed resulting in disruption to the operation or development of a resource.

The Group operates in several countries where title to land and rights in respect of land and resources (including indigenous title) may be unclear and may lead to disputes over resource development. Such disputes could disrupt or delay relevant mining projects, impede the Group’s ability to develop new mining properties, and may have an adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations or its prospects.

Changes in the cost and/or interruptions in the supply of energy, water, fuel or other key inputs could adversely affect the economic viability of the Group’s operations.

The Group’s operations are resource intensive and, as a result, its costs and net earnings may be adversely affected by the availability or cost of energy, water, fuel or other key inputs. If the prices of key inputs rise significantly more than expected, or if the Group experiences interruptions in, or constraints on, its supply of key inputs, the Group’s costs could increase and its results could be adversely affected.