Communication

Rio Tinto recognises the importance of effective communication with shareholders and the general investment community. To ensure shareholders are kept informed in a timely manner, the Group has adopted Continuous disclosure standards, which are appended to the Corporate governance standards and posted on the website.

In addition to statutory documents, Rio Tinto has a recently redesigned website featuring in-depth information on health, safety and the environment, as well as general investor information and Group policies. Results presentations and investor seminars are made available as they happen as well as in the form of an archive on the website.

The Group produces a range of informative publications, which are available on request. For further details, see our website.

Full advantage is taken of the annual general meetings to inform shareholders of current developments and to give shareholders the opportunity to ask questions. As recommended by the ASX Principles, Rio Tinto Limited's external auditor attends the annual general meeting and is available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the auditor's report. Rio Tinto Limited shareholders are also able to submit written questions regarding the statutory audit report to the auditors via the Company. Any questions received and answers provided will be made available to the members at the Rio Tinto Limited annual general meeting in April 2007. Rio Tinto plc's auditors will as usual attend the annual general meeting in London and will be available to respond to audit related shareholder questions.

The main channels of communication with the general investment community are through the chairman, chief executive and finance director, who conduct regular meetings with the Companies' major shareholders. The senior independent director and other non executive directors are also available as appropriate.

The Group organises regular investor seminars which provide a two way communication with investors and analysts; the valuable feedback is communicated to the board. An annual survey of major shareholders' opinion and perception of the Group is presented to the board by the Group's investor relations advisors.