FAQs Plc

• How can I have a change of address noted on the share register?
• How can I have a change of name noted on the register?
• How can I transfer shares to another member of my family or any other person?
• How can I replace my lost or missing certificate?
• I am receiving multiple copies of shareholder circulars. How can I stop this?
• Can I receive shareholder documents electronically?
• Can I consolidate my share certificates?
• What happens if a shareholder dies?
• Are my share certificates issued by The RTZ Corporation PLC still valid?
• Are Bearer shares still valid?
• Have preference shares been cancelled?
• How can I buy or sell shares?
• Where can I find the current share price?
• What is CREST?
• How can I have my dividends paid directly into my bank account?
• What is the dividend "record date"?
• What is the "ex-dividend" date?
• When are dividends paid?

How can I have a change of address noted on the share register?

First, download a change of address form. Once completed, this form should be sent to Computershare Investor Services PLC at the address given on the form. A change of address cannot be actioned in response to a telephone call.

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How can I have a change of name noted on the register?

First, download a change of name form. Once completed, this form should be sent to Computershare Investor Services PLC at the address given on the form, together with your share certificate and a copy of the relevant document (eg marriage certificate).

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How can I transfer shares to another member of my family or any other person?

First, download a share transfer form. Once completed, this form should be sent to Computershare Investor Services PLC together with your share certificate at the address given on the form.

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How can I replace my lost or missing certificate?

You should write to Computershare, telling them that you have mislaid your certificate. They will send you a letter of indemnity to sign and return to them. You will normally have to get the indemnity guaranteed by your bank and they will usually make a charge for this. Computershare will then issue a replacement certificate.

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I am receiving multiple copies of shareholder circulars. How can I stop this?

This is probably because Computershare is holding two (or more) accounts for you on the share register. If you would like to have the accounts combined you should write to Computershare, enclosing your share certificates and asking them to merge the accounts into one. There is no charge for doing this. 

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Can I receive shareholder documents electronically?

Yes. To register to receive the company's shareholder publications electronically by email you need to register your email address with Computershare. For more information on electronic shareholder communications and to register your email address with Computershare, see the eTree scheme.  

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Can I consolidate my share certificates?

Yes, if your certificated holding in Rio Tinto plc is represented by several share certificates you may wish to have these replaced by one consolidated share certificate. There is no charge for this service. You should send your certificates with a letter of instruction to Computershare. 

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What happens if a shareholder dies?

Please advise Computershare in writing as soon as possible and they will explain what has to be done. 

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Are my share certificates issued by The RTZ Corporation PLC still valid?

Yes. Share certificates in the name of The RTZ Corporation PLC remain valid and now apply to shares in Rio Tinto plc. When the company changed its name in June 1997 it did not issue replacement certificates. If you would like your existing share certificates in the name of The RTZ Corporation PLC to be replaced, please contact Computershare. 

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Are Bearer shares still valid?

All outstanding share warrants to bearer have been converted into registered ordinary shares under the terms of a Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Court on 30 April 2001. Holders of any outstanding share warrants to bearer should contact the Secretarial department at Rio Tinto for an application form in order to obtain their rights to registered ordinary shares.

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Have preference shares been cancelled?

'A' and 'B' preference shares were cancelled and repaid on 30 June 1999 and share certificates are no longer valid. If you are still holding share warrants to bearer for 'B' preference shares please contact the Secretarial department at Rio Tinto for further information.

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How can I buy or sell shares?

Investors normally use a stockbroker, bank or building society or a 'share shop' that offers a similar service. The commissions charged for buying and selling shares vary between the different organisations.

The Rio Tinto Low Cost Dealing Service is a telephone service provided by Stocktrade for the sale and purchases of shares in Rio Tinto plc. (telephone 0845 840 1532 for calls within the UK, or +44(0) 131 240 0101 for calls originating outside the UK)

Commission: 0.5% to £10,000 then 0.2% thereafter (subject to a £15 minimum commission charge).

Settlement: Cleared funds, net of all costs can be credited directly into your bank account 10 business days after the sale date, if you can provide bank account details, ie, the Sort Code and Account Number.

An extra charge of £3 will be made if you require payment by cheque.

Stocktrade is a division of Brewin Dolphin Securities Ltd. It is regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Corporate Nominee Service: Computershare, in conjunction with Rio Tinto plc have introduced a corporate nominee service for private individuals. This service allows shareholders to hold, sell or purchase Rio Tinto plc shares electronically. Further information can be obtained from Computershare. Find out more about the corporate nominee service. 

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Where can I find the current share price?

It is shown in most UK newspapers usually under 'Mining'. If there are two Rio Tinto companies shown one of these will be Rio Tinto Limited, the Australian company. The letters A$ may also appear after the name. Links are also listed within the Rio Tinto website to other sites featuring share price information.

In the UK, the latest share price information is available on CEEFAX and TELETEXT and also the Cityline service operated by the Financial Times, telephone (0906) 003 3880 (calls charged at 60p per minute).

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What is CREST?

CREST is an electronic system for settling the sale and purchase of shares. Membership is voluntary and it is typically used by institutions, and by individual investors who have a large share portfolio or who buy and sell shares frequently. CREST enables shareholders to hold and transfer their shareholdings in electronic form rather than using paper. For further information on CREST, please write to CRESTCo Limited, Trinity Tower, 9 Thomas More Street, London E1 9YN.

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How can I have my dividends paid directly into my bank account?

Yes, by completing a Dividend Mandate form and sending it to Computershare. The form can be downloaded from the Computershare website. 

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What is the dividend "record date"?

This is the date the Registrars view the register to prepare the dividend payment. A shareholding must be recorded on the register on this date to receive the dividend. The record date normally falls about three weeks before the dividend is paid. The record date for the latest dividend can be found in the Investor calendar.

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What is the "ex-dividend" date?

The ex-dividend date is a specific date, occurring after the dividend has been declared after which buyers are no longer entitled to receive the last declared dividend. This is known as going 'ex-dividend' and before this date the shares are said to be 'cum-dividend'. If you buy shares before the ex-dividend date, you are entitled to the recently announced dividend. If you purchase shares on or after that date, the previous owner of the shares (and not you) is entitled to the dividend. The ex-dividend date for the latest dividend can be found in the Investor calendar.

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When are dividends paid?

Rio Tinto pays dividends twice a year, as an 'interim' dividend and a 'final dividend'. When the financial results for the half year and full year are announced, the level of dividend to be paid to shareholders is also announced. The dividend is usually paid in April and September and is paid to everyone who holds shares on the 'record date'. The dividend is determined in US$ but is declared by the directors in sterling at the exchange rate prevailing two days before the results are announced.

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