Corporate governance

We are committed to high standards of corporate governance, accountability and responsibility. We believe that high standards of governance are essential to our objective of maximising return to shareholders.

We have a dual listed company status and are structured as a single economic entity. Shareholders take decisions on Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc as if they were a single enterprise. Shareholders in either company are in the same economic position. Our common approach to corporate governance complies with the regulatory obligations of our three main stock exchange listings: London, Australia and New York.

Directors

Rio Tinto's board of directors is common to Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc. The directors are collectively responsible for the success of Rio Tinto, and are accountable to shareholders for the performance of the business.

The board's role is to oversee Rio Tinto with good governance and strategic direction. In accordance with best practice, the board comprises a mix of executives and non executives. This provides a balance of innovative thinking with business knowledge and experience. Directors' interests in Rio Tinto are fully disclosed in our Annual report.

Board committees

We have five board committees, each of which plays a vital role in ensuring that high standards of corporate governance are maintained throughout Rio Tinto. They are the Audit committee, Remuneration committee, Nominations committee, the Committee on social and environmental accountability and the Chairman's committee.

For further information on the committees and all aspects of the company's corporate governance, visit our Annual report.

Investor centre

Further detailed information can be found in our Shareholders section.