Shareholder communications

Rio Tinto recognises the importance of effective timely communication with shareholders and the wider investment community.

To ensure that trading in its securities takes place in an informed market, the Group has adopted Continuous disclosure standards which form part of the Corporate governance standards posted on its website. Rio Tinto makes immediate disclosure to the listing authorties of any information that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on its share price in accordance with their rules. All information released to the markets is posted on the media section of the website.

In addition to statutory documents, the website features in-depth information on health, safety and the environment, as well as general investor information, publications and policies and guidance. Full and half year results as well as any major presentations are also webcast. Presentation material from investor seminars is also made available on the website.

Full advantage is taken of the annual general meetings to inform shareholders of recent developments and to give shareholders the opportunity to ask questions. The chairs of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination committees are generally available to answer questions, and all directors are expected to attend where possible. Rio Tinto's external auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers 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's shareholders may also submit written questions regarding the statutory audit report to the auditors via the Company. Any questions received and answers provided are made available to members at the Rio Tinto Limited annual general meeting.

The main channels of communication with the investment community are through the chairman, chief executive and finance director, who have 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 opportunity with investors and analysts; the valuable feedback is communicated to the board. Surveys ofmajor shareholders' opinions and perceptions of the Group are presented to the board by the Group's investor relations advisors on a regular basis.