BHP Group Limited — Capital/Financing Update 2012

Jan 31, 2012

120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 (0) 3 9283 3333 F +61 (0) 3 9283 3707

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Media release

Rio Tinto doubles stake in Richards Bay Minerals through acquisition of BHP Billiton’s interest

1 February 2012

Rio Tinto will increase its stake in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) to 74 per cent through the acquisition of BHP Billiton’s 37 per cent interest.

The acquisition has been triggered by BHP Billiton’s decision to exercise a put option agreed between Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton as part of RBM’s restructuring in 2009. The final consideration for the acquisition will be determined through a previously agreed valuation process. Completion is subject to regulatory approvals.

RBM is a South African mineral sands mining and processing operation that was established in 1976. Rio Tinto manages RBM and markets its products, including titanium dioxide feedstocks, high purity iron, zircon and rutile. In line with South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment legislation, the remaining 26 per cent of RBM is owned by a consortium of local communities and businesses (24 per cent) and RBM employees (two per cent).

Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals chief executive Harry Kenyon-Slaney said “RBM is an important part of Rio Tinto’s world-class titanium dioxide portfolio. Doubling our stake in the business solidifies our position at a time when the long-term outlook is strong and demand for higher grade titanium dioxide is growing, driven by urbanisation and rising environmental standards.”

Rio Tinto’s global titanium dioxide business, Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium, includes RBM, its whollyowned Rio Tinto Fer et Titane operation in Quebec; and its QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) operation (80 per cent interest).

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

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Registered in Australia Rio Tinto Limited 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia ABN 96 004 458 404

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Media Relations, Australia / Asia

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Investor Relations, London

Mark Shannon Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1178 Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 576597 David Ovington Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2051 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978

Investor Relations, North America

Jason Combes Office: +1 (0) 801 204 2919 Mobile: +1 (0) 801 558 2645

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