RIO TINTO LIMITED — M&A Activity 2018

May 31, 2018

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Acquisition of 75% interest in Winchester South Project completed

Whitehaven Coal Limited (ASX: WHC) is pleased to announce it has completed the acquisition of Rio Tinto’s 75% interest in the Winchester South Project.

Whitehaven Coal Managing Director and CEO Paul Flynn said Winchester South is a transformative acquisition for Whitehaven which positions the company across two of the highest quality coal regions in Australia – the NSW Gunnedah Basin and the Bowen Basin in Queensland.

“The Bowen Basin is highly regarded as one of the premier metallurgical coal basins in the world and Winchester South will form a key part of the company’s growth plan to meet the growing demand for this product we are seeing in premium export markets in Asia.

“We are looking forward to commencing the preparatory work required to develop this asset and to building on the reputation we have established as Australia’s leading independent coal miner”, Mr Flynn said.

As announced by the company on 24 May 2018, Whitehaven has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 25% interest in the Project with completion of this remaining component expected in June 2018.

For further information please contact

Ian McAleese, GM Investor Relations P 02 8222 1155 Michael Van Maanen, EGM Corporate Affairs P 0412 500 351