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Press Release

Rio Tinto announces new Rights issue

The Boards of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited announce fully underwritten Rights Issues to raise gross proceeds of approximately US$15.2 billion

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Agreed terms with BHP Billiton for a 50:50 joint venture in Western Australian iron ore production

Previously announced Chinalco transaction terminated but Rio Tinto sees potential for future collaboration

Highlights of the Rights Issues

Rights Issues consisting of 21 New Rio Tinto plc Shares offered for every 40 existing shares at 1,400 pence per share and 21 New Rio Tinto Limited Shares offered for every 40 existing shares at A$28.29 per share to raise approximately US$15.2 billion of gross proceeds, comprising approximately US$11.8 billion for Rio Tinto plc and approximately US$3.4 billion for Rio Tinto Limited.

• The Rights Issues will enable the Group to meet its Alcan facility debt repayment obligations fully in 2009 and substantially in 2010.

• As a result net debt will be reduced to approximately US$23.2 billion; exceeding the commitment made in December 2008 to reduce net debt by US$10 billion by the end of 2009.

• The Rights Issues and debt repayments will strengthen the Group's financial position in a period of continuing uncertainty and allow it to take advantage of future value-creating opportunities.

• The subscription prices represent discounts of approximately 38.2% and 47.2% to the theoretical ex-rights prices (TERPs) of 2,265.6 pence and A$53.61 per New Rio Tinto plc Share and Rio Tinto Limited Share respectively; and discounts of approximately 48.5% and 57.7% to the Closing Prices of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited on 4 June 2009; respectively.

Part 1. The Boards of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited announce fully underwritten Rights Issues [PDF: 224 KB]

Part 2. Expected timetable and key dates [PDF: 75 KB]

Part 3. Letter from the Chairman [PDF: 421 KB]

Part 4. Unaudited financial information for the three months ended 31 March 2009 and 2008 [PDF: 512 KB]

Part 5. Definitions and glossary [PDF: 109 KB]




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