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 wholly-owned Rio Tinto Fer et Titane operation in Quebec; and its QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) operation (80 per cent interest).
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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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
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Media Relations, Australia / Asia David Luff Karen Halbert Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3627 Mobile: +61 (0) 412 119 389 Bruce Tobin Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3612 Mobile: +61 (0) 419 103 454 |
Investor Relations, Australia Dave Skinner Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309 Christopher Maitland Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3063 Mobile: +61 (0) 459 800 131 |
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