Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed public company headquartered in the UK, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with executive offices in Melbourne. The two companies are joined in a dual listed companies (DLC) structure as a single economic entity, called the Rio Tinto Group.

To deliver superior returns to shareholders over time, Rio Tinto takes a long term and responsible approach to the Group's business. This means concentrating on the development of first class orebodies into large, long life and efficient operations, capable of sustaining competitive advantage through business cycles. We are a world leader in finding, mining and processing the Earth's mineral resources. Our products help fulfil vital consumer needs and improve living standards. We operate, and eventually close, our operations safely, responsibly and sustainably.

Rio Tinto's interests are diverse both in geography and product. We work in some of the world's most difficult terrains and climates. Most of our assets are in Australia and North America, but we also operate in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. Our businesses include open pit and underground mines, mills, refineries and smelters as well as a number of research and service facilities.

Rio Tinto operate as a global organisation, sharing best practices across the Group. Our values - accountability, respect, teamwork and integrity - are expressed through our business principles, policies and standards. We set these out in our worldwide code of business conduct, The way we work. Our values underpin the way we manage the economic, social and environmental effects of our operations, and how we govern our business.

Wherever Rio Tinto operates, health and safety is the first priority. All our Group businesses put sustainable development at the heart of their operations, working as closely as possible with host countries and communities, respecting their laws and customs. For Rio Tinto it is important that the environmental effects of its activities are kept to a minimum and that local communities benefit as much as possible from operations.