Rio Tinto - Minerals Resource Taxation in Australia

Rio Tinto – Minerals Resource Taxation in Australia

Rio Tinto – Minerals Resource Taxation in Australia

Rio Tinto acknowledges the Australian Government’s announcement that the Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT) proposal will be replaced with a Mineral Resource Rent Tax (MRRT).
Rio Tinto has consistently maintained that any tax reform proposal should not be applied retrospectively and must retain Australia’s international competitiveness as an investment destination.
David Peever, Managing director Rio Tinto Australia, said that today’s announcement by the Government is an important step towards satisfying these fundamental principles.
“We all want a minerals taxation system that grows the mining industry in Australia. A strong mining sector keeps the Australian economy strong, spreading prosperity to all Australians,” Mr Peever said.
“The Prime Minister’s announcement follows constructive discussions over the past week between the Government and mining companies. There is, however, still a lot of work to do. As one of Australia’s biggest taxpayers, Rio Tinto is committed to working constructively with Government to ensure that the tax system continues to encourage investment in Australia.”
The MRRT proposal is an improvement on the RSPT. Recognition of market value for existing mines and a reduction in the headline tax rate represent significant progress in achieving Rio Tinto’s fundamental principles of tax reform.
About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE 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, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

Contacts:

Media Relations London
Christina Mills
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1154
Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605

Faeth Birch
Conor McClafferty
Clare Hunt
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1138
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Media Relations, US
Tony Shaffer
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3612
Mobile: +1 202 256 3667

Media Relations, Australia
David Luff
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620
Mobile: +61 (0) 419 850 205

Media Relations, Canada
Bryan Tucker
Office: +1 (0) 514 848 8151
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Investor Relations, London
Mark Shannon
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1178
Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 576 597

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

Investor Relations, Australia
Dave Skinner
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309

Simon Ellinor
Office +61 (0) 7 3361 4365
Mobile +61 (0) 439 102 811

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