Rio Tinto extends offer for Hathor Exploration

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 12, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto today extended its offer, made through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, to acquire all the common shares of Hathor for C$4.70 in cash per common share until 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on 22 December 2011. The offer has been extended to allow the remaining Hathor shareholders sufficient time to tender their common shares to Rio Tinto's offer.

As of 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on 12 December 2011, approximately 107,343,487 Hathor common shares had been validly tendered, representing 84.26 per cent of the outstanding Hathor common shares (other than the Hathor common shares already held by an affiliate of Rio Tinto). Rio Tinto has taken up all such deposited common shares and will pay for such shares within three business days of take-up.

A notice of extension will be mailed to Hathor shareholders and filed on SEDAR. All common shares validly tendered and not withdrawn by 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on 22 December 2011 will be taken up on a daily basis and Rio Tinto will pay for such shares within three business days of take-up.

Hathor shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of an investment advisor, stockbroker, bank, trust company should contact their intermediary before 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on 22 December 2011 to ensure they meet any tendering cut-off times established by the intermediaries.

Shareholders are advised that the administrative procedures established by brokers and other intermediaries may cause a delay in their ability to accept tender instructions following this extension of Rio Tinto's offer, however Rio Tinto understands that all such intermediaries should be able to process tenders of Hathor common shares from and after 16 December 2011.

Shareholders who need assistance tendering their shares to Rio Tinto's offer can contact Rio Tinto's information agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group toll free at 1-877-452-7184 or collect call at 416-637-4661 or email assistance@laurelhill.com.

About Rio Tinto in Canada

Rio Tinto employs over 13,400 people across its extensive operations in Canada, which include mining and manufacturing interests in alumina, aluminium, iron ore, diamonds and titanium dioxide. Rio Tinto also operates exploration activities, research and development centres, port and rail facilities to support various businesses, technical and sales service centres, and substantial hydroelectric power facilities in British Columbia and Quebec. In addition, Canada is home to the global headquarters of Rio Tinto Alcan.

About Rio Tinto

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.

RIO TINTO PLC

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