As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2008

Registration No. 333 -      

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form F-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

Shannon Crompton

Rio Tinto Services Inc.

80 State Street

Albany, NY 12207-2543

Tel. No.: +1 801-583-6707

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)

Please send copies of all communications to:

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. þ

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. þ

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

RIO TINTO FINANCE (USA) LIMITED

 

DEBT SECURITIES

 

FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY

 

RIO TINTO PLC

 

and

 

RIO TINTO LIMITED

 

 

We may offer and sell guaranteed debt securities from time to time. Each time we sell any of the guaranteed debt securities described in this prospectus, we will provide one or more supplements to this prospectus that will contain specific information about those guaranteed debt securities and their offering. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement(s) together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” carefully before you invest.

 

We may sell these guaranteed debt securities to, or through, underwriters and also to other purchasers or through agents. The names of any underwriters or agents will be stated in an accompanying prospectus supplement. This prospectus may not be used to sell any guaranteed debt securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

Our principal executive offices and the principal executive offices of Rio Tinto Limited are located at Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. Our and Rio Tinto Limited’s telephone number is +61 3-9283-3333. The principal executive offices of Rio Tinto plc are located at 5 Aldermanbury Square, London EC2V 7HR, United Kingdom and its telephone number is +44 20-7781-2000.

 

You should carefully consider the risk factors included, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement(s) before you invest in any of our securities.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

Prospectus dated June 23, 2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

An investment in the guaranteed debt securities involves risks. Accordingly, you should consider carefully all of the information included, or incorporated by reference, in this document before you decide to invest in the guaranteed debt securities.

 

Risks relating to Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited

 

Finance Vehicles

 

We are a finance vehicle and our primary business is the raising of money for the purpose of on-lending to other members of the Rio Tinto Group. Accordingly, substantially all of our assets are loans and advances made to other members of the Rio Tinto Group. Our ability to satisfy our obligations in respect of the guaranteed debt securities will depend on payments made to us by other members of the Rio Tinto Group in respect of loans and advances made by us.

 

Risks relating to Rio Tinto

 

Acquisitions

 

The Rio Tinto Group has grown partly through the acquisition of other businesses and most notably through the acquisition of Alcan Inc. (“Alcan”) for U.S.$38.7 billion during 2007. Business combinations commonly entail a number of risks and Rio Tinto cannot be sure that management will be able to effectively integrate businesses acquired or generate the cost savings and synergies anticipated. Failure to do so could have a material and adverse impact on the Rio Tinto Group’s costs, earnings and cash flows. Furthermore, the Rio Tinto Group may, under the terms of the acquisition, be liable for the past acts or omissions of the acquired businesses in circumstances where the price paid does not adequately reflect the eventual cost of these liabilities.

 

Divestments

 

Following the acquisition of Alcan, the Rio Tinto Group undertook a strategic review which has highlighted approximately U.S.$30 billion of potential divestments and has announced a target of U.S.$15 billion. The Rio Tinto Group intends to explore options for the sale of a shortlist of assets, but any sales would be value driven and dependent on price. The amount and timing of sale proceeds that might eventually be realized is subject to considerable uncertainty and the Rio Tinto Group cannot anticipate by when and by how much its borrowings might be reduced.

 

Economic conditions

 

Commodity prices, and demand for the Rio Tinto Group’s products, are cyclical and influenced strongly by world economic growth, particularly that in the United States and Asia. The Rio Tinto Group’s normal policy is to sell its products at prevailing market prices. Commodity prices can fluctuate widely and could have a material and adverse impact on the Rio Tinto Group’s asset values, revenues, earnings and cash flows.

 

The strong underlying economic conditions and commodity prices have led to a rapid growth in demand for technical skills in mining, metallurgy and geological sciences, and for materials and supplies related to the mining industry, causing skills and materials shortages. The retention of skilled employees, the recruitment of new staff and the purchasing of materials and supplies may lead to increased costs, interruptions to existing operations and to delays in new projects.

 

Exchange rates

 

The Rio Tinto Group’s asset values, earnings and cash flows are influenced by a wide variety of currencies due to the geographic diversity of the Rio Tinto Group’s sales and areas of operation. The majority of the Rio Tinto Group’s sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Australian, Canadian and U.S. dollars and the Euro are the most important currencies influencing costs. The relative value of currencies can fluctuate

widely and could have a material and adverse impact on the Rio Tinto Group’s asset values, costs, earnings and cash flows.

 

Exploration and new projects

 

The Rio Tinto Group seeks to identify new mining properties through an active exploration program. The Rio Tinto Group has also undertaken the development or expansion of other major operations. There is no guarantee, however, that such expenditure will be recouped or that existing ore reserves will be replaced. Failure to do so could have a material and adverse impact on the Rio Tinto Group’s financial results and prospects. In particular, Rio Tinto has commenced or recommenced exploration for, and development of, new projects in a number of new countries which may increase risks around land and resource tenure.

 

The Rio Tinto Group develops new mining properties and expands its existing operations as a means of generating shareholder value. Unanticipated delays and project execution complications along with increasing regulatory, environmental and social approvals can result in significant increases in construction costs and/or significant delays in construction. These increases could materially and adversely affect the economics of a project and, consequently, the Rio Tinto Group’s asset values, costs, earnings and cash flows.

 

Energy cost and supply

 

The Rio Tinto Group’s operations are energy intensive and, as a result, its costs and earnings could be adversely affected by rising energy costs or by energy supply interruptions. The following factors could materially adversely affect the Rio Tinto Group’s energy position: the unavailability of energy or fuel due to a variety of reasons including fluctuations in climate, significant increases in costs of supplied electricity or fuel, interruptions in energy supply due to equipment failure or other causes and the inability to extend contracts for the supply of energy on economical terms.

 

Greenhouse gas emissions

 

Rio Tinto’s smelting and mineral processing operations are energy intensive and depend heavily on coal, oil, diesel and gas. Increasing regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including the progressive introduction of carbon emissions trading mechanisms, in numerous jurisdictions in which the Rio Tinto Group operates could adversely impact access to, and cost of, the Rio Tinto Group’s energy supply. Regulation of greenhouse gas emissions in the jurisdictions of the Rio Tinto Group’s major customers could also have an adverse effect on the demand for the Rio Tinto Group’s products.

 

Interest rate fluctuations

 

Increases in benchmark interest rates will likely increase the interest cost associated with the Rio Tinto Group’s debt and will increase the cost of future borrowings, which could harm the Rio Tinto Group’s earnings and financial condition.

 

Ore reserve estimates

 

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves and assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change significantly when new information becomes available.

 

Changes in the forecast prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of reserves and may, ultimately, result in the reserves being restated. Such changes in reserves could impact on depreciation and amortization rates, asset carrying values, deferred stripping calculations and provisions for close down, restoration and environmental clean up costs.

 

Political and community

 

The Rio Tinto Group has operations in jurisdictions having varying degrees of political and commercial instability. Political instability can result in civil unrest, expropriation, nationalization, renegotiation or nullification of existing agreements, mining leases and permits, changes in laws, taxation policies or currency

restrictions. Commercial instability caused by bribery and corruption in their various guises can lead to similar consequences. Any of these can have a material adverse effect on the profitability or, in extreme cases, the viability of an operation.

 

Some of the Rio Tinto Group’s current and potential operations are located in or near communities that may now, or in the future, regard such an operation as having a detrimental effect on their economic and social circumstances. Should this occur, it may have a material adverse impact on the profitability or, in extreme cases, the viability of an operation. In addition, such an event may adversely affect the Rio Tinto Group’s ability to enter into new operations in the country.

 

Defined benefit pension plans

 

Certain of the Rio Tinto Group’s businesses sponsor defined benefit pension plans. If the assets of these pension plans do not achieve expected investment returns for any fiscal year, such deficiency would result in one or more charges against the Rio Tinto Group’s earnings. In addition, changing economic conditions, poor pension investment returns or other factors may require the Rio Tinto Group to make substantial cash contributions to these pension plans in the future, preventing the use of such cash for other purposes.

 

Unions and labor disputes

 

Some of the Rio Tinto Group’s employees are represented by labor unions under various collective labor agreements. The Rio Tinto Group may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate its collective labor agreements when they expire. In addition, existing labor agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage at its facilities in the future, and any such work stoppage could have a material adverse effect on the Rio Tinto Group’s earnings and financial condition.

 

Technology

 

The Rio Tinto Group has invested in and implemented information system and operational initiatives. Several technical aspects of these initiatives are still unproven and the eventual operational outcome or viability cannot be assessed with certainty. Accordingly, the costs and benefits from these initiatives and the consequent effects on the Rio Tinto Group’s future earnings and financial results may vary widely from present expectations.

 

Land and resource tenure

 

The Rio Tinto Group operates in several countries where title to land and rights in respect of land and resources (including indigenous title) may be unclear and may lead to disputes over resource development. Such disputes could disrupt relevant mining projects and/or impede the Rio Tinto Group’s ability to develop new mining properties.

 

Health, safety and environment

 

Rio Tinto operates in an industry that is subject to numerous health, safety and environmental laws and regulations as well as community expectations. Evolving regulatory standards and expectations can result in increased litigation and/or increased costs all of which can have a material and adverse effect on earnings and cash flows.

 

Mining operations

 

Mining operations are vulnerable to a number of circumstances beyond the Rio Tinto Group’s control, including natural disasters and unexpected geological variations. These can affect costs at particular mines for varying periods. Mining, smelting and refining processes also rely on mining inputs. Appropriate insurance can provide protection from some, but not all, of the costs that may arise from unforeseen events. Disruption to the supply of key inputs, or changes in their pricing, may have a material and adverse impact on the Rio Tinto Group’s asset values, costs, earnings and cash flows.

 

Rehabilitation

 

Costs associated with rehabilitating land disturbed during the mining process and addressing environmental, health and community issues are estimated and provided for based on the most current information available. Estimates may, however, be insufficient and/or further issues may be identified. Any underestimated or unidentified rehabilitation costs will reduce earnings and could materially and adversely affect the Rio Tinto Group’s asset values, earnings and cash flows.

 

Non managed projects and operations

 

Where projects and operations are controlled and managed by the Rio Tinto Group’s partners, the Rio Tinto Group may provide expertise and advice, but it cannot guarantee compliance with its standards and objectives. Improper management or ineffective policies, procedures or controls could not only adversely affect the value of the related non managed projects and operations but could also, by association, harm the Rio Tinto Group’s other operations and future access to new assets.

 

Regulation

 

The Rio Tinto Group is subject to extensive governmental regulations in all jurisdictions in which it operates. Operations are subject to general and specific regulations governing mining and processing, land tenure and use, environmental regulations (including site specific environmental licences, permits and statutory authorizations), workplace health and safety, trade and export, corporations, competition, access to infrastructure, foreign investment and taxation. Some operations are conducted under specific agreements with respective governments and associated acts of parliament. Changes to any regulation or agreement may have an adverse effect on the profitability and viability of an operation.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we filed on June 23, 2008 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the “SEC”, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell the guaranteed debt securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the guaranteed debt securities we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer guaranteed debt securities, we will provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the offering and the terms of those guaranteed debt securities and the extent to which such terms differ from the general terms described in “Description of Guaranteed Debt Securities”. The prospectus supplements may also add, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement(s), together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information”, prior to purchasing any of the guaranteed debt securities offered by this prospectus.

 

When acquiring any guaranteed debt securities discussed in this prospectus, you should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any “free writing prospectus” that we authorize to be delivered to you. Neither we, nor any underwriters or agents, have authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not offering the guaranteed debt securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.

 

You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is truthful or complete at any date other than the date mentioned on the cover page of those documents.

 

In this prospectus, the terms “we”, “our” and “us” refer to Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited. We refer to Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited taken together as Rio Tinto. We refer to Rio Tinto plc, Rio Tinto Limited and their subsidiaries taken together as the Rio Tinto Group, or the Group. Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited offers debt securities using this prospectus. Both Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited act as the guarantors for offerings by Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited using this prospectus.

 

Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Rio Tinto plc is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. Rio Tinto Limited is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Substantially all of our and Rio Tinto’s directors and officers, and some of the experts named in this document, reside outside the United States, principally in the United Kingdom and Australia. A substantial portion of our and Rio Tinto’s assets, and the assets of such persons, are located outside the United States. Therefore, you may not be able to effect service of process within the United States upon us, Rio Tinto or these persons so that you may enforce judgments of United States courts against us, Rio Tinto or these persons based on the civil liability provisions of the United States federal or state securities laws. Our English and Australian legal advisers have advised us and Rio Tinto that there are doubts as to the enforceability in England and Wales and Australia, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities based on the United States federal or state securities laws.

 

Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) applicable to foreign private issuers and, in accordance with these requirements, file annual and special reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document that Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain documents Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto

Limited file with the SEC on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The address of the SEC’s internet site is provided solely for the information of prospective investors and is not intended to be an active link. Please visit this website or call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for further information about its public reference room.

 

American depositary shares representing ordinary shares of Rio Tinto plc are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and the ordinary shares are admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities. The ordinary shares of Rio Tinto Limited are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. You can consult reports and other information about Rio Tinto plc that it has filed pursuant to the rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the UK Listing Authority, and about Rio Tinto Limited that it has filed pursuant to the rules of the Australian Stock Exchange, at those exchanges or authorities.

 

The SEC allows us and Rio Tinto to incorporate by reference the information that we and Rio Tinto file with them, which means that:

 

 

The information that we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus.

 

Each document incorporated by reference is current only as of the date of such document, and the incorporation by reference of such documents shall not create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Rio Tinto Group since the date thereof or that the information contained therein is current as of any time subsequent to its date. Any statement contained in such incorporated documents shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purpose of this prospectus to the extent that a subsequent statement contained in another document we incorporate by reference at a later date modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

We incorporate by reference the documents below filed with the SEC by Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited pursuant to the Exchange Act. We also incorporate by reference any future filings that Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until we sell all of the securities. Our reports on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC after the date of this prospectus (or portions thereof) are incorporated by reference in this prospectus only to the extent that the forms expressly state that we incorporate them (or such portions) by reference in this prospectus.

 

The documents incorporated by reference herein in the future and set forth below contain important information about us and our financial condition:

 

 

You can obtain copies of any of the documents incorporated by reference through Rio Tinto or the SEC. Documents incorporated by reference are available without charge, excluding all exhibits unless an exhibit has been specifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You may obtain Rio Tinto documents

incorporated by reference into this prospectus, at no cost, by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

 

 

 

This prospectus contains and incorporates by reference statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” about us and Rio Tinto as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus and include statements regarding our and Rio Tinto’s intent, belief or current expectations with respect to the results of the operations and financial condition of the Rio Tinto Group. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

 

Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with regard to the outcome of the Alcan acquisition, any statements about cost synergies, revenue benefits or integration costs, capacity, future production and grades, projections for sales growth, estimated revenues and reserves, targets for cost savings, the construction cost of new projects, projected capital expenditures, the timing of new projects, future cash flow and debt levels, the outlook for minerals and metals prices, the outlook for economic recovery and trends in the trading environment and may be (but are not necessarily) identified by the use of phrases such as “will”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “believe” and “envisage”. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and may be outside the control of Rio Tinto. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements because of a number of factors, including revenue benefits and cost synergies being lower than expected, integration costs being higher than expected, levels of demand and market prices, the ability to produce and transport products profitably, the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on market prices and operating costs, operational problems, political uncertainty and economic conditions in relevant areas of the world, the actions of competitors and activities by governmental authorities such as changes in taxation or regulation. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

 

Nothing in this document should be interpreted to mean that the future earnings per share of Rio Tinto will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.

 

Other than in accordance with its legal and regulatory obligations (including the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Listing Authority and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange), Rio Tinto is under no obligation and Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

The Rio Tinto Group

 

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group whose business is finding, mining and processing the Earth’s mineral resources. The Group’s interests are diverse both in geography and product. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

 

The Group’s fundamental objective is to maximize the overall long-term value and return to its shareholders. It does this by operating responsibly and sustainably in areas of proven expertise such as exploration, project evaluation, mining, smelting and refining where Rio Tinto has a competitive advantage. Its strategy is to maximize net present value by investing in large, long life, cost competitive mines and processing plants. Investments are driven by the quality of each opportunity, not by the choice of commodity.

 

Rio Tinto’s management structure is designed to facilitate a clear focus on the Group’s objective. The structure is based on the following principal product and global support groups:

 

 

 

The DLC Structure

 

Each of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited is the ultimate holding company of the companies within its respective group and its respective assets are substantially comprised of shares in such companies. Neither Rio Tinto plc nor Rio Tinto Limited conducts any other business and both are accordingly dependent on the other members of the Rio Tinto Group and revenues received from them.

 

In December 1995, the shareholders of each of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited approved the terms of a dual listed companies merger (the “DLC merger”) that was designed to place the shareholders of each of the companies in substantially the same position as if they held shares in a single enterprise. Following the approval of the DLC merger, each of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited entered into a DLC Merger Sharing Agreement (the “Sharing Agreement”). The Sharing Agreement ensured that the boards of directors of each of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited were identical and that their businesses are managed as a single enterprise. The Sharing Agreement provided for the ratio of dividend, voting and capital distribution rights attached to each Rio Tinto plc ordinary share and to each Rio Tinto Limited share to be fixed in an Equalization Ratio which has remained unchanged at 1:1. In principle, the Sharing Agreement provides for the public shareholders of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited to vote as a joint electorate on all matters which affect them in similar ways. However, the Sharing Agreement also provides for the protection of the public shareholders of each of the companies by treating the shares of each as if they were separate classes of shares issued by a single company.

 

Also in December 1995, each of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited entered into a Deed Poll Guarantee in favor of the creditors of the other. Pursuant to the Deed Poll Guarantees, each of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited guaranteed the contractual obligations of the other (and the obligations of other persons which are guaranteed by the other company), subject to certain limited exceptions. As a consequence of the Deed Poll Guarantees, holders of notes issued by Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited may make demand upon either Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited.

 

The Alcan Acquisition

 

During 2007, the Rio Tinto Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Alcan Inc. The total cost of the acquisition amounted to U.S.$38.7 billion, including fees. Alcan is the parent company of an international group of companies involved in bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, engineered products, flexible and specialty packaging, as well as related research and development. Rio Tinto intends to retain its focus on mining and metals activities through the divestment of Alcan’s downstream Packaging and Engineered Products divisions.

 

Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited (ABN 84 062 129 551), a corporation incorporated with limited liability in Australia, on October 19, 1993, under the Corporations Act 2001 is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Limited and is one of the finance companies through which the Rio Tinto Group conducts its treasury operations. We have access to surplus corporate funds which we invest in the money markets and raise finance from banks and third parties in the short, medium and long-term markets for on-lending to Rio Tinto Group companies. We also undertake foreign exchange and interest rate transactions as part of the Rio Tinto Group’s long-term management of foreign currency and interest rate exposures. Our registered and principal executive office is located at 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.

 

Set forth in the table below are the ratios of earnings to fixed charges of Rio Tinto in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”) for the periods indicated.

 

 

The ratio of earnings to fixed charges of Rio Tinto is computed by dividing the amount of its pre-tax earnings by the amount of its fixed charges. For the purposes of calculating the ratio, earnings is defined as pre-tax income from continuing operations before adjustments for minority interests, less (i) minority interests in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges; and (ii) share of profits after tax of equity accounted units, plus (i) fixed charges; (ii) distributed income of equity investees; and (iii) amortization of capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest costs, both expensed and capitalized, and a reasonable approximation of the interest component of rental expense representative of the interest factor.

 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the Rio Tinto Group as if Alcan had been acquired on January 1, 2007.

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information is based in part on the historical financial statements and notes thereto of Rio Tinto, which are incorporated by reference in this document. It should be read in conjunction with those historical financial statements and the notes thereto.

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information is for information purposes only. Because of its nature, it addresses a hypothetical situation and it is not intended to represent or to be indicative of the combined results of operations that Rio Tinto would have reported had the acquisition of Alcan been completed as of the dates described. It should not be relied upon as representative of the historical consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved, or the future consolidated results of operations that can be expected. The unaudited pro forma adjustments, described in the accompanying notes, are based on available information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable for the purposes of this document.

 

Alcan historical financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Alcan’s pre-acquisition income statement for the period from January 1, 2007 to October 23, 2007 included in the unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared on a basis consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies of Rio Tinto in accordance with IFRS.

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Income Statement

 

 

Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Income Statement

 

 

(a) Net operating costs

 

The pro forma adjustment to net operating costs relates mainly to:

 

 

(b) Share of profit/(loss) after tax of equity accounted units

 

The pro forma adjustment to share of profit/(loss) after tax of equity accounted units relates to the Rio Tinto share of profit/(loss) after tax in its equity accounted units of the pro forma adjustments described in (a) above. Included in the pro forma adjustment of U.S.$34 million is depreciation and amortization in Alcan’s equity accounted units of U.S.$40 million, comprising a pre-tax charge of U.S.$58 million, partially offset by the tax effect of U.S.$18 million.

 

(c) Interest payable

 

The pro forma adjustment to interest payable relates to:

 

 

The effect on net income of a 0.125% increase or decrease in interest rates would be to decrease or increase net income respectively by U.S.$33.5 million per annum.

 

(d) Taxation

 

The pro forma adjustment to taxation relates to the tax effect applied to each of the pro forma adjustments described above, at the relevant statutory rates.

 

The adjustments described in paragraphs (a)(i), (c)(i) and (c)(ii) are expected to have a continuing impact on Rio Tinto, while the adjustment described in paragraph (a)(ii) is not expected to have any such continuing impact. Paragraph (b) describes the impact on equity accounted units of those adjustments described in paragraph (a). When applied to equity accounted units, the adjustment described in paragraph (a)(i) is expected to have a continuing impact, while the adjustment described in paragraph (a)(ii) is not expected to have any such continuing impact. Paragraph (d) relates to the tax effect applied to the adjustments described in paragraphs (a) and (c), of which those adjustments set out in paragraph (a)(i) and (c) are expected to have a continuing impact.

 

 

Alcan’s Packaging business group was classified as an asset held for sale at December 31, 2007. The results of operations for the Packaging business group are not reflected in the pro forma income statement. Options are being explored for the sale of Alcan’s Engineered Products business group. However, Engineered Products did not qualify for presentation as an asset held for sale at December 31, 2007.

 

The net proceeds from the sale of the guaranteed debt securities offered will be added to the general funds of Rio Tinto, unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement.

 

This prospectus relates to guaranteed debt securities issued by Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited. As required by federal law of the United States for all bonds and notes of companies that are publicly offered, the debt securities are governed by a document called an indenture. The indenture relating to debt securities issued by Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited is a contract among Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited, Rio Tinto plc, Rio Tinto Limited and The Bank of New York (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank).

 

General

 

The Bank of New York (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank) acts as the trustee under the indenture. The trustee has two principal functions:

 

 

Both Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited act as the guarantors of the debt securities issued under the indenture. The guarantees are described under “— Guarantees” below.

 

The indenture and its associated documents contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section. The indenture, the debt securities and the guarantees are governed by New York law. A copy of the form of indenture is filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy.

 

Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited may issue as many distinct series of debt securities under the indenture as it wishes. This section summarizes all material terms of the debt securities and the guarantees that are common to all series, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series.

 

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities or the guarantees. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture, including some of the terms used in the indenture. We describe the meaning for only the more important terms. We also include references in parentheses to some sections of the indenture. Whenever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the indenture in this prospectus or in the prospectus supplement, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in the prospectus supplement. This summary also is subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of the series of debt securities described in the prospectus supplement.

 

In addition, the specific financial, legal and other terms particular to a series of debt securities are described in the prospectus supplement and the pricing agreement relating to the series. Those terms may vary from the terms described here. Accordingly, this summary also is subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the terms of the series of debt securities described in the prospectus supplement.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will describe the following terms of the series:

 

 

 

We may issue the debt securities as original issue discount securities, which are debt securities that are offered and sold at a material discount to their stated principal amount (Section 101 of the Indenture). The prospectus supplement relating to original issue discount securities will describe United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to them. The debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies or currency units, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any such debt securities.

 

Guarantees

 

Both Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited will fully and unconditionally guarantee the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities, including any additional amounts which may be payable in respect of the debt securities, as described under “— Special Situations — Payment of Additional Amounts”. Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited guarantee the payment of such amounts when such amounts become due and payable, whether at the stated maturity of the debt securities, by declaration or acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise. Each of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited is individually obligated to pay such amounts.

 

Legal Ownership

 

Street Name and Other Indirect Holders

 

Investors who hold debt securities in accounts at banks or brokers will generally not be recognized by us as legal holders of debt securities. This is called holding in street name. Instead, we would recognize only the bank or broker, or the financial institution the bank or broker uses to hold its debt securities. These intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions pass along principal, interest and other payments

on the debt securities, either because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Holders of debt securities who hold in street name should check with their institutions to find out:

 

 

Direct Holders

 

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of the trustee and those of any third parties employed by us or the trustee, run only to persons who are registered as holders of debt securities. As noted above, we do not have obligations to holders who hold in street name or other indirect means, either because such holders choose to hold debt securities in that manner or because the debt securities are issued in the form of global securities as described below. For example, once we make payment to the registered holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment even if that holder is legally required to pass the payment along to the street name customer but does not do so.

 

Global Securities

 

What is a Global Security? A global security is a special type of indirectly held security, as described above under “— Street Name and Other Indirect Holders”. If we choose to issue debt securities in the form of global securities, the ultimate beneficial owners can only be indirect holders.

 

We require that the global security be registered in the name of a financial institution we select. In addition, we require that the debt securities included in the global security not be transferred to the name of any other direct holder unless the special circumstances described below occur. The financial institution that acts as the sole direct holder of the global security is called the depositary. Any person wishing to own a security must do so indirectly by virtue of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary. The prospectus supplement indicates whether a particular series of debt securities will be issued only in the form of global securities.

 

Special Investor Considerations for Global Securities.  As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize this type of investor as a holder of debt securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

 

Investors in debt securities that are issued only in the form of global debt securities should be aware that:

 

 

 

Special Situations When Global Security Will Be Terminated.  In a few special situations described later, the global security will terminate and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing debt securities. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold debt securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own bank or brokers to find out how to have their interests in debt securities transferred to their own name so that they will be direct holders. The rights of street name investors and direct holders in the debt securities have been previously described in the subsections entitled “— Legal Ownership — Street Name and Other Indirect Holders” and “— Direct Holders”.

 

The special situations for termination of a global security are:

 

 

The prospectus supplement may also list additional situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities covered by the prospectus supplement. When a global security terminates, the depositary (and not we or the trustee) is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders. (Sections 305 and 206)

 

Overview of Remainder of this Description

 

The remainder of this description summarizes:

 

 

Additional Mechanics

 

Exchange and Transfer

 

The debt securities will be issued:

 

 

Holders may have their debt securities broken into more debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. (Section 305) This is called an exchange.

 

Holders may exchange or transfer their debt securities at the office of the trustee. The trustee acts as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring the securities. We may change this appointment to another entity or perform the service ourselves. The entity performing the role of maintaining the list of registered holders is called the security registrar. It will also register transfers of the debt securities. (Section 305)

 

Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange debt securities, but may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange of a registered debt security will only be made if the security registrar is satisfied with a holder’s proof of ownership.

 

If we have designated additional transfer agents, they are named in the prospectus supplement. We may cancel the designation of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts. (Section 1002)

 

If the debt securities are redeemable and we redeem less than all of the debt securities of a particular series, we may block the transfer or exchange of debt securities during a specified period of time in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. The period begins 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ends on the day of that mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of debt securities selected for redemption. However, we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any security being partially redeemed. (Section 305)

 

Payment and Paying Agents

 

We will pay interest to holders who are direct holders listed in the trustee’s records at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if such holders no longer own the security on the interest due date. That particular day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the regular record date and is stated in the prospectus supplement. (Section 307)

 

We will pay interest, principal and any other money due on your debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee in New York City. That office is currently located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10286. Holders must make arrangements to have payments picked up at or wired from that office. We may also choose to pay interest by mailing checks.

 

Interest on global securities will be paid to the holder thereof by wire transfer of same-day funds.

 

Holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between them how to compensate for the fact that we will pay all the interest for an interest period to, in the case of registered debt securities, the one who is the registered holder on the regular record date. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller. This prorated interest amount is called accrued interest.

 

 

We or Rio Tinto may also arrange for additional payment offices, and may cancel or change these offices, including our or Rio Tinto’s use of the trustee’s corporate trust office. These offices are called paying agents. We may also choose to act as our own paying agent. We must notify holders of changes in the paying agents for any particular series of debt securities. (Section 1002)

 

Notices

 

We and the trustee will send notices only to direct holders, using their addresses as listed in the trustee’s records. (Sections 101 and 106)

 

Regardless of who acts as paying agent, all money that we pay to a paying agent that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after the amount is due to direct holders will be repaid to us. After that two-year period, holders may look only to us for payment and not to the trustee, any other paying agent or anyone else. (Section 1003)

 

Special Situations

 

Mergers and Similar Events

 

We, Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We, Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited are also permitted to sell or lease substantially all of our assets to another entity or to buy or lease substantially all of the assets of another entity. However, Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited may only take these actions if the successor entity is incorporated or organized under the laws of Australia, any state thereof, or the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia. In addition, neither we, Rio Tinto plc nor Rio Tinto Limited may take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:

 

 

Under the indenture, Rio Tinto or any Rio Tinto subsidiary may assume our obligations under the debt securities. This would likely be a taxable event to United States holders. United States holders would likely be treated as having exchanged their debt securities for other debt securities issued by Rio Tinto or such subsidiary and therefore may have to recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes upon such assumption.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities.

 

Changes Requiring the Approval of all Holders.  First, there are changes that cannot be made to the debt securities without the specific approval of each holder of the debt securities of the applicable series. Following is a list of those types of changes:

 

 

Changes Requiring a Majority Vote.  The second type of change to the indenture and the debt securities is the kind that requires a vote in favor by holders of debt securities owning a majority of the principal amount of the particular series affected. Most changes fall into this category, except for clarifying changes, amendments, supplements and other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities in any material respect. The same vote would be required for us to obtain a waiver of all or part of the covenants described below or a waiver of a past default. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or any other aspect of the indenture or the debt securities listed in the first category described previously under “— Changes Requiring the Approval of all Holders” unless we obtain the individual consent of each holder to the waiver. (Section 513)

 

Changes Not Requiring Approval.  The third type of change does not require any vote by holders of debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities in any material respect. (Section 901)

 

Further Details Concerning Voting.  When taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how much principal amount to attribute to a security:

 

 

 

 

Optional Tax Redemption

 

The debt securities of any series may be redeemed in whole but not in part, in the three situations described below. The redemption price for the debt securities will be equal to the principal amount of the debt securities being redeemed plus accrued interest and any additional amounts due on the date fixed for redemption. Holders must receive between 30 and 60 days’ notice before their debt securities are redeemed.

 

The first situation is where, as a result of a change in or amendment to any laws, regulations or rulings or the official application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, any of we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited determines that it would be required to pay additional amounts as described later under “— Payment of Additional Amounts”.

 

The second situation is where, as a result of a change in or amendment to any laws, rulings or regulations or the official application or interpretation of such laws, rulings or regulations, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited or any subsidiary of either of them determines that it would have to deduct or withhold tax on any payment to Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited to enable it to make a payment of principal or interest on a debt security.

 

In the first and second situations, the option to redeem the debt securities applies only in the case of changes or amendments that occur on or after the date specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable series of debt securities and in the jurisdiction where Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited are incorporated. If we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited, as the case may be, have been succeeded by another entity, the applicable jurisdiction will be the jurisdiction in which such successor entity is organized, and the applicable date will be the date the entity became a successor.

 

In addition, in the case of the first and second situations, we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will not have the option to redeem if we could have avoided the payment of additional amounts or the deduction or withholding by using reasonable measures available to us.

 

The third situation is where, following a merger or consolidation of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited or a transfer or lease of all of Rio Tinto plc’s or Rio Tinto Limited’s assets, the person formed by such merger, consolidation, transfer or lease is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia, or any political subdivisions thereof, and is required to pay additional amounts as described under “—Payment of Additional Amounts”.

 

We, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited shall deliver to the trustee an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that the circumstances required for redemption exist. (Sections 1104 and 1108).

 

Payment of Additional Amounts

 

If the debt securities of any series provide for the payment of additional amounts, all payments of principal, premium (if any) and interest in respect of the debt securities or the guarantees will be made free and clear of, and without withholding or deduction for, any taxes, assessments, duties or governmental charges or whatever nature imposed, levied or collected by or within a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction unless that withholding or deduction is required by law. A Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction is any jurisdiction under the laws

of which we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited, as the case may be, or any successor entity, are or is organized (or any political subdivision or taxing authority of or in that jurisdiction having power to tax).

 

The indenture provides that if withholding or deduction is required by law, then we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited, as the case may be, will pay to the holder of any debt security additional amounts as may be necessary in order that every net payment of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on that debt security after deduction or other withholding for or on account of any present or future tax, assessment, duty or other governmental charge of any nature whatsoever imposed, levied or collected by or on behalf of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, will not be less than the amount that would have been payable on that debt security in the absence of such deduction or withholding. However, we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited, as the case may be, will not be required to make any payment of additional amounts in respect of taxes imposed as a result of any of the following circumstances:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These provisions will also apply to any taxes or governmental charges imposed by any jurisdiction in which a successor to us or Rio Tinto is incorporated. The prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities will describe whether additional amounts are payable with respect to that series of securities and if so, may describe additional circumstances in which we would not be required to pay additional amounts.

 

Additional amounts may also be payable in the event of certain consolidations, mergers, sales of assets or assumptions of obligations. For more information see “— Optional Tax Redemption” and “Taxation”. References to “principal”, “premium” and “interest” in this prospectus shall be deemed to include additional amounts payable with respect thereto.

 

Restrictive Covenants

 

Restrictions on Liens

 

Some of our or Rio Tinto’s property may be subject to a mortgage or other legal mechanism that gives our and Rio Tinto’s lenders preferential rights in that property over other lenders, including the holders of the debt securities, or over our and Rio Tinto’s general creditors if we fail to pay them back. These preferential rights are called liens. We promise that we will not become obligated on any new debt for borrowed money that is secured by a lien on any of our or Rio Tinto’s properties, unless we or Rio Tinto grant an equivalent or higher-ranking lien on the same property to the holders of the debt securities.

 

Neither we nor Rio Tinto need to comply with this restriction if the amount of all debt that would be secured by liens on our or Rio Tinto’s properties, excluding the debt secured by the liens that are listed below, is less than 10% of Rio Tinto’s consolidated net worth plus minorities. Consolidated net worth plus minorities is defined in the indenture as a measure of the net worth of Rio Tinto that includes amounts attributable to the outside interests in the accounting subsidiaries of Rio Tinto. (Sections 101 and 1007) At the date of this prospectus, a substantial portion of the consolidated assets of Rio Tinto is held by their subsidiaries and thus would not be subject to this restriction on liens.

 

This restriction on liens applies only to liens for borrowed money. In addition, this restriction on liens also does not apply to debt secured by a number of different types of liens. These types of liens include the following:

 

 

 

 

so long as the secured indebtedness does not exceed the higher of the cost or the fair market value of that development, construction or improvement;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the indenture, the following are not considered liens securing indebtedness and so are not prevented by the restrictions:

 

 

Restrictions on Sales and Leasebacks

 

Neither we, Rio Tinto nor Rio Tinto Limited will enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving a property, other than as allowed by this covenant. A sale and leaseback transaction is an arrangement between us or Rio Tinto and a bank, insurance company or other lender or investor where we lease a property that we previously owned for more than 270 days and sold to a lender or investor or to any person to whom the lender or investor has advanced funds on the security of the principal property.

 

The restriction on sales and leasebacks does not apply to any sale and leaseback transaction between any companies of the Rio Tinto Group. It also does not apply to any lease with a term, including renewals, of three years or less. Further, the indenture does not restrict the ability of any subsidiary (other than Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited) to enter into sale and leaseback transactions. At the date of this prospectus, a substantial portion of our and Rio Tinto’s consolidated assets is held directly by subsidiaries and so would not be subject to the covenant restricting sale and leaseback transactions.

 

The covenant allows us or Rio Tinto to enter into sale and leaseback transactions in two additional situations. First, we or Rio Tinto may enter sale and leaseback transactions if we could grant a lien on the property in an amount equal to the indebtedness attributable to the sale and leaseback transaction without being required to grant an equivalent or higher-ranking lien to the holders of the debt securities under the restriction on liens described above.

 

Second, we or Rio Tinto may enter sales and leaseback transactions if, within one year of the transaction, we or Rio Tinto, as the case may be, invest an amount equal to at least the net proceeds of the sale of the principal property that we or Rio Tinto, as the case may be, lease in the transaction or the fair value of that property, whichever is greater. This amount must be invested in any of our or Rio Tinto’s property or used to retire indebtedness for money that we borrowed, incurred or assumed that either has a maturity of 12 months or more from the date of incurrence of the indebtedness or which may be extended beyond 12 months from that date at our and Rio Tinto’s option. (Section 1008)

 

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

 

The following discussion of defeasance and discharge will be applicable to a series of debt securities only if the prospectus supplement applicable to the series so states. (Article 13).

 

Defeasance and Discharge

 

We, Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited can legally release ourselves from any payment or other obligations on the debt securities, except for various obligations described below, if we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited, in addition to other actions, put in place the following arrangements for you to be repaid:

 

 

However, even if we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited take these actions, a number of our obligations relating to the debt securities will remain. These include the following obligations:

 

 

 

Covenant Defeasance

 

We, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited can be legally released from compliance with certain covenants, including those described under “— Restrictive Covenants” and any that may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and including the related Events of Default if we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited, as the case may be, take all the steps described above under “— Defeasance and Discharge” except that the opinion of counsel does not have to refer to a change in United States Federal income tax laws or a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

Default and Related Matters

 

Ranking

 

The debt securities are not secured by any of our property or assets nor Rio Tinto’s property or assets. Accordingly, holders of debt securities are unsecured creditors of Rio Tinto. The debt securities are not subordinated to any of our or Rio Tinto’s other debt obligations and therefore they rank equally with all our and Rio Tinto’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

 

Events of Default

 

Holders will have special rights if an event of default occurs and is not cured, as described later in this subsection.

 

What Is An Event of Default? The term event of default means any of the following:

 

 

 

Remedies If an Event of Default Occurs.  If an event of default has occurred and has not been cured, the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. A declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series if we, Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited have paid the outstanding amounts, other than amounts due because of the acceleration of maturity, and we, Rio Tinto or Rio Tinto Limited have satisfied certain other conditions. (Section 502)

 

Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special duties, the trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability. This protection is called an indemnity. (Section 603) If reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. These majority holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the indenture. (Section 512)

 

Before bypassing the trustee and bringing a lawsuit or other formal legal action or taking other steps to enforce rights or protect interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:

 

 

However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or interest on a debt security on or after the respective due dates. (Section 508).

 

 

We and Rio Tinto will furnish to the trustee every year a written statement of certain of our and Rio Tinto’s officers certifying that, to their knowledge, we and Rio Tinto are in compliance with the indenture and the debt securities, or else specifying any default. (Section 1005)

 

Regarding The Trustee

 

If an event of default occurs, or an event occurs that would be an event of default if the requirements for giving default notice or the default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded, the trustee may be considered to have a conflicting interest with respect to the debt securities for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. In that case, the trustee may be required to resign as trustee under the applicable indenture and we or Rio Tinto would be required to appoint a successor trustee.

 

General

 

Debt securities we issue may be held through one or more international and domestic clearing systems. The principal clearing systems we will use are the book-entry systems operated by The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, in the United States, Clearstream Banking, société anonyme in Luxembourg (“Clearstream, Luxembourg”) and Euroclear SA/NV (“Euroclear”) in Brussels, Belgium. These systems have established electronic securities and payment transfer, processing, depositary and custodial links among themselves and others, either directly or through custodians and depositaries. These links allow securities to be issued, held and transferred among the clearing systems without the physical transfer of certificates.

 

Special procedures to facilitate clearance and settlement have been established among these clearing systems to trade securities across borders in the secondary market. Where payments for registered securities in global form will be made in U.S. dollars, these procedures can be used for cross-market transfers and the securities will be cleared and settled on a delivery against payment basis.

 

Cross-market transfers of securities that are not in global form may be cleared and settled in accordance with other procedures that may be established among the clearing systems for these securities. Investors in securities that are issued outside of the United States, its territories and possessions must initially hold their interests through Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or the clearance system that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The policies of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg, and Euroclear will govern payments, transfers, exchange and other matters relating to the investor’s interest in securities held by them. This is also true for any other clearance system that may be named in a prospectus supplement.

 

We have no responsibility for any aspect of the actions of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear or any of their direct or indirect participants. We have no responsibility for any aspect of the records kept by DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear or any of their direct or indirect participants. We also do not supervise these systems in any way. This is also true for any other clearing system indicated in a prospectus supplement.

 

DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg, Euroclear and their participants perform these clearance and settlement functions under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers. You should be aware that they are not obligated to perform these procedures and may modify them or discontinue them at any time.

 

The description of the clearing systems in this section reflects our understanding of the rules and procedures of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear as they are currently in effect. These systems could change their rules and procedures at any time.

 

As used in this section, any reference to securities also refers to book-entry securities issued in respect of securities in bearer form.

 

The Clearing Systems

 

DTC

 

DTC has advised us as follows:

 

 

 

 

Clearstream, Luxembourg

 

Clearstream, Luxembourg has advised us as follows:

 

 

Euroclear

 

Euroclear has advised us as follows:

 

 

 

Other Clearing Systems

 

We may choose any other clearing system for a particular series of debt securities. The clearance and settlement procedures for the clearing system we choose will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Primary Distribution

 

The distribution of debt securities will be cleared through one or more of the clearing systems that we have described above or any other clearing system that is specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Payment for debt securities will be made on a delivery versus payment or free delivery basis. These payment procedures will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Clearance and settlement procedures may vary from one series of debt securities to another according to the currency that is chosen for the specific series of debt securities. Customary clearance and settlement procedures are described below.

 

We will submit applications to the relevant system or systems for the debt securities to be accepted for clearance. The clearance numbers that are applicable to each clearance system will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Clearance and Settlement Procedures — DTC

 

DTC participants that hold securities through DTC on behalf of investors will follow the settlement practices applicable to U.S. corporate debt obligations in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System.

 

Debt securities will be credited to the securities custody accounts of these DTC participants against payment in the same-day funds, for payments in U.S. dollars, on the settlement date. For payments in a currency other than U.S. dollars, securities will be credited free of payment on the settlement date.

 

Clearance and Settlement Procedures — Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg

 

We understand that investors that hold their securities through Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg accounts will follow the settlement procedures that are applicable to conventional Eurobonds in registered form.

 

Debt securities will be credited to the securities custody accounts of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg participants on the business day following the settlement date, for value on the settlement date. They will be credited either free of payment or against payment for value on the settlement date.

 

Secondary Market Trading

 

Trading between DTC Participants

 

We understand that secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC’s rules. Secondary market trading will be settled using procedures applicable to U.S. corporate debt obligations in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System.

 

If payment is made in U.S. dollars, settlement will be in same-day funds. If payment is made in a currency other than U.S. dollars, settlement will be free of payment. If payment is made other than in U.S. dollars, separate payment arrangements outside of the DTC system must be made between the DTC participants involved.

 

Trading between Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg Participants

 

We understand that secondary market trading between Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants will occur in the ordinary way following the applicable rules and operating procedures of

Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. Secondary market trading will be settled using procedures applicable to conventional Eurobonds in registered form.

 

Trading between a DTC Seller and a Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg Purchaser

 

A purchaser of debt securities that are held in the account of a DTC participant must send instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg at least one business day prior to settlement. The instructions will provide for the transfer of the securities from the selling DTC participant’s account to the account of the purchasing Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant. Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be, will then instruct the common depositary for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg to receive the debt securities either against payment or free of payment.

 

The beneficial interests in the debt securities will be credited to the respective clearing system. The clearing system will then credit the account of the participant, following its usual procedures. Credit for the debt securities will appear on the next day, European time. Cash debit will be back-valued to, and the interest on the debt securities will accrue from, the value date, which would be the preceding day, when settlement occurs in New York. If the trade fails and settlement is not completed on the intended date, the Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg cash debit will be valued as of the actual settlement date instead.

 

Euroclear participants or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants will need the funds necessary to process same-day funds settlement. The most direct means of doing this is to preposition funds for settlement, either from cash or from existing lines of credit, as for any settlement occurring within Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg. Under this approach, participants may take on credit exposure to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg until the securities are credited to their accounts one business day later.

 

As an alternative, if Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg has extended a line of credit to them, participants can choose not to preposition funds and will allow that credit line to be drawn upon to finance settlement. Under this procedure, Euroclear participants or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants purchasing debt securities would incur overdraft charges for one business day, (assuming they cleared the overdraft as soon as the debt securities were credited to their accounts). However, interest on the debt securities would accrue from the value date. Therefore, in many cases, the investment income on debt securities that is earned during that one business day period may substantially reduce or offset the amount of the overdraft charges. This result will, however, depend on each participant’s particular cost of funds.

 

Because the settlement will take place during New York business hours, DTC participants will use their usual procedures to deliver debt securities to the depositary on behalf of Euroclear participants or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants. The sale proceeds will be available to the DTC seller on the settlement date. For the DTC participants, then, a cross-market transaction will settle no differently than a trade between two DTC participants.

 

Special Timing Considerations

 

You should be aware that investors will only be able to make and receive deliveries, payments and other communications involving debt securities through Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear on days when those systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States.

 

In addition, because of time-zone differences, there may be problems with completing transactions involving Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear on the same business day as in the United States. U.S. investors who wish to transfer their interests in the debt securities, or to receive or make a payment or delivery of debt securities, on a particular day, may find that the transactions will not be performed until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels, depending on whether Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear is used.

 

This section describes the material Australian, U.K. and U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of debt securities that we may issue.

 

Australian Taxation

 

The following is a summary of the principal Australian tax consequences generally applicable to a holder who is a resident of the United States and not a resident of Australia for tax purposes (a “United States holder”). This summary reflects the current provisions of the Australian Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and the Australian Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (together, “Australian Tax Act”).

 

The following summary is not exhaustive of all possible Australian income tax considerations that could apply to particular holders. These considerations may vary according to your individual circumstances.

 

Australia’s income tax laws are currently subject to review by the Federal Government. The summary below is based upon our understanding of the current law (except as expressly stated) and of the implications of changes that have been announced by the Australian Government in only very general terms. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate changes in the law, whether by way of judicial decision or legislative action.

 

In the opinion of Allens Arthur Robinson, our and Rio Tinto’s Australian taxation legal counsel, the following are the material Australian tax consequences of an investment in debt securities generally applicable to a United States holder, on the basis of Australian law as in effect at the date of this prospectus, which (as indicated above) is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

Payments of Principal, Premium and Interest

 

Under existing Australian income tax law, United States holders of debt securities, other than persons holding such securities or interests as part of a business carried on at or through a permanent establishment in Australia (an “Australian Establishment”), are not subject to Australian income tax on payments of principal and interest (or amounts in the nature of interest) made to that holder, other than interest withholding tax (currently 10%) on interest (or amounts in the nature of interest) paid on the debt securities (unless the Section 128F exemption described below applies). Subject to the following, where a United States holder makes a gain on redemption of a debt security (including any gain referable to movements in foreign currency exchange rates), the holder’s gain would not be subject to Australian income tax provided the gain is not sourced in Australia, as described in “— Profits on Sale to Third Parties” below, and the holder does not hold the security as part of an Australian Establishment. However, Australian tax may be payable to the extent that those conditions do not exist. Also, to the extent that any such gain is treated as interest, or in the nature of interest, Australian withholding tax would apply.

 

Pursuant to Section 128F of the Australian Tax Act, an exemption from Australian interest withholding tax (“IWT”) applies provided the following conditions are met:

 

 

 

An “associate” of ours for the purposes of Section 128F of the Australian Tax Act generally includes (i) a person or entity which holds 50% of the voting shares of, or otherwise controls, us, (ii) an entity which is a subsidiary of, or otherwise controlled by, us, (iii) a trustee of a trust where we are capable of benefiting (whether directly or indirectly) under that trust, and (iv) a person or entity who is an “associate” of another person or company which is an “associate” of ours under any of the foregoing.

 

However, for the purposes of Sections 128F(5) and (6) of the Australian Tax Act (see above), “associate” does not include:

 

 

 

 

 

There are five principal methods of satisfying the public offer test. In summary, the five principal methods are:

 

 

We intend to offer and sell debt securities in a manner that will satisfy the requirements of Section 128F of the Australian Tax Act.

 

As set out in more detail in the section entitled “Description of Guaranteed Debt Securities — Special Situations — Payment of Additional Amounts”, if we should at any time be compelled by law to deduct or withhold an amount in respect of any withholding taxes, we are required, subject to the exceptions we describe, to pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order to ensure that the net amounts you receive in respect of the debt securities after such deductions or withholding will equal the respective amounts that would have been receivable had no such deduction or withholding been required.

 

Payments under the Guarantee

 

IWT at the rate of 10% may be payable on payments of interest, or interest paid on an overdue amount, by Rio Tinto Limited to United States holders (other than those holding the debt securities in the course of carrying on a business at or through an Australian Establishment).

 

Whether payments under the guarantee would be interest for withholding tax purposes is not clear. The Australian Taxation Office’s ruling, as reflected in Taxation Determination TD 1999/26, is that such payments under a guarantee would be interest for withholding tax purposes. However that Determination also states that guarantee payments would be treated as exempt from withholding tax under Section 128F if the requirements of that section are satisfied. Therefore, if the requirements of Section 128F as described above are satisfied in relation to the debt securities, interest withholding tax should not be payable in relation to the guarantee payments.

 

Profits on Sale to Third Parties

 

Under existing Australian law, United States holders of debt securities will not be subject to Australian income tax on profits derived from the sale or disposal of the debt securities to a third party provided that the profits do not have an Australian source.

 

The source of any profit on the sale or disposal of debt securities will ordinarily depend on the factual circumstances of the actual sale or disposal. Where the debt securities are acquired and sold or disposed of pursuant to contractual arrangements entered into and concluded outside Australia, and the seller and the purchaser are non-residents of Australia and do not have Australian Establishments, the profit would not be regarded as having an Australian source.

 

There are specific rules (Section 128AA of the Australian Tax Act) that can apply to treat a portion of the sale price of debt securities as interest for withholding tax purposes. These rules apply when certain debt securities originally issued at a discount or with maturity premium, generally speaking, or which do not pay interest at least annually are sold to:

 

 

However, if the issue of the debt securities satisfies the public offer test, such portions of deemed interest will be covered by the exemption from Australian interest withholding tax contained in Section 128F of the Australian Tax Act.

 

Other Taxes

 

No ad valorem stamp, issue, registration or similar taxes are payable in Australia in connection with the issue of the debt securities. Furthermore, a transfer of or agreement to transfer debt securities, executed outside of Australia, will not be subject to Australian stamp duty.

 

The Commissioner of Taxation of the Commonwealth of Australia may give a direction under Section 218 or Section 255 of the Australian Tax Act or Section 260-5 of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (“TAA”) requiring us to deduct from any payment to any other party (including any holder of debt securities) any amount in respect of income tax payable by that other party in respect of the other party’s other Australian sourced income or sales.

 

Section 12-140 of the TAA will impose a type of withholding tax at the rate of (currently) 46.5% on the payment of interest on certain securities unless the relevant investor has quoted a tax file number, in certain circumstances an Australian Business Number or proof of some other exception. Assuming that the debt securities will at all material times be in registered form and the requirements of Section 128F of the Australian Tax Act are satisfied with respect to the debt securities, these rules should not apply to payments to a holder of debt securities who is not a resident of Australia for tax purposes and not holding the debt securities in the course of carrying on business at or through an Australian Establishment. Withholdings may be made from payments to holders of debt securities who are residents of Australia or non-residents who carry on business at or through an Australian Establishment but who do not quote a tax file number, Australian Business Number or provide proof of an appropriate exemption.

 

Section 12-190 of the TAA imposes another type of withholding obligation such that if we make a payment to a holder of a debt security for a supply the holder of the debt security has made to us in the course or furtherance of an enterprise carried on in Australia by that holder, we must withhold amounts from that payment at the prescribed rate (currently 46.5%) unless that holder has quoted their ABN or another exception applies. There is some uncertainty as to the precise operation of these rules. However, these rules will not apply to payments of principal and interest by us to holders of debt securities where a tax file number, Australian Business Number, or proof that a relevant exemption is applicable has been provided (in accordance with the above paragraph), or a deduction has been made by us for a failure to provide such information. Although the position is not free from doubt, on the basis that all holders of debt securities will fall within Section 12-140 (discussed above), the withholding requirements in Section 12-190 of the TAA should have no residual operation.

 

No debt securities will be subject to death, estate or succession duties imposed by Australia, or by any political subdivision therein having the power to tax, if held at the time of death.

 

Neither the issue of the debt securities nor the payment of principal, premium (if any) and interest by us in respect of the debt securities would give rise to a liability to a goods and services tax in Australia.

 

Recent Developments

 

Legislative amendments are proposed in respect of the Australian taxation of financial arrangements (“TOFA”). Whilst not yet law, the TOFA rules are generally expected to have application in respect of financial arrangements (such as debt securities) which commence to be held in income years commencing on or after 1 July 2009, unless an election is made to apply the TOFA rules to securities already held at that date or an earlier date. In the absence of such elections, the existing law governing the taxation of financial arrangements will continue to apply to debt securities acquired before July 1, 2009. Investors will need to consider the potential application of these rules to their own circumstances upon the enactment of the TOFA law.

 

United Kingdom Taxation

 

The comments below are of a general nature, are based on current United Kingdom tax law and published practice of the United Kingdom HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) and are not intended to be exhaustive. They do not necessarily apply where the income is deemed for tax purposes to be the income of any person other than the holder of the debt securities. They relate only to the position of persons who are resident outside of the United Kingdom for tax purposes (and not resident or, in the case of individuals, ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for United Kingdom tax purposes) and who are the absolute beneficial owners of their debt securities and may not apply to certain classes of persons such as dealers or certain professional investors.

 

Please consult your own tax advisor concerning the consequences of owning the offered securities in your particular circumstances.

 

Interest Payments

 

References to “interest” in this section mean interest as understood in United Kingdom tax law. The statements do not take account of any different definitions of interest that may prevail under any other law or which may be created by the terms and conditions of the debt securities or any related documentation. If debt securities are issued with a redemption premium, then any such premium may constitute interest for United Kingdom tax purposes and so be treated in the manner described below.

 

Payments of interest on the debt securities will not be subject to withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom taxation on the basis that, and so long as, such interest is not treated as arising in the United Kingdom for the purposes of section 874 of the United Kingdom Income Tax Act 2007. It is currently expected that the circumstances will be such that interest on the debt securities would not have a United Kingdom source.

 

It is possible that payments by Rio Tinto plc under the guarantee in respect of interest on the debt securities may be subject to withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom tax. Such payments of interest under the guarantee may not be subject to withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom taxation if and so long as the debt securities are and continue to be listed on a “recognised stock exchange” within the meaning of Section 1005 of the United Kingdom Income Tax Act 2007 (the “Quoted Eurobond Exemption”). The London Stock Exchange is a “recognised stock exchange” for these purposes. Debt securities will be treated as listed on the London Stock Exchange if they are included in the Official List by the United Kingdom Listing Authority and are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange. The New York Stock Exchange will be a “recognised stock exchange” for these purposes provided that it is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States as a national securities exchange. Debt securities will be treated as listed on the New York Stock Exchange if they are both admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange and are officially listed in the United States in accordance with provisions corresponding to those generally applicable in countries in the European Economic Area. However, it is possible that such payments under the guarantee in respect of interest on the debt securities are not eligible for the Quoted Eurobond Exemption. If such payments are not eligible for that exemption, they may fall to be paid under deduction of United Kingdom income tax at the basic rate (currently 20%, which rate is subject to change if the Finance Bill 2008 is not enacted in its current form) subject to such relief as may be available under the provisions of any applicable double tax treaty or any other relief that may apply.

 

Certain holders of debt securities who are U.S. residents may be entitled to receive payments free of deductions for or on account of United Kingdom tax under the double taxation treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States and may therefore be able to obtain a direction to that effect from HMRC. Holders of debt securities who are resident in other jurisdictions may also be able to receive payment free of deductions or subject to a lower rate of deduction under an appropriate double taxation treaty and may be able to obtain a direction from HMRC to that effect.

 

However, such a direction will, in either case, only be issued on prior application to HMRC by the holder in question. If such a direction is not in place at the time a payment of interest is made, the person making the payment will be required to withhold tax, although a holder of debt securities resident in a jurisdiction outside of the United Kingdom who is entitled to relief may subsequently claim the amount withheld from HMRC.

 

Payments by Rio Tinto plc under the guarantee in respect of interest on the debt securities will have a United Kingdom source and accordingly may be chargeable to United Kingdom tax by direct assessment. Where the interest is paid without withholding or deduction, the interest will not be assessed to United Kingdom tax in the hands of holders of the debt securities who are not resident or, in the case of individuals, ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, except where:

 

 

 

in connection with which the interest is received or to which the debt securities are attributable, in which case (subject to exemptions for interest received by certain categories of agent) tax may be levied on the United Kingdom permanent establishment or branch or agency.

 

In the event that payments by Rio Tinto plc under the guarantee in respect of interest on debt securities are subject to withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom taxation then the provisions referred to in “Description of Guaranteed Debt Securities — Payment of Additional Amounts” may apply so that the net amount received by the holders after such reduction will not be less than the amount the holders would have received in the absence of such withholding or deduction.

 

Holders of the debt securities should note that the provisions relating to additional amounts referred to in “Description of Guaranteed Debt Securities — Payment of Additional Amounts” would not apply if HMRC sought to assess directly the person entitled to the relevant interest to United Kingdom tax. However

exemption from, or reduction of, such United Kingdom tax liability might be available under an applicable double taxation treaty.

 

Provision of Information

 

Persons in the United Kingdom (i) paying interest to or receiving interest on behalf of another person who is an individual or (ii) paying amounts due on redemption of the debt securities which constitute deeply discounted securities as defined in Chapter 8 of Part 4 of the Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 to or receiving such amounts on behalf of another person who is an individual may be required to provide certain information to HMRC regarding the identity of the payee or person entitled to the interest and, in certain circumstances, such information may be exchanged with tax authorities in other countries. However, in relation to amounts payable on redemption of such debt securities HMRC published practice indicates HMRC will not exercise its power to obtain information where such amounts are paid or received on or before April 5, 2009.

 

Optional Tax Redemption

 

In the earlier section entitled “Description of Guaranteed Debt Securities — Optional Tax Redemption” we set out certain situations in which we may redeem debt securities.

 

Disposal (including Redemption)

 

Generally, a holder of debt securities who is neither resident nor, in the case of an individual, ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes will not be liable for United Kingdom taxation in respect of a disposal of a debt security, or in respect of any gain accrued in respect of a debt security or any change in the value of a debt security.

 

This may not, however, be the case if:

 

 

 

in connection with which the interest is received or to which the debt securities are attributable.

 

Inheritance Tax

 

A holder of debt securities who is an individual domiciled outside the United Kingdom will generally not be liable for United Kingdom inheritance tax in respect of his holding of debt securities. However, there may be a liability for United Kingdom inheritance tax if a register of debt securities which are registered securities is maintained in the United Kingdom or if debt securities which are bearer securities are held in the United Kingdom. In that case, exemption from any United Kingdom inheritance tax liability may be available for holders of debt securities who are domiciled in the United States under the U.S.-United Kingdom double tax convention relating to estate and gift taxes.

 

Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (“SDRT”)

 

No United Kingdom stamp duty or SDRT is payable on the issue of the debt securities into a clearing system.

 

No United Kingdom stamp duty or SDRT is payable on dealings in the debt securities within a clearing system where such dealings are effected in electronic book entry form and not by written instrument of transfer.

 

European Union Directive on the Taxation of Savings Income

 

The Council of the European Union has adopted Council Directive 2003/48/EC (the “Savings Directive”) regarding the taxation of savings income. Pursuant to the Savings Directive, Member States of the European Union are required to provide to the tax authorities of another Member State details of payments of interest (or other similar income) paid by a person within its jurisdiction to or for the benefit of an individual or to certain other persons in that other Member State, except that Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria will (unless they elect otherwise) instead operate a withholding system for a transitional period in relation to such payments.

 

A number of non-EU countries, and certain dependent or associated territories of certain EU Member States have adopted similar measures (either provision of information or transitional withholding) in relation to payments made by a person within its jurisdiction to an individual or certain other persons resident in an EU Member State. In addition, the EU Member States have entered into reciprocal provision of information or transitional withholding arrangements with certain of those dependent or associated territories in relation to payments made by a person in a Member State to an individual or certain other persons resident in one of those territories.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation

 

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of debt securities by a U.S. Holder (as defined below). The following discussion, subject to the assumptions and limitations herein, represents the opinion of Linklaters LLP as to the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of debt securities by a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of every type of debt security which may be issued under this prospectus, and the relevant prospectus supplement will contain additional or modified disclosure concerning the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a particular issue of debt securities as appropriate. This summary deals only with purchasers of debt securities that are U.S. Holders and that will hold the debt securities as capital assets. The discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of the matters described herein will have on, the acquisition, ownership or disposition of debt securities by particular investors, and does not address state, local, foreign or other tax laws. This summary also does not discuss all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as financial institutions, insurance companies, investors liable for the alternative minimum tax, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities or currencies, investors that will hold the debt securities as part of straddles, hedging transactions or conversion transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes or investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar). Moreover, the summary deals only with debt securities with a term of 30 years or less. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning debt securities with a longer term will be discussed in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of debt securities that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source or (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or the trust has elected to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that holds debt securities will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Prospective purchasers that are partnerships should consult their tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to their partners of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of debt securities by the partnership.

 

The summary is based on the tax laws of the United States including the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder and published rulings and court decisions, all as of the date hereof and all subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

THE SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET OUT BELOW IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF OWNING THE DEBT SECURITIES, THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAW.

 

Payments of Interest

 

Interest on a debt security, whether payable in U.S. dollars or a currency, composite currency or basket of currencies other than U.S. dollars (a “foreign currency”), other than interest on a “Discount Debt Security” that is not “qualified stated interest” (each as defined below under “— Original Issue Discount — General”), will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary income at the time it is received or accrued, depending on the holder’s method of accounting for tax purposes. For this purpose, interest includes any additional amounts payable under “Description of Guaranteed Debt Securities — Payment of Additional Amounts”. Interest paid by us on the debt securities and OID, if any, accrued with respect to the debt securities (as described below under “— Original Issue Discount”) generally will constitute income from sources outside the United States. Prospective purchasers should consult their tax advisors concerning the applicability of the foreign tax credit and source of income rules to income attributable to the debt securities.

 

Original Issue Discount

 

General

 

The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership of debt securities issued with original issue discount (“OID”). The following summary does not discuss debt securities that are characterized as contingent payment debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the event we issue contingent payment debt instruments the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material U.S. federal income tax consequences thereof.

 

A debt security, other than a debt security with a term of one year or less (a “Short-Term Debt Security”), will be treated as issued with OID (a “Discount Debt Security”) if the excess of the debt security’s “stated redemption price at maturity” over its issue price is equal to or more than a de minimis amount (0.25% of the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to its maturity). An obligation that provides for the payment of amounts other than qualified stated interest before maturity (an “installment obligation”) will be treated as a Discount Debt Security if the excess of the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity over its issue price is greater than 0.25% of the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the weighted average maturity of the debt security. A debt security’s weighted average maturity is the sum of the following amounts determined for each payment on a debt security (other than a payment of qualified stated interest): (i) the number of complete years from the issue date until the payment is made multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the payment and the denominator of which is the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity. Generally, the issue price of a debt security will be the first price at which a substantial amount of debt securities included in the issue of which the debt security is a part is sold to persons other than bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents, or wholesalers. The stated redemption price at maturity of a debt security is the total of all payments provided by the debt security that are not payments of “qualified stated interest”. A qualified stated interest payment is generally any one of a series of stated interest payments on a debt security that are unconditionally payable at least annually at a single fixed rate (with certain exceptions for lower rates paid during some periods), or a variable rate (in the circumstances described below under “— Variable Interest Rate Debt Securities”), applied to the outstanding principal amount of the debt security. Solely for the purposes of determining whether a debt security has OID, we will be deemed to exercise any call option that has the effect of decreasing the yield on the debt security, and the

U.S. Holder will be deemed to exercise any put option that has the effect of increasing the yield on the debt security. If the option is not in fact exercised, the debt security would be treated solely for purposes of calculating OID as if it were redeemed and a new debt security were issued on the deemed exercise date for an amount equal to the “adjusted issue price” (as defined below) of the debt security.

 

U.S. Holders of Discount Debt Securities must include OID in income calculated on a constant-yield method before the receipt of cash attributable to the income, and generally will have to include in income increasingly greater amounts of OID over the life of the Discount Debt Securities. The amount of OID includible in income by a U.S. Holder of a Discount Debt Security is the sum of the daily portions of OID with respect to the Discount Debt Security for each day during the taxable year or portion of the taxable year on which the U.S. Holder holds the Discount Debt Security (“accrued OID”). The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day in any “accrual period” a pro rata portion of the OID allocable to that accrual period. Accrual periods with respect to a debt security may be of any length selected by the U.S. Holder and may vary in length over the term of the debt security as long as (i) no accrual period is longer than one year and (ii) each scheduled payment of interest or principal on the debt security occurs on either the final or first day of an accrual period. The amount of OID allocable to an accrual period equals the excess of (a) the product of the Discount Debt Security’s adjusted issue price at the beginning of the accrual period and the Discount Debt Security’s yield to maturity (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and properly adjusted for the length of the accrual period) over (b) the sum of the payments of qualified stated interest on the debt security allocable to the accrual period. The “adjusted issue price” of a Discount Debt Security at the beginning of any accrual period is the issue price of the debt security increased by (x) the amount of accrued OID for each prior accrual period and decreased by (y) the amount of any payments previously made on the debt security that were not qualified stated interest payments. The “yield to maturity” of a security is the discount rate that causes the present value of all payments on the security as of its original issue date to equal the issue price of such security.

 

Acquisition Premium

 

A U.S. Holder that purchases a Discount Debt Security for an amount less than or equal to the sum of all amounts payable on the debt security after the purchase date, other than payments of qualified stated interest, but in excess of its adjusted issue price (any such excess being “acquisition premium”) and that does not make the election described below under “— Election to Treat All Interest as Original Issue Discount”, is permitted to reduce the daily portions of OID by a fraction, the numerator of which is the excess of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the debt security immediately after its purchase over the debt security’s adjusted issue price, and the denominator of which is the excess of the sum of all amounts payable on the debt security after the purchase date, other than payments of qualified stated interest, over the debt security’s adjusted issue price.

 

Election to Treat All Interest as Original Issue Discount

 

A U.S. Holder may elect to include in gross income all interest that accrues on a debt security using the constant-yield method described above under “— Original Issue Discount — General”, with certain modifications. For purposes of this election, interest includes stated interest, OID, de minimis OID, market discount, de minimis market discount and unstated interest, as adjusted by any amortizable bond premium (described below under “— Debt Securities Purchased at a Premium”) or acquisition premium. This election will generally apply only to the debt security with respect to which it is made and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. If the election to apply the constant-yield method to all interest on a debt security is made with respect to a Market Discount Debt Security, the electing U.S. Holder will be treated as having made the election discussed below under “— Market Discount” to include market discount in income currently over the life of all debt instruments with market discount held or thereafter acquired by the U.S. Holder. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors concerning the propriety and consequences of this election.

 

Short-Term Debt Securities

 

In general, an individual or other cash basis U.S. Holder of a Short-Term Debt Security is not required to accrue OID (as specially defined below for the purposes of this paragraph) for U.S. federal income tax

purposes unless it elects to do so (but will be required to include any stated interest in income as the interest is received). Accrual basis U.S. Holders and certain other U.S. Holders are required to accrue OID on Short-Term Debt Securities on a straight-line basis or, if the U.S. Holder so elects, under the constant-yield method (based on daily compounding). In the case of a U.S. Holder not required and not electing to include OID in income currently, any gain realized on the sale or retirement of the Short-Term Debt Security will be ordinary income to the extent of the OID accrued on a straight-line basis (unless an election is made to accrue the OID under the constant-yield method) through the date of sale or retirement. U.S. Holders who are not required and do not elect to accrue OID on Short-Term Debt Securities will be required to defer deductions for interest on borrowings allocable to Short-Term Debt Securities in an amount not exceeding the deferred income until the deferred income is realized.

 

For purposes of determining the amount of OID subject to these rules, all interest payments on a Short-Term Debt Security are included in the Short-Term Debt Security’s stated redemption price at maturity. A U.S. Holder may elect to determine OID on a Short-Term Debt Security as if the Short-Term Debt Security had been originally issued to the U.S. Holder at the U.S. Holder’s purchase price for the Short-Term Debt Security. This election shall apply to all obligations with a maturity of one year or less acquired by the U.S. Holder on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies, and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.

 

Fungible Issue

 

We may, without the consent of the Holders of outstanding debt securities, issue additional debt securities with identical terms. These additional debt securities, even if they are treated for non-tax purposes as part of the same series as the original debt securities, in some cases may be treated as a separate series for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such a case, the additional debt securities may be considered to have been issued with OID even if the original debt securities had no OID, or the additional debt securities may have a greater amount of OID than the original debt securities. These differences may affect the market value of the original debt securities if the additional debt securities are not otherwise distinguishable from the original debt securities.

 

Market Discount

 

A debt security, other than a Short-Term Debt Security, generally will be treated as purchased at a market discount (a “Market Discount Debt Security”) if the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity or, in the case of a Discount Debt Security, the debt security’s “revised issue price”, exceeds the amount for which the U.S. Holder purchased the debt security by at least 0.25% of the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity or revised issue price, respectively, multiplied by the number of complete years to the debt security’s maturity (or, in the case of a debt security that is an installment obligation, the debt security’s weighted average maturity). If this excess is not sufficient to cause the debt security to be a Market Discount Debt Security, then the excess constitutes “de minimis market discount”. For this purpose, the “revised issue price” of a debt security generally equals its issue price, increased by the amount of any OID that has accrued on the debt security and decreased by the amount of any payments previously made on the debt security that were not qualified stated interest payments.

 

Under current law, any gain recognized on the maturity or disposition of a Market Discount Debt Security (including any payment on a debt security that is not qualified stated interest) will be treated as ordinary income to the extent that the gain does not exceed the accrued market discount on the debt security. Alternatively, a U.S. Holder of a Market Discount Debt Security may elect to include market discount in income currently over the life of the debt security. This election will apply to all debt instruments with market discount acquired by the electing U.S. Holder on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. This election may not be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). A U.S. Holder of a Market Discount Debt Security that does not elect to include market discount in income currently will generally be required to defer deductions for interest on borrowings incurred to purchase or carry a Market Discount Debt Security that are in excess of the interest and OID on the debt security includible in the U.S. Holder’s income, to the extent that this excess interest expense does not exceed the

portion of the market discount allocable to the days on which the Market Discount Debt Security was held by the U.S. Holder.

 

Under current law, market discount will accrue on a straight-line basis unless the U.S. Holder elects to accrue the market discount on a constant-yield method. This election applies only to the Market Discount Debt Security with respect to which it is made and is irrevocable.

 

Variable Interest Rate Debt Securities

 

Debt securities that provide for interest at variable rates (“Variable Interest Rate Debt Securities”) generally will either bear interest at a “qualified floating rate”, and thus will be treated as “variable rate debt instruments” under Treasury regulations governing accrual of OID, or they will bear interest at an “objective rate”. A Variable Interest Rate Debt Security will qualify as a “variable rate debt instrument” if (a) its issue price does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments due under the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security by more than a specified de minimis amount, (b) it provides for stated interest, paid or compounded at least annually, at (i) one or more qualified floating rates, (ii) a single fixed rate and one or more qualified floating rates, (iii) a single “objective rate”, or (iv) a single fixed rate and a single objective rate that is a “qualified inverse floating rate”, and (c) it does not provide for any principal payments that are contingent (other than as described in (a) above).

 

A “qualified floating rate” is any variable rate where variations in the value of the rate can reasonably be expected to measure contemporaneous variations in the cost of newly borrowed funds in the currency in which the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security is denominated. A fixed multiple of a qualified floating rate will constitute a qualified floating rate only if the multiple is greater than 0.65 but not more than 1.35. A variable rate equal to the product of a qualified floating rate and a fixed multiple that is greater than 0.65 but not more than 1.35, increased or decreased by a fixed rate, will also constitute a qualified floating rate. In addition, two or more qualified floating rates that can reasonably be expected to have approximately the same values throughout the term of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security (e.g., two or more qualified floating rates with values within 25 basis points of each other as determined on the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security’s issue date) will be treated as a single qualified floating rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a variable rate that would otherwise constitute a qualified floating rate but which is subject to one or more restrictions such as a maximum numerical limitation (i.e., a cap) or a minimum numerical limitation (i.e., a floor) may, under certain circumstances, fail to be treated as a qualified floating rate unless the cap or floor is either fixed throughout the term of the debt security or is not reasonably expected as of the issue date to cause the yield on the debt security to significantly deviate from the expected yield determined without the cap or floor.

 

An “objective rate” is a rate that is not itself a qualified floating rate but which is determined using a single fixed formula and which is based on objective financial or economic information (e.g., one or more qualified floating rates or the yield of actively traded personal property). A rate will not qualify as an objective rate if it is based on information that is within our control (or a related party) or that is unique to our circumstances (or a related party), such as dividends, profits or the value of Rio Tinto (although a rate does not fail to be an objective rate merely because it is based on the credit quality of Rio Tinto). Other variable interest rates may be treated as objective rates if so designated by the IRS in the future. Despite the foregoing, a variable rate of interest on a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security will not constitute an objective rate if it is reasonably expected that the average value of the rate during the first half of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security’s term will be either significantly less than or significantly greater than the average value of the rate during the final half of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security’s term. A “qualified inverse floating rate” is any objective rate where the rate is equal to a fixed rate minus a qualified floating rate, as long as variations in the rate can reasonably be expected to inversely reflect contemporaneous variations in the qualified floating rate. If a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security provides for stated interest at a fixed rate for an initial period of one year or less followed by a variable rate that is either a qualified floating rate or an objective rate for a subsequent period and if the variable rate on the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security’s issue date is intended to approximate the fixed rate (e.g., the value of the variable rate on the issue date does not differ from the value of the fixed rate by more than 25 basis points), then the fixed rate and the variable rate together will constitute either a single qualified floating rate or objective rate, as the case may be.

 

A qualified floating rate or objective rate in effect at any time during the term of the instrument must be set at a “current value” of that rate. A “current value” of a rate is the value of the rate on any day that is no earlier than 3 months prior to the first day on which that value is in effect and no later than 1 year following that first day.

 

If a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security that provides for stated interest at either a single qualified floating rate or a single objective rate throughout the term thereof qualifies as a “variable rate debt instrument”, then any stated interest on the debt security which is unconditionally payable in cash or property (other than our debt instruments) at least annually will constitute qualified stated interest and will be taxed accordingly. Thus, a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security that provides for stated interest at either a single qualified floating rate or a single objective rate throughout the term thereof and that qualifies as a “variable rate debt instrument” will generally not be treated as having been issued with OID unless the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security is issued at a “true” discount (i.e., at a price below the debt security’s stated principal amount) in excess of a specified de minimis amount. OID on a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security arising from “true” discount is allocated to an accrual period using the constant yield method described above by assuming that the variable rate is a fixed rate equal to (i) in the case of a qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate, the value, as of the issue date, of the qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate, or (ii) in the case of an objective rate (other than a qualified inverse floating rate), a fixed rate that reflects the yield that is reasonably expected for the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security.

 

In general, any other Variable Interest Rate Debt Security that qualifies as a “variable rate debt instrument” will be converted into an “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument for purposes of determining the amount and accrual of OID and qualified stated interest on the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security. Such a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security must be converted into an “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument by substituting any qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate provided for under the terms of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security with a fixed rate equal to the value of the qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate, as the case may be, as of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security’s issue date. Any objective rate (other than a qualified inverse floating rate) provided for under the terms of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security is converted into a fixed rate that reflects the yield that is reasonably expected for the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security. In the case of a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security that qualifies as a “variable rate debt instrument” and provides for stated interest at a fixed rate in addition to either one or more qualified floating rates or a qualified inverse floating rate, the fixed rate is initially converted into a qualified floating rate (or a qualified inverse floating rate, if the Variable Interest Rate debt security provides for a qualified inverse floating rate). Under these circumstances, the qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate that replaces the fixed rate must be such that the fair market value of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security as of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security’s issue date is approximately the same as the fair market value of an otherwise identical debt instrument that provides for either the qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate rather than the fixed rate. Subsequent to converting the fixed rate into either a qualified floating rate or a qualified inverse floating rate, the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security is converted into an “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument in the manner described above.

 

Once the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security is converted into an “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument pursuant to the foregoing rules, the amount of OID and qualified stated interest, if any, are determined for the “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument by applying the general OID rules to the “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument and a U.S. Holder of the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security will account for the OID and qualified stated interest as if the U.S. Holder held the “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument. In each accrual period, appropriate adjustments will be made to the amount of qualified stated interest or OID assumed to have been accrued or paid with respect to the “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument in the event that these amounts differ from the actual amount of interest accrued or paid on the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security during the accrual period.

 

If a Variable Interest Rate Debt Security does not qualify as a “variable rate debt instrument”, then the Variable Interest Rate Debt Security will be treated as a contingent payment debt obligation. The proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of Variable Interest Rate Debt Securities that are treated as contingent payment debt obligations will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Debt Securities Purchased at a Premium

 

A U.S. Holder that purchases a debt security for an amount in excess of its principal amount, or for a Discount Debt Security, its stated redemption price at maturity, may elect to treat the excess as “amortizable bond premium”, in which case the amount required to be included in the U.S. Holder’s income each year with respect to interest on the debt security will be reduced by the amount of amortizable bond premium allocable (based on the debt security’s yield to maturity) to that year. Any election to amortize bond premium will apply to all bonds (other than bonds the interest on which is excludable from gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes) held by the U.S. Holder at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election applies or thereafter acquired by the U.S. Holder, and is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. See also “— Original Issue Discount — Election to Treat All Interest as Original Issue Discount”.

 

Purchase, Sale and Retirement of Debt Securities

 

A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in a debt security will generally be its cost, increased by the amount of any OID and market discount included in the U.S. Holder’s income with respect to the debt security and the amount, if any, of income attributable to de minimis OID and de minimis market discount included in the U.S. Holder’s income with respect to the debt security, and reduced by (i) the amount of any payments that are not qualified stated interest payments, and (ii) the amount of any amortizable bond premium applied to reduce interest on the debt security.

 

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale or retirement of a debt security equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or retirement and the tax basis of the debt security. The amount realized does not include the amount attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxable as interest income to the extent not previously included in income. Except to the extent described above under “— Original Issue Discount — Market Discount” or “— Original Issue Discount — Short Term Debt Securities” or attributable to changes in exchange rates (as discussed below), gain or loss recognized on the sale or retirement of a debt security will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period in the debt securities exceeds one year. Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or retirement of a debt security generally will be U.S. source.

 

Foreign Currency Debt Securities

 

Interest

 

If an interest payment is denominated in, or determined by reference to, a foreign currency, the amount of income recognized by a cash basis U.S. Holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the interest payment, based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars.

 

An accrual basis U.S. Holder may determine the amount of income recognized with respect to an interest payment denominated in, or determined by reference to, a foreign currency in accordance with either of two methods. Under the first method, the amount of income accrued will be based on the average exchange rate in effect during the interest accrual period (or, in the case of an accrual period that spans two taxable years of a U.S. Holder, the part of the period within the taxable year).

 

Under the second method, the U.S. Holder may elect to determine the amount of income accrued on the basis of the exchange rate in effect on the last day of the accrual period (or, in the case of an accrual period that spans two taxable years, the exchange rate in effect on the last day of the part of the period within the taxable year). Additionally, if a payment of interest is actually received within five business days of the last day of the accrual period, an electing accrual basis U.S. Holder may instead translate the accrued interest into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the day of actual receipt. Any such election will apply to all debt instruments held by the U.S. Holder at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election applies or thereafter acquired by the U.S. Holder, and will be irrevocable without the consent of the IRS.

 

Upon receipt of an interest payment (including a payment attributable to accrued but unpaid interest upon the sale or retirement of a debt security) denominated in, or determined by reference to, a foreign currency,

the U.S. Holder may recognize U.S. source exchange gain or loss (taxable as ordinary income or loss) equal to the difference between the amount received (translated into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the date of receipt) and the amount previously accrued, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars.

 

OID

 

OID for each accrual period on a Discount Debt Security that is denominated in, or determined by reference to, a foreign currency, will be determined in the foreign currency and then translated into U.S. dollars in the same manner as stated interest accrued by an accrual basis U.S. Holder, as described above. Upon receipt of an amount attributable to OID (whether in connection with a payment on the debt security or a sale or disposition of the debt security), a U.S. Holder may recognize U.S. source exchange gain or loss (taxable as ordinary income or loss) equal to the difference between the amount received (translated into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the date of receipt) and the amount previously accrued, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars.

 

Market Discount

 

Market discount on a debt security that is denominated in, or determined by reference to, a foreign currency, will be accrued in the foreign currency. If the U.S. Holder elects to include market discount in income currently, the accrued market discount will be translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the accrual period (or portion thereof within the U.S. Holder’s taxable year). Upon the receipt of an amount attributable to accrued market discount, the U.S. Holder may recognize U.S. source exchange gain or loss (which will be taxable as ordinary income or loss) determined in the same manner as for accrued interest or OID. A U.S. Holder that does not elect to include market discount in income currently will recognize, upon the disposition or maturity of the debt security, the U.S. dollar value of the amount accrued, calculated at the spot rate on that date, and no part of this accrued market discount will be treated as exchange gain or loss.

 

Bond Premium

 

Bond premium (including acquisition premium) on a debt security that is denominated in, or determined by reference to, a foreign currency, will be computed in units of the foreign currency, and any such bond premium that is taken into account currently will reduce interest income in units of the foreign currency. On the date bond premium offsets interest income, a U.S. Holder may recognize U.S. source exchange gain or loss (taxable as ordinary income or loss) equal to the amount offset multiplied by the difference between the spot rate in effect on the date of the offset and the spot rate in effect on the date the debt securities were acquired by the U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder that does not elect to take bond premium (other than acquisition premium) into account currently will recognize a market loss when the debt security matures.

 

Sale or Retirement

 

As discussed above under “— Purchase, Sale and Retirement of Debt Securities”, a U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale or retirement of a debt security equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or retirement and its tax basis in the debt security. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in a debt security that is denominated in a foreign currency will be determined by reference to the U.S. dollar cost of the debt security. The U.S. dollar cost of a debt security purchased with foreign currency will generally be the U.S. dollar value of the purchase price on the date of purchase, or the settlement date for the purchase, in the case of debt securities traded on an established securities market, as defined in the applicable Treasury Regulations, that are purchased by a cash basis U.S. Holder (or an accrual basis U.S. Holder that so elects).

 

The amount realized on a sale or retirement of a debt security for an amount in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar value of this amount on the date of sale or retirement, or the settlement date for the sale, in the case of debt securities traded on an established securities market, as defined in the applicable Treasury Regulations, sold by a cash basis U.S. Holder (or an accrual basis U.S. Holder that so elects). Such an election by an accrual basis U.S. Holder must be applied consistently from year to year and cannot be revoked without the consent of the IRS.

 

A U.S. Holder will recognize U.S. source exchange rate gain or loss (taxable as ordinary income or loss) on the sale or retirement of a debt security equal to the difference, if any, between the U.S. dollar values of the U.S. Holder’s purchase price for the debt security (or, if less, the principal amount of the debt security) (i) on the date of sale or retirement and (ii) on the date on which the U.S. Holder acquired the debt security. Any such exchange rate gain or loss will be realized only to the extent of total gain or loss realized on the sale or retirement (including any exchange gain or loss with respect to the receipt of accrued but unpaid interest).

 

Disposition of Foreign Currency

 

Foreign currency received as interest on a debt security or on the sale or retirement of a debt security will have a tax basis equal to its U.S. dollar value at the time the foreign currency is received. Foreign currency that is purchased will generally have a tax basis equal to the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency on the date of purchase. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or other disposition of a foreign currency (including its use to purchase debt securities or upon exchange for U.S. dollars) will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

In general, payments of interest and accrued OID on, and the proceeds of a sale, redemption or other disposition of, the debt securities, payable to a U.S. Holder by a U.S. paying agent or other U.S. intermediary will be reported to the IRS and to the U.S. Holder as may be required under applicable regulations. Backup withholding will apply to these payments and to accruals of OID if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status or fails to report all interest and dividends required to be shown on its U.S. federal income tax returns. Certain U.S. Holders (including, among others, corporations) are not subject to backup withholding. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining an exemption.

 

We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus through agents, underwriters or dealers, or directly to one or more purchasers. In addition, third parties may sell securities under the registration statement for their own account.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any offering will identify or describe:

 

 

Agents

 

We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable efforts to solicit purchases of securities during the term of their appointment to sell securities on a continuing basis.

 

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

 

Underwriters

 

If we use underwriters for the sale of securities, they will acquire securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Unless we otherwise state in the applicable prospectus supplement, various conditions will apply to the underwriters’ obligation to purchase securities, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities contemplated in an offering if they purchase any of such securities. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

 

Dealers

 

If we use dealers in the sale, unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will sell securities to the dealers as principals. The dealers may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices that the dealers may determine at the time of resale.

 

Direct Sales

 

We may also sell securities directly without using agents, underwriters or dealers.

 

Securities Act of 1933; Indemnification

 

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Agreements that we will enter into with underwriters, dealers or agents may entitle them to indemnification by

us against various civil liabilities. These include liabilities under the Securities Act. The agreements may also entitle them to contribution for payments which they may be required to make as a result of these liabilities. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

 

Stabilization

 

To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities. These may include over-allotment, stabilization, syndicate short covering transactions and penalty bids. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a short position. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate short covering transactions involve purchases of securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim selling concessions from dealers when the securities originally sold by the dealers are purchased in covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions. These transactions may cause the price of the securities sold in an offering to be higher than it would be otherwise. These transactions, if commenced, may be continued by the persons participating in the offering at any time.

 

Market Making

 

In the event that we do not list securities of any type or series on a U.S. national securities exchange, various broker-dealers may make a market in the securities, but will have no obligation to do so, and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Consequently, it may be the case that no broker-dealer will make a market in securities of any series or that the liquidity of the trading market for the securities will be limited.

 

The validity of the debt securities and the guarantees and certain other legal matters governed by English, U.S. federal and New York law will be passed upon for us by Linklaters LLP or any other law firm named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The validity of the debt securities and the guarantees will be passed upon for us by Allens Arthur Robinson or any other law firm named in the applicable prospectus supplement as to certain matters of Australian law. The validity of the debt securities and the guarantees and certain other legal matters governed by U.S. federal and New York law will be passed upon for any underwriters or agents by Davis Polk & Wardwell or any other law firm named in the applicable prospectus supplement as to certain matters of New York law.

 

The consolidated financial statements of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in management’s report on internal control over financial reporting) incorporated in this document by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007 have been so incorporated in reliance on the audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent registered public accounting firms, given on the authority of said firms as experts in auditing and accounting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. PricewaterhouseCoopers is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

 

The consolidated financial statements of Alcan Inc. as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in management’s report on internal control over financial reporting) incorporated in this document by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 have been so incorporated in reliance on the audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

 

PART II OF FORM F-3

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

 

Australian Law

 

Corporation Act of Australia

 

Section 199A(1) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth) (the “Corporations Act”) provides that a company or a related body corporate must not exempt a person from a liability to the company incurred as an officer of the company.

 

Section 199A(2) of the Corporations Act provides that a company or a related body corporate must not indemnify a person against any of the following liabilities incurred as an officer of the company:

 

 

Section 199A(2) does not apply to a liability for legal costs.

 

Section 199A(3) provides that a company or a related body corporate must not indemnify a person against legal costs incurred in defending an action for a liability incurred as an officer of the company if the costs are incurred:

 

 

Section 199B of the Corporations Act provides that a company or a related body corporate must not pay, or agree to pay, a premium for a contract insuring a person who is or has been an officer of the company against a liability (other than one for legal costs) arising out of:

 

 

For the purpose of Sections 199A and 199B, an “officer” of a company includes:

 

 

English law

 

Sections 232 to 236 of the Companies Act 2006 provide as follows:

 

“232. Provisions protecting directors from liability

 

 

(a) section 233 (provision of insurance),

 

(b) section 234 (qualifying third party indemnity provision), or

 

(c) section 235 (qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision).

 

 

233. Provision of insurance

 

Section 232(2) (voidness of provisions for indemnifying directors) does not prevent a company from purchasing and maintaining for a director of the company, or of an associated company, insurance against any such liability as is mentioned in that subsection.

 

234. Qualifying third party indemnity provision

 

 

Such provision is qualifying third party indemnity provision if the following requirements are met.

 

(3) The provision must not provide any indemnity against —

 

(a) any liability of the director to pay —

 

 

(b) any liability incurred by the director —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

235. Qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision

 

 

Such provision is qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision if the following requirements are met.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6) In this section “occupational pension scheme” means an occupational pension scheme as defined in section 150(5) of the Finance Act 2004 (c 12) that is established under a trust.

 

236. Qualifying indemnity provision to be disclosed in directors’ report

 

(1) This section requires disclosure in directors’ report of —

 

(a) qualifying third party indemnity provision, and

 

(b) qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision.

 

Such provision is referred to in this section as “qualifying indemnity provision”.

 

 

Section 1157 of the Companies Act 2006 provides as follows:

 

“1157. Power of court to grant relief in certain cases:

 

(1) If in proceedings for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust against —

 

(a) an officer of a company, or

 

(b) a person employed by a company as auditor (whether he is or is not an officer of the company),

 

it appears to the court hearing the case that the officer or person is or may be liable but that he acted honestly and reasonably, and that having regard to all the circumstances of the case (including those connected with his appointment) he ought fairly to be excused, the court may relieve him, either wholly or in part, from his liability on such terms as it thinks fit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;

 

 

 

 

provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished

to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement;

 

 

 

 

 

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant, of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the registrant by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in London, England on June 23, 2008.

 

Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited

 

Stephen Creese

Director

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below severally constitutes and appoints each Director listed below (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorney may deem necessary or advisable under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Securities and any securities or Blue Sky law of any of the states of the United States of America in order to effect the registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) of the said securities for issue, offer, sale or trade under the Blue Sky or other securities laws of any of such states and in connection therewith to execute, acknowledge, verify, deliver, file and cause to be published applications, reports, consents to service of process, appointments of attorneys to receive service of process and other papers and instruments which may be required under such laws, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign his or her name in his or her capacity as an Officer, Director or Authorized Representative in the United States of America or in any other capacity with respect to this Registration Statement and any registration statement in respect of the Securities that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) and/or such other form or forms as may be appropriate to be filed with the Commission or under or in connection with any Blue Sky laws or other securities laws of any state of the United States of America or with such other regulatory bodies and agencies as any of them may deem appropriate in respect of the Securities, and with respect to any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement and to any and all instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with this Registration Statement.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned has signed the registration statement in the capacity of the duly authorized representative of Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited in the United States.

 

/s/ Shannon S. Crompton

By: Shannon S. Crompton

Title: Authorized Representative

 

Date: June 17, 2008

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rio Tinto plc certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in London, England on June 23, 2008.

 

Rio Tinto plc

 

/s/ Ben Mathews

Name: Ben Mathews

Title: Company Secretary

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below severally constitutes and appoints each Director listed below (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorney may deem necessary or advisable under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Securities and any securities or Blue Sky law of any of the states of the United States of America in order to effect the registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) of the said securities for issue, offer, sale or trade under the Blue Sky or other securities laws of any of such states and in connection therewith to execute, acknowledge, verify, deliver, file and cause to be published applications, reports, consents to service of process, appointments of attorneys to receive service of process and other papers and instruments which may be required under such laws, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign his or her name in his or her capacity as an Officer, Director or Authorized Representative in the United States of America or in any other capacity with respect to this Registration Statement and any registration statement in respect of the Securities that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) and/or such other form or forms as may be appropriate to be filed with the Commission or under or in connection with any Blue Sky laws or other securities laws of any state of the United States of America or with such other regulatory bodies and agencies as any of them may deem appropriate in respect of the Securities, and with respect to any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement and to any and all instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with this Registration Statement.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned has signed the registration statement in the capacity of the duly authorized representative of Rio Tinto plc in the United States.

 

/s/ Shannon S. Crompton

By: Shannon S. Crompton

Title: Authorized Representative

 

Date: June 17, 2008

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rio Tinto Limited certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in London, England on June 23, 2008.

 

Rio Tinto Limited

 

/s/ Ben Mathews

Name: Ben Mathews

Title: Assistant Secretary

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below severally constitutes and appoints each Director listed below (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorney may deem necessary or advisable under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Securities and any securities or Blue Sky law of any of the states of the United States of America in order to effect the registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) of the said securities for issue, offer, sale or trade under the Blue Sky or other securities laws of any of such states and in connection therewith to execute, acknowledge, verify, deliver, file and cause to be published applications, reports, consents to service of process, appointments of attorneys to receive service of process and other papers and instruments which may be required under such laws, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign his or her name in his or her capacity as an Officer, Director or Authorized Representative in the United States of America or in any other capacity with respect to this Registration Statement and any registration statement in respect of the Securities that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) and/or such other form or forms as may be appropriate to be filed with the Commission or under or in connection with any Blue Sky laws or other securities laws of any state of the United States of America or with such other regulatory bodies and agencies as any of them may deem appropriate in respect of the Securities, and with respect to any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement and to any and all instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with this Registration Statement.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 11933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned has signed the registration statement in the capacity of the duly authorized representative of Rio Tinto Limited in the United States.

 

/s/ Shannon S. Crompton

By: Shannon S. Crompton

Title: Authorized Representative

 

Date: June 17, 2008

 

EXHIBIT INDEX