Merger Update

REGULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT

Merger Timing Update

 Zug, 13 April 2012

Glencore International plc and Xstrata plc are currently engaged in constructive discussions with the regulatory authorities which require anti-trust filings to be submitted in connection with the proposed merger, including the European Commission. The companies continue to expect to receive all relevant approvals to enable completion of the merger in the third quarter of 2012, as previously announced. Documentation relating to the merger is now anticipated to be distributed to each company's shareholders by the end of May 2012 instead of in April as originally announced on 7 February, 2012. Respective shareholder meetings to approve the merger are expected to be convened in early July 2012.

The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers has given its consent to these arrangements.

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Notes to editors

About Xstrata plc

We are a major producer of a range of vital commodities used in everything from constructing buildings and delivering electricity, to developing jet engines and mobile phones. We are one of the top five global producers of copper, thermal and metallurgical coal, ferrochrome, zinc and nickel and we also produce silver, lead, platinum, gold, cobalt and vanadium.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Switzerland, we operate in over 20 countries and employ over 70,000 people at more than 100 operations and projects around the world. We work in a responsible and sustainable way, with an entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic approach. For more information, visit www.xstrata.com.