Transaction in Own Shares

Rio Tinto (Rio) - Transaction in Own Shares

Further to the announcement on 10 February 2011 regarding the Rio Tinto Group's capital management programme, Rio Tinto Limited, today acquired 375,000 ordinary shares in Rio Tinto plc at an average price of 4,301.57 pence per share.

Rio Tinto plc subsequently purchased those shares from Rio Tinto Limited off-market as part of internal capital management for an aggregate consideration of £5, pursuant to the share purchase approval granted by Rio Tinto plc shareholders at the 2011 Rio Tinto plc Annual General Meeting. The shares purchased will be cancelled.

It is immaterial to the shareholders of either Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited if Rio Tinto Limited or any of its subsidiaries make a gain or a loss on such transactions as they have no effect on the Rio Tinto Group's overall resources. The underlying purpose of this series of transactions is to facilitate the Rio Tinto Group's ongoing capital management programme and Rio Tinto considers that the transactions will not constrain its ability to maintain its progressive dividend policy and will not affect Rio Tinto Limited's capacity to fully frank its dividends.