Rio Tinto (RIO) 20-F/A 29 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report (foreign) (amended) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F/A
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	RIO
Entity Registrant Name	Rio Tinto plc
Entity Central Index Key	863,064
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,351,608,558
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	412,414,348

Group income statement

Group income statement - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated operations
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately)	(26,983)	(26,799)	(27,919)
Impairment charges	(796)	(249)	(2,791)
Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses	2,344	515	64
Exploration and evaluation costs	(445)	(497)	(576)
(Loss)/profit relating to interests in undeveloped projects	(15)	44	8
Operating profit	14,135	6,795	3,615
Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units	339	321	361
Profit before finance items and taxation	14,474	7,116	3,976
Finance items
Net exchange (losses)/gains on external debt and intragroup balances	(601)	611	(3,538)
Net gains/(losses) on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting	33	(24)	(88)
Finance income	141	89	52
Finance costs	(848)	(1,111)	(750)
Amortisation of discount	(383)	(338)	(378)
Net finance income (expense)	(1,658)	(773)	(4,702)
Profit/(loss) before taxation	12,816	6,343	(726)
Taxation	(3,965)	(1,567)	(993)
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year	8,851	4,776	(1,719)
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))	8,762	4,617	(866)
– attributable to non-controlling interests (net earnings/(loss))	$ 89	$ 159	$ (853)
Basic earnings/(loss) per share	$ 490.4	$ 256.9	$ (47.5)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share	$ 486.9	$ 255.3	$ (47.5)

Group statement of comprehensiv

Group statement of comprehensive income - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		$ 8,851	$ 4,776	$ (1,719)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Actuarial gains/(losses) on post-retirement benefit plans		6	(90)	619
Tax relating to this component of other comprehensive income		(12)	29	(175)
Adjustments to deferred tax on post-retirement benefit plans due to changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France		(140)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss		(146)	(61)	444
Items that have been/may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Currency translation adjustment	[1]	3,096	(157)	(2,395)
Currency translation on companies disposed of, transferred to the income statement		78	99	(2)
Fair value movements:
– Cash flow hedge gains/(losses)		62	(88)	(41)
– Cash flow hedge (gains)/losses transferred to the income statement		(62)	116	32
– Gains/(losses) on revaluation of available for sale securities		19	13	(19)
– Losses on revaluation of available for sale securities transferred to the income statement		8		11
Tax relating to these components of other comprehensive income		(1)	4	(3)
Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of equity accounted units, net of tax		34	11	(57)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax		3,088	(63)	(2,030)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[2]	11,939	4,713	(3,749)
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto		11,691	4,504	(2,443)
– attributable to non-controlling interests		$ 248	$ 209	$ (1,306)
[1]	Excludes a currency translation gain of US$310 million (2016: charge of US$35 million; 2015: charge of US$503 million) arising on Rio Tinto Limited’s share capital for the year ended 31 December 2017, which is recognised in the Group statement of changes in equity. Refer to Group statement of changes in equity on page 116.
[2]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

Group statement of comprehensi4

Group statement of comprehensive income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Currency translation charge	[1]	$ 310	$ (35)	$ (503)
[1]	Refer to note 1(d).

Group cash flow statement

Group cash flow statement - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows from consolidated operations	$ 16,670	$ 11,368	$ 12,102
Dividends from equity accounted units	817	253	210
Cash flows from operations	17,487	11,621	12,312
Net interest paid	(897)	(1,294)	(827)
Dividends paid to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries	(399)	(341)	(310)
Tax paid	(2,307)	(1,521)	(1,792)
Net cash generated from operating activities	13,884	8,465	9,383
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets	(4,482)	(3,012)	(4,685)
Disposals of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates	2,675	761	(38)
Purchases of financial assets	(723)	(789)	(49)
Sales of financial assets	40	582	65
Sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets	138	354	97
Net funding of equity accounted units	(3)	(12)	11
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates			(3)
Other investing cash flows	(18)	12	2
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,373)	(2,104)	(4,600)
Cash flows before financing activities	11,511	6,361	4,783
Cash flows from financing activities
Equity dividends paid to owners of Rio Tinto	(4,250)	(2,725)	(4,076)
Proceeds from additional borrowings	18	4,413	1,837
Repayment of borrowings	(2,795)	(9,361)	(3,518)
Proceeds from issue of equity to non-controlling interests	170	101	103
Own shares purchased from owners of Rio Tinto	(2,083)		(2,028)
Purchase of non-controlling interests	(194)	(23)
Other financing cash flows	(7)	104	12
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(9,141)	(7,491)	(7,670)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(12)	(35)	(159)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,358	(1,165)	(3,046)
Opening cash and cash equivalents less overdrafts	8,189	9,354	12,400
Closing cash and cash equivalents less overdrafts	$ 10,547	$ 8,189	$ 9,354

Group cash flow statement (Pare

Group cash flow statement (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from consolidated operations
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		$ 8,851	$ 4,776	$ (1,719)
Adjustments for:
– Taxation		3,965	1,567	993
– Finance items		1,658	773	4,702
– Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units		(339)	(321)	(361)
– Net gains on disposal and consolidation of interests in businesses		(2,344)	(515)	(64)
– Impairment charges net of reversals		796	249	2,791
– Depreciation and amortisation		4,375	4,794	4,645
– Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions)		535	1,417	726
Utilisation of provisions		(714)	(627)	(585)
Utilisation of provision for post-retirement benefits		(339)	(370)	(230)
Change in inventories		(482)	292	526
Change in trade and other receivables		(138)	(794)	1,404
Change in trade and other payables		421	229	(431)
Other items	[1]	425	(102)	(295)
Cash flows from consolidated operations		16,670	11,368	12,102
Adjustment for derivative contracts transacted and not designated for hedge relationship		$ (501)	$ 29	$ 227
[1]	Includes adjustments to add back mark to market losses of US$501 million (2016: gains of US$29 million; 2015: gains of US$227 million) mainly relating to derivative contracts transacted for operational purposes and not designated in a hedge relationship.

Group balance sheet

Group balance sheet $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Non-current assets
Goodwill	$ 1,037	$ 951
Intangible assets	3,119	3,279
Property, plant and equipment	62,093	58,855
Investments in equity accounted units	4,486	5,019
Inventories	160	143
Deferred tax assets	3,395	3,728
Trade and other receivables	1,724	1,342
Tax recoverable	30	38
Other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units)	510	822
Total non-current assets	76,554	74,177
Current assets
Inventories	3,472	2,937
Trade and other receivables	3,443	3,460
Tax recoverable	129	98
Other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units)	1,084	359
Cash and cash equivalents	10,550	8,201
Total current assets	18,678	15,055
Assets of disposal groups held for sale	494	31
Total assets	95,726	89,263
Current liabilities
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	(904)	(922)
Trade and other payables	(7,061)	(6,361)
Tax payable	(1,985)	(764)
Provisions including post-retirement benefits	(1,275)	(1,315)
Total current liabilities	(11,225)	(9,362)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	(15,148)	(17,470)
Trade and other payables	(856)	(789)
Tax payable	(263)	(274)
Deferred tax liabilities	(3,628)	(3,121)
Provisions including post-retirement benefits	(13,367)	(12,479)
Total non-current liabilities	(33,262)	(34,133)
Liabilities of disposal groups held for sale	(124)	(38)
Total liabilities	(44,611)	(43,533)
Net assets	51,115	45,730
Capital and reserves
Share premium account	4,306	4,304
Other reserves	12,284	9,216
Retained earnings	23,761	21,631
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto	44,711	39,290
Attributable to non-controlling interests	6,404	6,440
Total equity	51,115	45,730
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables	396	392
Total non-current assets	36,489	36,442
Current assets
Trade and other receivables	9,242	6,070
Cash and cash equivalents	5	4
Total current assets	9,247	6,074
Total assets	45,736	42,516
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	(12,388)	(12,223)
Total current liabilities	(12,753)	(12,262)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	(341)	(392)
Total liabilities	(13,094)	(12,654)
Net assets	32,642	29,862
Capital and reserves
Share capital	220	224
Share premium account	4,306	4,304
Other reserves	11,992	11,988
Retained earnings	16,124	13,346
Total equity	32,642	29,862
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Capital and reserves
Share capital	$ 4,140	$ 3,915

Group statement of changes in e

Group statement of changes in equity - USD ($) $ in Millions		Total	Share capital [member]	Share premium [Member]	Other reserves [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Total [member]	Non-controlling interests [Member]
Opening balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 54,594	$ 4,765	$ 4,288	$ 11,122	$ 26,110	$ 46,285	$ 8,309
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	(3,749)			(2,020)	(423)	(2,443)	(1,306)
Currency translation arising on Rio Tinto Limited's share capital	[2]	(503)	(503)				(503)
Dividends (note 11)		(4,391)				(4,076)	(4,076)	(315)
Share buy-back		(2,028)	(88)		6	(1,946)	(2,028)
Companies no longer consolidated		5						5
Own shares purchased from Rio Tinto shareholders to satisfy share options	[3]	(53)			(25)	(28)	(53)
Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto		3				20	20	(17)
Treasury shares reissued and other movements		13		12		1	13
Equity issued to holders of non-controlling interests		103						103
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement		134			56	78	134
Closing balance at Dec. 31, 2015		44,128	4,174	4,300	9,139	19,736	37,349	6,779
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	4,713			(49)	4,553	4,504	209
Currency translation arising on Rio Tinto Limited's share capital	[2]	(35)	(35)				(35)
Dividends (note 11)		(3,077)				(2,725)	(2,725)	(352)
Companies no longer consolidated		8						8
Own shares purchased from Rio Tinto shareholders to satisfy share options	[3]	(80)			(43)	(37)	(80)
Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto	[4]	(165)			108	40	148	(313)
Treasury shares reissued and other movements		4		4			4
Equity issued to holders of non-controlling interests		109						109
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement		125			61	64	125
Closing balance at Dec. 31, 2016		45,730	4,139	4,304	9,216	21,631	39,290	6,440
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	11,939			3,078	8,613	11,691	248
Currency translation arising on Rio Tinto Limited's share capital	[2]	310	310				310
Dividends (note 11)		(4,653)				(4,250)	(4,250)	(403)
Share buy-back	[5]	(2,397)	(89)		4	(2,312)	(2,397)
Companies no longer consolidated		(2)			(124)	130	6	(8)
Own shares purchased from Rio Tinto shareholders to satisfy share options	[3]	(82)			(64)	(18)	(82)
Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto						43	43	(43)
Treasury shares reissued and other movements		2		2			2
Equity issued to holders of non-controlling interests		170						170
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement		98			41	57	98
Transfers and other movements					133	(133)
Closing balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 51,115	$ 4,360	$ 4,306	$ 12,284	$ 23,761	$ 44,711	$ 6,404
[1]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.
[2]	Refer to note 1(d).
[3]	Net of contributions received from employees for share options.
[4]	The restructure of Coal & Allied Industries Limited completed on 3 February 2016. The restructure involved the exchange of a 32.4 per cent interest in Hunter Valley Operations mine for an additional 20 per cent shareholding in Coal & Allied Industries Limited, increasing Rio Tinto’s shareholding of Coal & Allied Industries Limited from 80 per cent to 100 per cent. Rio Tinto sold its 100 per cent interest in Coal & Allied Industries Limited on 1 September 2017.
[5]	In 2017, the total amount of US$2,397 million includes own shares purchased from the owners of Rio Tinto as per the cash flow statement of US$2,083 million and a financial liability recognised in respect of an irrevocable contract in place as at 31 December 2017 to cover the share buy-back programme.

Group statement of changes in 9

Group statement of changes in equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 01, 2017	Feb. 03, 2016
Coal & Allied Industries Limited [member]
Additional ownership percentage acquired in subsidiary		20.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary		100.00%
Ownership interest in subsidiary sold	100.00%
Hunter valley operations [member]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture		32.40%

Company statement of changes in

Company statement of changes in equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Share capital [member]	Share premium account [Member]	Other reserves [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Rio Tinto plc [member]	Rio Tinto plc [member]Share capital [member]	Rio Tinto plc [member]Share premium account [Member]	Rio Tinto plc [member]Other reserves [Member]	Rio Tinto plc [member]Retained earnings [Member]
Opening balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 54,594	$ 4,765	$ 4,288	$ 11,122	$ 26,110
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year	(1,719)
Dividends (note 11)	(4,391)				(4,076)
Share buy-back					(1,946)
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement	134			56	78
Closing balance at Dec. 31, 2015	44,128	4,174	4,300	9,139	19,736	$ 24,970	$ 224	$ 4,300	$ 11,988	$ 8,458
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year	4,776					6,875				6,875
Dividends (note 11)	(3,077)				(2,725)	(2,046)				(2,046)
Proceeds from issue of shares						5		4		1
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement	125			61	64	58				58
Closing balance at Dec. 31, 2016	45,730	4,139	4,304	9,216	21,631	29,862	224	4,304	11,988	13,346
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year	8,851					7,816				7,816
Dividends (note 11)	(4,653)				(4,250)	(3,255)				(3,255)
Proceeds from issue of shares						2		2
Share buy-back	(2,397)				(2,312)	(1,828)	(4)		4	(1,828)
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement	98			41	57	45				45
Closing balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 51,115	$ 4,360	$ 4,306	$ 12,284	$ 23,761	$ 32,642	$ 220	$ 4,306	$ 11,992	$ 16,124

Principal accounting policies

Principal accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Accounting Policies And Estimates [Line Items]
Principal accounting policies	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 1 Principal accounting policies Corporate information Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, gold, industrial minerals (borates, titanium dioxide and salt), iron ore, thermal and metallurgical coal and uranium. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America, with significant businesses also in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. Rio Tinto plc is incorporated in the UK and listed on the London and New York Stock Exchanges and Rio Tinto Limited is incorporated in Australia and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Rio Tinto plc’s registered office is at 6 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4AD, UK. Rio Tinto Limited’s registered office is at Level 7, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3000. As described in the “Outline of dual listed companies structure and basis of financial statements” on page 117, for the purposes of preparing the IFRS compliant consolidated financial statements of the Rio Tinto Group, both the DLC companies, Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited, are viewed as a single economic entity, and the interests of shareholders of both companies are presented as the equity interests of shareholders in the Rio Tinto Group. These financial statements consolidate the accounts of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited (together “the Companies”) and their respective subsidiaries (together “the Group”) and include the Group’s share of joint arrangements and associates as explained in note 1(b) below. The Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 were authorised for issue in accordance with a directors’ resolution on 28 February 2018. Notes 33 to 36 provide more information on the Group’s subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates and note 40 provides information on the Group’s transactions with other related parties. The 2017 Annual report satisfies the obligations of Rio Tinto Limited to prepare consolidated accounts under Australian company law, as amended by an order issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on 14 December 2015. The 2017 financial statements disclose on page 117 the effect of the adjustments to the Group’s consolidated profit/(loss), consolidated total comprehensive income/(loss) and consolidated shareholders’ funds as prepared under IFRS as defined below that would be required under the version of International Financial Reporting Standards that is applicable in Australia, referred to as Australian Accounting Standards (AAS). The US dollar is the presentation currency used in these financial statements, as it most reliably reflects the Group’s global business performance. Basis of preparation of the financial statements The basis of preparation and the accounting policies used in preparing the Group’s 2017 financial statements are set out below. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards and in accordance with applicable UK law, applicable Australian law as amended by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Order dated 14 December 2015, Article 4 of the European Union IAS regulation and also with: – International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and interpretations issued from time to time by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) both as adopted by the European Union (EU) and which are mandatory for EU reporting as at 31 December 2017; and – International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB and interpretations issued from time to time by the IFRS IC which are mandatory as at 31 December 2017. The above accounting standards and interpretations are collectively referred to as “IFRS” in this report. The Group has not early adopted any amendments, standards or interpretations that have been issued but are not yet mandatory. Further detail on the going concern basis of accounting is included on page 110. The Group’s financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies consistent with those applied in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016. The amendment to IAS 12: “Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses”, which is mandatory for 2017, clarifies the accounting treatment for deferred tax assets related to debt instruments measured at fair value. The Group already complied with this amendment. An amendment to IAS 7 “Statement of Cash Flows: Disclosure Initiative”, which is mandatory for 2017, requires entities to provide disclosures about changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including changes from financing cash flows and non-cash changes (such as foreign exchange gains or losses). The Group has expanded the net debt reconciliation in note 24 to comply with this amendment. Both of these amendments have been endorsed by the EU. The clarification in “Annual Improvements 2014 -2016 – IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities” regarding the scope of the standard is not relevant to the Group in 2017. Mandatory in 2018 The impact on the Group’s net assets of transition to the accounting pronouncements listed below which are mandatory in 2018 is currently expected to be immaterial; however, practice continues to develop on application of these standards. IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Endorsed by the EU and mandatory in 2018) The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity recognises revenue related to the transfer of promised goods or services when control of the goods or services passes to the customer. The amount of revenue recognised should reflect the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Group has reviewed a representative sample of sales contracts at all of its businesses to identify potential changes in: timing of revenue recognition, measurement of the amount of revenue and note disclosure between the current standard, IAS 18 Revenue, and IFRS 15. The following points were noted. The Group sells a significant proportion of its products on Cost and Freight (CFR) or Cost, Insurance & Freight (CIF) Incoterms. This means that the Group is responsible for providing shipping services after the date at which control of the goods passes to the customer at the loading port. Under IAS 18, the Group recognises such shipping and other freight revenue and accrues the associated costs in full on loading whereas under IFRS 15, freight and, where applicable, insurance, are required to be accounted for as separate performance obligations with revenue recognised over time as the service is rendered. The impact is immaterial at 31 December 2017. The nature of the products sold by the Group is such that adjustments may be made to price if the specification of the product sold does not conform to the terms specified in the sales contract. The Group has considered whether revenue arising from the sales of such products should be constrained under the IFRS 15 rules on variable consideration whereby revenue can only be recognised if it is highly unlikely to reverse. Any such constraints are immaterial at 31 December 2017. Some of the Group’s businesses provide volume discounts in certain circumstances which are recognised under IAS 18 based on the ‘best estimate’ method. The impact of further constraining such variable consideration under IFRS 15 was immaterial at 31 December 2017. As explained on page 122, certain of the Group’s products are provisionally priced at the date revenue is recognised, however, with the exception of copper, prices are generally finalised within the calendar quarter of the month of shipment. Such adjustments to revenue are dealt with under IFRS 9, “Financial Instruments” rather than IFRS 15 and therefore the IFRS 15 rules on variable consideration do not apply. These ‘provisional pricing’ adjustments will continue to be included in Consolidated sales revenue on the face of the income statement and changes to systems have been made to allow the amount of such adjustments to be disclosed by way of note to the financial statements for 2018 onwards. Revenues from the sale of significant by-products, such as gold, are within the scope of IFRS 15 and will continue to be included in Consolidated sales revenue. Other operating income, for example, the sale of surplus power, which is incidental to the main revenue-generating activities of the operations, is outside of the scope of IFRS 15 and will continue to be treated as a credit to operating costs. The Group has an ‘uplift’ arrangement with a partner in a joint operation whereby sales revenue is recognised under IAS 18 when the Group sells product from other operations to its partner to allow it to meet its contractual obligations when insufficient product is available in the jointly owned operation. The Group recognises an asset for product which will be receivable from the partner out of the partner’s share of future production of the joint operation. Under IFRS 15, such transactions with partners in joint operations cannot be recognised as sales revenue. The impact on adoption will be to derecognise a receivable of US$235 million (US$164 million post tax) which has accumulated over prior years as a transition adjustment. There is no impact on the commercial arrangement or current or future cash flows. Sales revenue will be recognised in the income statement in the future when product is received from the partner and sold to a customer. The annual impact is expected to be immaterial (2017: US$15 million decrease in sales revenue). The Group will adopt the modified transitional approach to implementation where any transitional adjustment is recognised in retained earnings at 1 January 2018 without adjustment of comparatives and the new standard will only be applied to contracts that remain in force at that date. IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” (Endorsed by the EU and mandatory in 2018) The standard includes a single approach for the classification of financial assets, based on a) the business model used to manage financial assets in order to generate cash flows, and b) the cash flow characteristics of those financial assets. A financial asset held at amortised cost must be managed under a business model where financial assets are held to collect contractual cash flows and have cash flows which relate solely to payments of principal and interest (‘SPPI’). A financial asset held under a business model under which financial assets may be either held to collect contractual cash flows or sold will be classified as held at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (“FVOCI”) if the SPPI criteria are met. Any other financial assets will be held at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) or FVOCI as appropriate. The Group’s strategy for investing surplus cash is to balance security, liquidity and return with a focus on security and liquidity. The Group manages its financial assets on a hold to collect basis with some minor exceptions. Money market funds (US$7.8 billion at 31 December 2017) are an important component of the Group’s investment portfolio but do not meet the strict SPPI definition and will therefore be held at FVTPL under IFRS 9 (held at amortised cost under IAS 39). These money market funds continue to meet the cash and cash equivalents criteria of IAS 7 “Statement of Cash Flows”. Similarly, provisionally priced receivables, as defined in note 1 (c) below will be held at FVTPL at 1 January 2018. Both of these types of financial asset have a short maturity and therefore this change in classification is expected to have minimal impact on measurement. IFRS 9 also introduces the expected credit loss model for impairment of financial assets which replaces the incurred loss model used in IAS 39 “Financial instruments; recognition and measurement”. Application of the IFRS 9 impairment model is expected to have minimal impact given the Group’s credit risk management policies. Lastly, the standard amends the rules on hedge accounting to align the accounting treatment with the risk management practices of the reporting entity. The Group will apply hedge accounting under IFRS 9 to the aluminium forward and option contracts embedded in the electricity purchase contracts of certain aluminium smelters. It is not currently possible to hedge account for these contracts under IAS 39. The increased application of hedge accounting will eliminate some of the income statement volatility arising from the mark to market of these embedded derivatives. The Group will amortise the cost of hedging over the life of the hedging instrument. This will impact the Group’s cross currency swaps as the cost is taken directly to the income statement under IAS 39. The impact is not expected to be material. IFRIC 22 “Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration” (Mandatory in 2018 and not yet endorsed by the EU) The Interpretation covers those foreign currency transactions where an entity recognises a non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising from the payment or receipt of advance consideration before the entity recognises the related asset, expense or income. The Group has made some minor changes to systems and processes to comply with the pronouncement. “Amendments to IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share Based Payment Transactions”, “Amendments to IAS 40 Investment Property and Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2014 -2016 Cycle” (Mandatory in 2018 and not endorsed by the EU) “Amendments to IFRS 4 Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts” (Endorsed by the EU and mandatory in 2018) Mandatory in 2019 and beyond IFRS 16 “Leases” (Endorsed by the EU and mandatory in 2019) Under the new standard, a lessee is in essence required to: (a) recognise all right of use assets and lease liabilities, with the exception of short term (under 12 months) and low value leases, on the balance sheet. The liability is initially measured at the present value of future lease payments for the lease term. Where a lease contains an extension option, the lease payments for the extension period will be included in the IFRS 16 liability if the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise the option. The liability includes variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate but excludes other variable lease payments. The right of use asset reflects the lease liability, initial direct costs and any lease payments made before the commencement date of the lease less any lease incentives and, where applicable, provision for dismantling and restoration. (b) recognise depreciation of right of use assets and interest on lease liabilities in the income statement over the lease term. (c) separate the total amount of cash paid into a principal portion (presented within financing activities) and interest portion (which the Group presents in operating activities) in the cash flow statement. IFRS 16 will therefore result in higher assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Information on the undiscounted amount of the Group’s non-cancellable operating lease commitments as defined under IAS 17, the current leasing standard, as at 31 December 2017 is disclosed in note 31. The present value of the Group’s operating lease payments as defined under the new standard will be recognised as lease liabilities on the balance sheet and included in net debt. There are a number of differences in definition between the two standards. EBITDA, as disclosed in the Financial Information by Business Unit on page 206 will increase as the operating lease cost is charged against EBITDA under IAS 17 while under IFRS 16 the charge will be included in depreciation and interest which are excluded from EBITDA (although included in earnings). Operating cash flow will increase under IFRS 16 as the element of cash paid attributable to the repayment of principal will be included in financing cash flow. The net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents will remain the same. This standard must be implemented retrospectively, either with the restatement of comparatives or with the cumulative impact of application recognised as at 1 January 2019 under the modified retrospective approach. The Group currently expects to use the modified retrospective approach. IFRS 16 contains a number of practical expedients, one of which permits the retention of the classification of existing contracts as leases under current accounting standards instead of reassessing whether existing contracts are or contain a lease at the date of initial application of the new standard. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 1 Principal accounting policies continued Under the modified retrospective approach, the right of use asset may be deemed to be equivalent to the liability at transition or calculated retrospectively as at inception of the lease, on a lease-by-lease basis. IFRS 16 is expected to be the most significant of the new accounting pronouncements for the Group in terms of impact on the primary statements and on systems and processes. To date, work has focused on the identification and understanding of the provisions of the standard which will most impact the Group, establishing the population of lease contracts which will extend beyond 1 January 2019, the provision of training, impact analysis, discount rate determination, adapting the contract review process where required, and the review of system requirements. In 2018, work on these issues and their resolution will continue, system requirements will be addressed and work on the accounting processes will commence. A significant proportion by value of the Group’s current operating lease commitments relate to dry bulk vessels and offices and effort to date has focussed on these areas. IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” (Mandatory in 2019 and not yet endorsed by the EU) The method of calculating provisions for uncertain tax positions will be subject to revision, as a result of this interpretation. The Group currently recognises provisions based on the most likely amount of the liability, if any, for each uncertain tax position. The interpretation requires a probability weighted average approach to be taken for tax issues for which there are a wide range of possible outcomes. For tax issues with a binary outcome, the most likely amount method should continue to be used. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement. “Amendments to IFRS 9: Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation”, “Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures”, “Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle” and “Amendments to IAS19 – Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement” (Mandatory in 2019 and not yet endorsed by the EU) The Group is currently evaluating the impact of these pronouncements. IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts” (Mandatory in 2021 and not yet endorsed by the EU) The standard provides consistent principles for all aspects of accounting for insurance contracts. The Group will evaluate the impact of this pronouncement in due course. Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to use judgment in applying accounting policies and in making critical accounting estimates. These judgments and estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to previous experience, but actual results may differ materially from the amounts included in the financial statements. Areas of judgment in the application of accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements and key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are noted below and further information is contained in the accounting policies and/or the notes to the financial statements. These areas of judgment and estimation are discussed further in critical accounting policies and estimates on pages 128 to 130. The quantum of ore reserves and mineral resources impacts many of these areas and the basis of calculation is explained below. Information on less material judgments and sources of estimation uncertainty has been incorporated into the relevant accounting policy notes. Areas of judgment in the application of accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are: – Impairment of non-current assets - determination of Cash Generating Units (CGUs) and assessment of indicators of impairment – note 1(e) and (i), note 6, note 12 and note 13; – Estimation of asset lives – whether certain assets are indefinite lived - note 1(e) and (i); – Provision for onerous contracts – determination of assets dedicated to a contract - note 1(i); – Close-down, restoration and environmental obligations – determining when an estimate is sufficiently reliable to update - note 1(k); – Deferral of stripping costs – judgment on components/strip ratios and separate or integrated multiple pit mines - note 1(h); – Uncertain tax positions – technical interpretation of tax law and the use of the most likely scenario for provision - note 1(m), note 9 and note 31; – Recoverability of potential deferred tax assets – recognition of deferred tax assets for loss making operations - note 17(c), (e) and (f); – Identification of functional currencies – different companies may make different judgments based on similar facts - note 1(d); – Basis of consolidation – judgment as to when the Group has control, joint control or significant influence - notes 33 to 36; – Contingencies –assessing the probability of any loss and whether it is possible to quantify any loss - note 31; – Exclusions from underlying earnings – judgment on items to be excluded on grounds of nature or size - note 2. Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are: – Impairment of non-current assets - review of asset carrying values, impairment charges and reversals and the recoverability of goodwill – determination of discounted cash flows - note1(e) and (i), note 6, note 12 and note 13; – Provision for onerous contracts - cash flow estimates and the discount rate to be used – note 1(i); – Close-down, restoration and environmental cost obligations – estimation of costs and the timing of expenditure – note 1(k) and note 26; – Uncertain tax positions – estimating the potential exposures for each possible scenario - note 1(m), note 9 and note 31; – Recoverability of potential deferred tax assets – determination of cash flows - note 1 (m), note 17 (c), (e) and (f); – Estimation of obligations for post-employment costs – note 1(n) and note 44; – Contingencies – estimate of possible liability - note 31. Ore reserves and mineral resources Estimates of ore reserves and, in some cases, mineral resources can impact: depreciation and amortisation rates; the carrying values of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment; deferred stripping costs; provisions for close-down and restoration costs; and the recovery of deferred tax assets. The Group estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information compiled by Competent Persons as defined in accordance with the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) code (see note 1(j)). The estimation of ore reserves and mineral resources requires judgment to interpret available geological data and subsequently to select an appropriate mining method and then to establish an extraction schedule. Estimation requires assumptions about future commodity prices and demand, exchange rates, production costs, transport costs, close-down and restoration costs, recovery rates and discount rates and, in some instances, the renewal of mining licences. There are many uncertainties in the estimation process and assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change significantly when new information becomes available. New geological or economic data, or unforeseen operational issues may change estimates of ore reserves and mineral resources. The Group uses judgment as to when to include mineral resources in accounting estimates, for example, the use of mineral resources in the Group’s depreciation policy is described in note 1(i) below and in the determination of the date of closure as described in note 1(k). The unaudited statement of ore reserves is included on page 228 and of mineral resources on page 234. For the purposes of disclosure only with this combined Annual report on Form 20-F estimates of ore reserves have been computed in accordance with the SEC’s Industry Guide 7, rather than in accordance with the JORC code, and are shown on pages 228 to 237. Ore reserves presented in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7 do not exceed the quantities that, it is estimated, could be extracted economically if future prices were to be in line with the average of historical prices for the three years to 30 June 2017, or contracted prices where applicable. For this purpose, contracted prices are applied only to future sales volumes for which the price is predetermined by an existing contract; and the average of historical prices is applied to expected sales volumes in excess of such amounts. Moreover, reported ore reserve estimates have not been increased above the levels expected to be economic based on Rio Tinto’s own long term price assumptions. Therefore, a reduction in commodity prices from the three year average historical price levels would not necessarily give rise to a reduction in reported ore reserves. (a) Accounting convention The financial information included in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, and for the related comparative periods, has been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain derivative contracts and financial assets, the impact of fair value hedge accounting on the hedged item and the accounting for post-employment assets and obligations. The Group’s policy in respect of these items is set out in the notes below. The Group’s financial statements are presented in US dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest million (US$m) unless otherwise stated. Where applicable, comparatives have been adjusted to measure or present them on the same basis as current period figures. (b) Basis of consolidation (notes 33 to 36) All intragroup transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the locally reported assets, liabilities, and results of subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates to bring their accounting policies in line with those used by the Group. Subsidiaries: Subsidiaries are entities controlled by either of the Companies. Control exists where either of the Companies has: power over the entities, that is, existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the entities (those that significantly affect the Companies’ returns); exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entities; and the ability to use its power to affect those returns. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which the Group obtains control. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Joint arrangements: A joint arrangement is an arrangement in which two or more parties have joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control such that decisions about the relevant activities of the arrangement (those that significantly affect the Companies’ returns) require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Group has two types of joint arrangements: Joint operations (JO): A JO is a joint arrangement in which the parties that share joint control have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. This includes situations where the parties benefit from the joint activity through a share of the output, rather than by receiving a share of the results of trading. In relation to its interest in a JO, the Group recognises: its share of assets and liabilities; revenue from the sale of its share of the output and its share of any revenue generated from the sale of the output by the JO; and its share of expenses. All such amounts are measured in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, which is usually in proportion to the Group’s interest in the JO. These amounts are recorded in the Group’s financial statements on the appropriate lines. Joint ventures (JV): A JV is a joint arrangement in which the parties that share joint control have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. JVs are accounted for using the equity accounting method. Other unincorporated arrangements: In some cases, the Group participates in unincorporated arrangements and has rights to its share of the assets and obligations for its share of the liabilities of the arrangement rather than a right to a net return, but does not share joint control. In such cases, the Group recognises: its share of assets and liabilities; revenue from the sale of its share of the output and its share of any revenue generated from the sale of the output by the unincorporated arrangement; and its share of expenses. All such amounts are measured in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, which is usually in proportion to the Group’s interest in the arrangement. These amounts are recorded in the Group’s financial statements on the appropriate lines. Associates: An associate is an entity that is neither a subsidiary nor a joint arrangement, over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence is presumed to exist where there is neither control nor joint control and the Group has over 20 per cent of the voting rights, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. Significant influence can arise where the Group holds less than 20 per cent of the voting rights if it has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions affecting the entity. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity accounting method . The Group uses the term “equity accounted units” (EAUs) to refer to associates and JVs collectively. Under the equity accounting method the investment is recorded initially at cost to the Group, including any goodwill on acquisition. In subsequent periods the carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to reflect the Group’s share of the EAUs’ retained post-acquisition profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Long term loans to EAUs that in substance form part of the Group’s net investment (quasi equity loans) are financial assets but are included in the line “Investments in equity accounted units” on the face of the balance sheet. When the Group’s share of losses in an EAU equals or exceeds its interest in the EAU, including such long term loans and any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred legal or constructive obligations to continue to make payments on behalf of the EAU. Acquisitions (note 37) Under the “acquisition” method of accounting for business combinations, the purchase consideration is allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed (the identifiable net assets) on the basis of their fair value at the date of acquisition, which is the date on which control is obtained. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree, the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement and any equity interests issued by the Group. Costs related to the acquisition of a subsidiary are expensed as incurred. The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Any short
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Accounting Policies And Estimates [Line Items]
Principal accounting policies	Rio Tinto plc continued A Principal accounting policies a. Basis of preparation The Rio Tinto plc company financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial liabilities and in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006 and FRS 101. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements. The following exemptions available under FRS 101 have been applied: – Paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52 of IFRS 2, “Share-based payment” (details of the number and weighted average exercise prices of share options and how the fair value of goods and services received was determined). – Paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 “Fair value measurement” (disclosure of valuation techniques and inputs used for fair value measurement of assets and liabilities). – IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments: Disclosures”. – Paragraph 38 of IAS 1 “Presentation of financial statements”, comparative information requirements in respect of Paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1. – The following paragraphs of IAS 1 “Presentation of financial statements”: – 10 (d) (statement of cash flows); – 16 (statement of compliance with all IFRS); – 38A (requirement for minimum of two primary statements, including cash flow statements); – 38B-D (additional comparative information); – 111 (cash flow statement information); and – 134-136 (capital management disclosures). – IAS 7 “Statement of cash flows”. – Paragraph 30 and 31 of IAS 8 “Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors” (requirement for the disclosure of information when an entity has not applied a new IFRS that has been issued and is not yet effective). – Paragraph 17 of IAS 24 “Related party disclosures” (key management compensation). – The requirements of IAS 24, “Related party disclosures” to disclose related-party transactions entered into between two or more members of a group. b. Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make assumptions, judgments and estimates and to use judgment in applying accounting policies and making critical accounting estimates. These judgments, estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to previous experience, but actual results may differ materially from the amounts included in the financial statements. The key area of judgment that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements is the review for impairment of investment carrying values. c. Currency translation Items included in the financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates (the functional currency). The financial statements are presented in US dollars, which is the Company's functional and presentation currency. Transactions denominated in other currencies, including the issue of shares, are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognised in the profit and loss account. Exchange rates used are consistent with the rates used by the Group as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements (note 41). d. Investments Investments in Group companies are valued at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Investments are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. e. Financial guarantees Financial guarantees are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequently, the liability is measured at the higher of the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation. f. Share-based payments The Company operates a number of share-based payment plans for Group employees, the details of which are included in the consolidated financial statements (note 43). The fair value of the Company's share plans is recognised as an addition to the cost of the investment in the subsidiary in which the relevant employees work over the expected vesting period, with a corresponding entry to retained earnings. Payments received from the Company's subsidiaries in respect of these share-based payments are recognised as a reduction in the cost of the investment. The Company uses fair values provided by independent actuaries calculated using either a lattice-based option valuation model or a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of the share plans is determined at the date of grant, taking into account any market-based vesting conditions attached to the award. Non-market based vesting conditions (eg relative EBIT margin performance targets) are taken into account in estimating the number of awards likely to vest. The estimate of the number of awards likely to vest is reviewed at each balance sheet date up to the vesting date, at which point the estimate is adjusted to reflect the actual awards issued. No adjustment is made after the vesting date even if the awards are forfeited or not exercised. g. Dividend income Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established. h. Treasury shares The consideration paid for shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares is recognised as a reduction in shareholders’ funds through retained earnings.

Operating segments

Operating segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Operating Segments [Abstract]
Operating segments	2 Operating segments Rio Tinto’s management structure is based on the principal product groups in the tables below together with the global functions that support the business, which include Growth & Innovation. Certain comparative amounts have been reallocated to appropriately represent changes in management responsibility. The chief executive of each product group reports to the chief executive of Rio Tinto. The chief executive of Rio Tinto monitors the performance of each product group based on a number of measures, including EBITDA, capital expenditure and operating cash flows, with underlying earnings and free cash flow being the key financial performance indicators. Finance costs and net debt are managed on a Group basis. Generally, business units are allocated to product groups based on their primary product. The Energy & Minerals product group includes businesses with products such as uranium, borates, salt and titanium dioxide feedstock together with coal operations, Iron Ore Company of Canada and the Simandou iron ore project, which is the responsibility of the Energy & Minerals product group chief executive. The Copper & Diamonds product group also produces gold, silver, molybdenum and other by-products. The financial information by business unit provided on pages 206 to 208 of these financial statements provides additional voluntary disclosure which the Group considers useful to the users of the financial statements. 2017 2016 2015 Gross sales revenue US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 18,251 14,605 13,952 Aluminium 11,005 9,458 10,117 Copper & Diamonds 4,842 4,524 5,592 Energy & Minerals 7,764 6,734 7,140 Other Operations 10 8 18 Reportable segments total 41,872 35,329 36,819 Inter-segment transactions (15 ) (11 ) (34 ) Product group total 41,857 35,318 36,785 Items excluded from underlying earnings 10 18 (1 ) Gross sales revenue 41,867 35,336 36,784 Share of equity accounted units and adjustments for inter-subsidiary/equity accounted units sales (1,837 ) (1,555 ) (1,955 ) Consolidated sales revenue per income statement 40,030 33,781 34,829 Gross sales revenue includes the Group’s proportionate share of sales revenue of equity accounted units (after adjusting for sales to subsidiaries) of US$1,859 million (2016: US$1,585 million; 2015: US$1,987 million) which are not included in consolidated sales revenue. Consolidated sales revenue includes subsidiary sales of US$22 million (2016: US$30 million; 2015: US$32 million) to equity accounted units which are not included in gross sales revenue. 2017 2016 2015 Capital expenditure US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 1,201 868 1,608 Aluminium 1,436 916 1,682 Copper & Diamonds 1,622 1,441 1,576 Energy & Minerals 467 141 552 Other Operations (35 ) (11 ) (36 ) Reportable segments total 4,691 3,355 5,382 Other items 70 (46 ) 65 Less: capital expenditure of equity accounted units (417 ) (651 ) (859 ) Capital expenditure per financial information by business units 4,344 2,658 4,588 Add: proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 138 354 97 Capital expenditure per cash flow statement 4,482 3,012 4,685 Capital expenditure for reportable segments comprises the net cash outflow on purchases less disposals of property, plant and equipment, capitalised evaluation costs and purchases less disposals of other intangible assets. The details provided include 100 per cent of subsidiaries’ capital expenditure and Rio Tinto’s share of the capital expenditure of joint operations and equity accounted units. 2017 2016 2015 Depreciation and amortisation US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 1,645 1,645 1,744 Aluminium 1,199 1,250 1,172 Copper & Diamonds 1,452 1,601 1,261 Energy & Minerals 652 739 830 Other Operations 32 34 32 Reportable segments total 4,980 5,269 5,039 Other items 42 51 68 Less: depreciation and amortisation of equity accounted units (647 ) (526 ) (462 ) Depreciation and amortisation per note 4 4,375 4,794 4,645 Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 2 Operating segments continued Product group depreciation and amortisation for reportable segments totals include 100 per cent of subsidiaries’ depreciation and amortisation and Rio Tinto’s share of the depreciation and amortisation of equity accounted units. Rio Tinto’s share of the depreciation and amortisation charge of equity accounted units is deducted to arrive at depreciation and amortisation, excluding equity accounted units, as shown in note 4. These figures exclude impairment charges and reversals, which are excluded from underlying earnings. 2017 2016 2015 Tax charge/(credit) US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 2,871 2,005 1,747 Aluminium 543 171 303 Copper & Diamonds 48 (320 ) (77 ) Energy & Minerals 652 331 122 Other Operations (84 ) (73 ) (73 ) Reportable segments total 4,030 2,114 2,022 Other items (261 ) (191 ) (192 ) Exploration and evaluation not attributed to product groups (36 ) (27 ) (25 ) Net finance costs (364 ) (484 ) (245 ) 3,369 1,412 1,560 Tax charge/(credit) excluded from underlying earnings 596 155 (567 ) Tax charge per income statement 3,965 1,567 993 Tax charge/(credit) excludes amounts relating to equity accounted units. Further information on the tax charge/(credit) excluded from underlying earnings is provided below in the section “Underlying earnings”. 2017 2016 2015 Underlying earnings (Refer overleaf) US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 6,692 4,611 3,940 Aluminium 1,583 947 1,118 Copper & Diamonds 263 (18 ) 370 Energy & Minerals 1,242 612 177 Other Operations (138 ) (88 ) (90 ) Reportable segments total 9,642 6,064 5,515 Other items (483 ) (241 ) (375 ) Exploration and evaluation not attributed to product groups (178 ) (147 ) (211 ) Net finance costs (354 ) (576 ) (389 ) Underlying earnings 8,627 5,100 4,540 Items excluded from underlying earnings (Refer overleaf) 135 (483 ) (5,406 ) Net earnings/(loss) attributable to owners of Rio Tinto per income statement 8,762 4,617 (866 ) Underlying earnings is reported by Rio Tinto to provide greater understanding of the underlying business performance of its operations and to enhance comparability of reporting periods. The measure of underlying earnings, in conjunction with net cash generated from operating activities and capital expenditure (net of proceeds on disposals), is used by the chief executive of Rio Tinto to assess the performance of the product groups. Underlying earnings and net earnings/(loss) both represent amounts net of tax attributable to owners of Rio Tinto. The following items are excluded from net earnings/(loss) in arriving at underlying earnings in each period irrespective of materiality: – Net gains/(losses) on disposal of interests in businesses. – Impairment charges and reversals. – Profit/(loss) after tax from discontinued operations. – Exchange and derivative gains and losses. This exclusion includes exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances, gains/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting and gains/(losses) on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting. In addition, there is a final judgmental category which includes, where applicable, other credits and charges that, individually or in aggregate if of a similar type, are of a nature or size to require exclusion in order to provide additional insight into underlying business performance. Product group earnings include earnings of subsidiaries and the Group’s share of the underlying earnings of equity accounted units stated before finance items but after the amortisation of discount on provisions. Rio Tinto’s share of the underlying earnings of equity accounted units amounted to US$332 million in 2017 (2016: US$309 million; 2015: US$390 million). This amount is attributable as follows: US$295 million profit to the Copper & Diamonds product group and US$37 million profit to other product groups (2016: US$272 million profit to the Copper & Diamonds product group and US$37 million profit to other product groups; 2015: US$307 million profit to the Copper & Diamonds product group and US$83 million profit to other product groups). These amounts are included in underlying earnings and include the underlying earnings of the Group’s tolling entities which process alumina. Tolling entities recharge the majority of their costs and generally have minimal earnings. Reconciliation of net earnings/(losses) to underlying earnings Pre-tax Non- controlling Net Net Net (l) Taxation interests amount amount amount 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2015 Exclusions from underlying earnings US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Impairment charges (note 6) (796 ) 141 174 (481 ) (183 ) (1,802 ) Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses (a) 2,344 (322 ) - 2,022 382 48 Exchange and derivative (losses)/gains: – Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances (b) (613 ) 113 12 (488 ) 516 (3,282 ) – Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting (c) 33 (5 ) 2 30 (12 ) (88 ) – (Losses)/gains on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting (d) (498 ) 146 - (352 ) 32 88 Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France (e) - (439 ) - (439 ) - - Onerous port and rail contracts (f) - - - - (329 ) - Restructuring costs and global headcount reductions - - - - (177 ) (258 ) Increased closure provision for non-operating and legacy operations (g) - - - - (282 ) (233 ) Rio Tinto Kennecott insurance settlement (h) 73 (28 ) - 45 - 18 Tax provision ( i ) - - - - (380 ) - Adjustment to deferred tax assets relating to expected divestments (j) - (202 ) - (202 ) - 234 Other exclusions (k) - - - - (50 ) (131 ) Total excluded from underlying earnings 543 (596 ) 188 135 (483 ) (5,406 ) Net earnings/(loss) 12,816 (3,965 ) (89 ) 8,762 4,617 (866 ) Underlying earnings 12,273 (3,369 ) (277 ) 8,627 5,100 4,540 (a) Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses in 2017 relate mainly to the sale of Coal & Allied Industries Limited which completed on 1 September 2017. In 2016, the net gain related mainly to the sale of Rio Tinto’s 40 per cent interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture on 1 March 2016 and the sale of the Lochaber assets in Scotland on 23 November 2016. This was partially offset by a loss on disposal of the 100 per cent interest in Carbone Savoie on 31 March 2016. (b) Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances comprise of post-tax foreign exchange gains on US dollar denominated net debt in non-US dollar functional currency companies of US$420 million and post-tax losses of US$908 million on intragroup balances. Net exchange gains in 2016 comprise post-tax foreign exchange gains of US$123 million on external US dollar denominated net debt, and US$393 million gains on intragroup balances, mainly as the Canadian dollar strengthened against the US dollar. (c) Valuation changes on currency and interest rate derivatives, which are ineligible for hedge accounting, other than those embedded in commercial contracts, and the currency revaluation of embedded US dollar derivatives contained in contracts held by entities whose functional currency is not the US dollar. (d) Valuation changes on commodity derivatives, embedded in commercial contracts and other financial commodity derivatives, that are ineligible for hedge accounting, but for which there will be an offsetting change in future Group earnings. (e) Deferred tax assets have been re-measured to reflect lower corporate income tax rates in the US and France as a result of tax legislation changes substantively enacted in December 2017. (f) In 2016, a review of the infrastructure capacity requirements in Queensland, Australia confirmed that it was no longer likely that Rio Tinto would utilise the Abbot Point Coal Terminal and associated rail infrastructure capacity contracted under take or pay arrangements and agreement was reached with Adani, the owner of the port, to relinquish that capacity. Accordingly, an onerous contract provision was recognised based on the net present value of expected future cash flows for the port and rail capacity discounted at a post-tax real rate of two per cent, resulting in a post-tax onerous contract charge of US$329 million. (g) In 2016, the closure provision for non-operating and legacy operations increased mainly due to the Gove alumina refinery in Northern Territory, Australia where operations have been curtailed since May 2014. The provision was updated based on the cost estimates from the studies. Future revisions to the closure cost estimate during the study periods (including the next stage of feasibility study) will continue to be excluded from underlying earnings as the site operating assets have been fully impaired. (h) In 2017, Rio Tinto received the final settlement on the insurance claims related to the 2013 slide at Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon mine. The amounts excluded from underlying earnings are consistent with the previous excluded loses to which they relate, in line with the treatment of the 2013 and 2015 settlement payments. (i) Tax provision includes amounts provided for specific tax matters for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. During 2016, provision was made in relation to matters under discussion with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in relation to the transfer pricing of certain transactions between Rio Tinto entities based in Australia and the Group’s commercial centre in Singapore for the period since 2009. (j) Deferred tax assets have been derecognised as a result of revised profit forecasts in France due to expected divestments. (k) Other credits and charges that, individually, or in aggregate if of similar type, are of a nature or size to require exclusion in order to provide additional insight into underlying business performance. In 2016, other exclusions included costs related to multiple transformation projects and the recuperation of capital losses against capital gains on divestment. In 2015, other exclusions included a provision relating to the incomplete divestment of Carbone Savoie within the Aluminium product group, divestment costs and an increase in provision relating to the Gove refinery. (l) Exclusions from underlying earnings relating to equity accounted units are stated after tax and are included in the column “Pre-tax”. 1
Operating segments	Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 3 Operating segments – additional information Adjusted (b) Adjusted (b) Adjusted (b) Adjusted (b) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Consolidated sales revenue by destination (a) % % % US$m US$m US$m China 44.2 43.6 42.2 17,706 14,742 14,701 Asia (excluding China and Japan) 12.8 13.9 12.9 5,108 4,692 4,499 United States of America 14.3 13.9 15.3 5,716 4,709 5,321 Japan 11.7 11.3 11.4 4,701 3,809 3,974 Europe (excluding UK) 7.5 7.6 8.4 3,015 2,579 2,909 Canada 2.8 3.0 3.8 1,111 1,024 1,322 Australia 1.8 2.0 2.4 710 675 830 UK 1.1 1.2 0.9 449 391 330 Other countries 3.8 3.5 2.7 1,514 1,160 943 Consolidated sales revenue 100.0 100.0 100.0 40,030 33,781 34,829 (a) Consolidated sales revenue by geographical destination is based on the ultimate country of destination of the product, if known. If the eventual destination of the product sold through traders is not known then revenue is allocated to the location of the product at the time when the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred. Rio Tinto is domiciled in both the UK and Australia. (b) The 2016 and 2015 comparatives above have been amended to correct the allocation of revenues by region. The most significant impacts are an increase in the amounts allocated to China (2016: US$337 million; 2015: US$135 million) and Canada (2015: US$155 million) and a decrease in amounts allocated to Asia (excluding China and Japan) (2016: US$319 million; 2015: US$263 million). There is no impact on the total consolidated sales revenue. Consolidated sales revenue by product Consolidated sales revenues of the Group are derived from the following products sold to external customers: 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Iron ore 20,010 15,855 15,239 Aluminium 10,864 9,342 9,904 Copper 1,760 1,609 1,577 Coal 2,822 2,567 2,703 Industrial minerals 2,060 1,954 2,155 Gold 378 608 1,063 Diamonds 706 613 698 Other 1,430 1,233 1,490 Consolidated sales revenue 40,030 33,781 34,829 Non-current assets other than excluded items The total of non-current assets other than items excluded is shown by location below. This is allocated based on the location of the business units holding the assets. 2017 2016 Non-current assets other than excluded items (a) US$m US$m Australia 32,890 30,602 Canada 14,640 14,362 Mongolia 8,582 7,743 United States of America 4,812 4,958 Africa 3,781 3,882 South America 3,304 3,785 Indonesia 1,458 1,482 Europe (excluding France and the UK) 362 429 UK 66 66 France 276 251 Other countries 892 891 71,063 68,451 Non-current assets excluded from analysis above: Deferred tax assets 3,395 3,728 Other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units) 510 822 Quasi equity loans to equity accounted units (b) 159 163 Tax recoverable 30 38 Trade and other receivables 1,397 975 Total non-current assets per balance sheet 76,554 74,177 (a) Allocation of non-current assets by country is based on the location of the business units holding the assets. It includes investments in equity accounted units totalling US$4,327 million (2016: US$4,856 million) which represents the Group’s share of net assets excluding quasi equity loans shown separately within “Loans to equity accounted units” above. (b) Loans to equity accounted units comprise quasi equity loans of US$159 million (2016: US$163 million) included in “Investments in equity accounted units” on the face of the balance sheet and non-current non-quasi equity loans of US$39 million (2016: US$39 million) shown within “Other financial assets”.

Net operating costs (excluding

Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Operating Costs Excluding Items Shown Separately [Abstract]
Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately)	4 Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) Adjusted (a) 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Raw materials, consumables, repairs and maintenance (a) 9,286 8,760 8,966 Amortisation of intangible assets 13 177 227 207 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 14 4,198 4,567 4,438 Employment costs 5 4,765 4,881 5,446 Shipping and other freight costs (c) 2,338 1,454 2,165 (Increase)/decrease in finished goods and work in progress (a) (82 ) 87 558 Royalties 2,228 1,889 1,863 Amounts charged by equity accounted units (b) 980 1,184 1,246 Net foreign exchange losses/(gains) 61 38 (263 ) Other external costs (c) (d) 3,935 3,472 4,181 Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions) 26 527 1,404 731 Research and development 58 60 104 Costs included above qualifying for capitalisation (486 ) (521 ) (661 ) Other operating income (1,002 ) (703 ) (1,062 ) Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) (c) 26,983 26,799 27,919 (a) The 2016 and 2015 comparatives have been amended to reclassify certain amounts between operating cost categories. The impact is to decrease the amount allocated to “(Increase)/decrease in finished goods and work in progress” (2016: US$304 million; 2015: US$143 million) and to increase “Raw materials, consumables, repairs and maintenance” by the same amount. (b) Amounts charged by equity accounted units relate to toll processing and also include purchases from equity accounted units of bauxite and aluminium which are then processed by the product group or sold to third parties. Generally, purchases are in proportion to the Group’s share of the equity accounted unit but in 2017, US$229 million (2016: US$383 million; 2015: US$378 million) related to purchases of the other investors’ share of production. (c) Net operating costs includes operating lease expense of US$555 million (2016: US$541 million). Costs for leases of dry bulk vessels (which include costs for crewing services) are included within “Shipping and other freight costs” and other lease costs are included within “Other external costs”. The 2016 comparative has been amended to exclude certain contractual arrangements which do not qualify as leases in accordance with IAS 18 . (d) Other external costs include a financial penalty of £27.4 million (US$36.4 million) paid to the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in relation to the timing of the impairment of the Group’s former coal operations in Mozambique. Refer to note 31 for further detail.

Employment costs

Employment costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Employee Cost Explanatory [Abstract]
Disclosure Of Employee Cost Explanatory	5 Employment costs 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Total employment costs – Wages and salaries 4,129 4,235 4,670 – Social security costs 337 429 430 – Net post-retirement charge 44 500 522 439 – Share option charge 43 91 116 128 5,057 5,302 5,667 Less: charged within provisions (a) 26 (292 ) (421 ) (221 ) Employment costs 4 4,765 4,881 5,446 (a) Amounts included above in respect of provisions for pensions, post-retirement healthcare, long service leave and other employee entitlements which are included in ‘Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions)’ in note 4.

Impairment charges and reversal

Impairment charges and reversals	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Impairment charges and reversals	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 6 Impairment charges and reversals Non- controlling Net Pre-tax Pre-tax Pre-tax Taxation interests amount amount amount 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Energy & Minerals – Roughrider (357 ) 100 - (257 ) - (229 ) Energy & Minerals – Rössing (267 ) 7 83 (177 ) - - Energy & Minerals – Simandou - - 91 91 - (2,039 ) Energy & Minerals – Energy Resources of Australia - - - - - (260 ) Copper & Diamonds – Argyle (172 ) 34 - (138 ) (241 ) - Copper & Diamonds – Molybdenum Autoclave Process - - - - - (17 ) Aluminium – Other - - - - - (179 ) Other - - - - (8 ) (67 ) Total impairment charge net of reversals (796 ) 141 174 (481 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Allocated as: Goodwill 12 - - (116 ) Intangible assets 13 (357 ) (1 ) (1,833 ) Property, plant and equipment 14 (435 ) (248 ) (652 ) Other assets and liabilities (4 ) - (190 ) Total impairment charge net of reversals (796 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Comprising: Total impairment charge net of reversals in the financial information by business unit (page 206) (796 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Taxation (including related to EAUs) 141 66 (57 ) Non-controlling interests 174 - 1,046 Total impairment in the income statement (481 ) (183 ) (1,802 ) Energy & Minerals Roughrider, Canada Following a reassessment of planned exploration spend in the six months ended 30 June 2017, substantive expenditure to evaluate the Roughrider deposit is neither budgeted nor planned. These circumstances were identified as an impairment indicator under IFRS 6 and the recoverable amount for the evaluation and exploration assets was determined to be US$nil due to the significant uncertainty over whether commercially viable quantities of mineral resources could be identified at a future date. Accordingly an impairment charge of US$357 million was recorded in 2017 to fully write-off the mineral interests recognised on acquisition. In 2015, a pre-tax impairment charge of US$116 million to fully write-off goodwill and a pre-tax impairment charge of US$113 million to exploration and evaluation intangible assets was recognised in relation to the Roughrider deposit. The recoverable amount for Roughrider was determined by reference to a fair value less cost of disposal (FVLCD) model in line with the accounting policy set out in note 1(i). Rössing, Namibia An impairment indicator was identified at the Rössing Uranium cash-generating unit as a result of structural changes in the forecast prices for uranium due to oversupply in the market. In assessing the recoverable amount of the assets, it was determined that the property, plant and equipment Simandou, Guinea In 2015, a pre-tax impairment charge of US$1,655 million to exploration and evaluation intangible assets and a pre-tax impairment charge of US$194 million to property, plant and equipment were recognised to fully write-down the long-term assets of the Simandou project. In addition a pre-tax charge of US$7 million was recognised in relation to inventories and a pre-tax charge of US$183 million was also recognised as a financial liability for contractual arrangements. This liability was settled during 2017 by the Group’s subsidiary Simfer Jersey Limited from the proceeds of a share issue. The non-controlling interest component of this transaction (US$91 million) has been accounted for as an impairment reversal consistent with the original accounting treatment. Energy Resources of Australia (ERA), Australia In 2015, a pre-tax write-down to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of US$260 million to fully write off these long-term assets was recognised. Deferred tax assets of US$123 million were also fully written off. Copper & Diamonds Argyle Diamond Mine, Australia In 2016, an impairment trigger assessment at the Argyle cash-generating unit resulted in the identification of impairment indicators as a result of lower production volumes compared with forecast and lower prices achieved for bulk diamonds. The recoverable amount for Argyle was determined to be US$191 million, resulting in a pre-tax impairment charge of US$241 million to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. In 2017, an impairment trigger assessment at the Argyle cash-generating unit resulted in the identification of impairment indicators because of lower production volumes compared with forecast, a smaller than expected contribution from productivity improvements and lower realised prices. In assessing the recoverable amount of the assets, it was determined that the property, plant and equipment, including an updated closure asset, was fully impaired resulting in a pre-tax impairment charge of US$172 million. The impairment charge resulted in the recognition of deferred tax assets of US$34 million; these will be recovered by other business units in the same tax group. Molybdenum Autoclave Process, US In 2015, previously estimated net disposal proceeds for the Molybdenum Autoclave Process project were reduced resulting in a pre-tax impairment of US$17 million recorded against property, plant and equipment. Aluminium Other In 2015, a pre-tax impairment charge of US$147 million was recorded in relation to the Carbone Savoie cash-generating unit and US$32 million was recorded in relation to other aluminium businesses which were subsequently disposed of. 1

Share of profit after tax of eq

Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share Of Profit After Tax Of Equity Accounted Units [Abstract]
Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 7 Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Sales revenue: Rio Tinto share (a) 1,960 1,727 2,149 Operating costs (1,400 ) (1,237 ) (1,609 ) Profit before finance items and taxation 560 490 540 Finance items (47 ) (33 ) (37 ) Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units 17 20 35 Profit before taxation 530 477 538 Taxation (191 ) (156 ) (177 ) Profit for the year (Rio Tinto share) 339 321 361 (a) Sales revenue of equity accounted units includes sales by equity accounted units to Group subsidiaries. Further information relating to the Group’s interests in joint ventures and associates is given in notes 35 and 36. 1

Finance income and finance cost

Finance income and finance costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Finance Income And Finance Costs [Abstract]
Finance income and finance costs	8 Finance income and finance costs 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Finance income from equity accounted units (Rio Tinto share) 4 6 8 Other finance income (including bank deposits and other financial assets) 137 83 44 Total finance income 141 89 52 Interest on: – Financial liabilities at amortised cost and associated derivatives (819 ) (895 ) (972 ) – Finance leases (3 ) (3 ) (4 ) Fair value movements: – Bonds designated as hedged items in fair value hedges 28 89 (17 ) – Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in fair value hedges (22 ) (89 ) (11 ) Loss on early redemption of bonds (a) (256 ) (324 ) - Amounts capitalised 14 224 111 254 Total finance costs (848 ) (1,111 ) (750 ) (a) In 2017, loss on early redemption of bonds includes a premium charge of US$238 million; unamortised debt issuance costs and fees of US$14 million and the write-off of the fair value hedge adjustment of US$4 million (see note 30). In 2016, loss on early redemption of bonds included a premium charge of US$441 million; unamortised debt issuance costs and fees of US$42 million partially offset by the write-off of fair value hedge adjustments of US$159 million (see note 30).

Taxation

Taxation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Abstract]
Taxation	9 Taxation 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Taxation charge – Current 3,270 2,115 1,132 – Deferred 17 695 (548 ) (139 ) 3,965 1,567 993 2017 2016 2015 Prima facie tax reconciliation US$m US$m US$m Profit/(loss) before taxation 12,816 6,343 (726 ) Deduct: share of profit after tax of equity accounted units (339 ) (321 ) (361 ) Parent companies' and subsidiaries' profit/(loss) before tax 12,477 6,022 (1,087 ) Prima facie tax payable/(receivable) at UK rate of 19 per cent (2016: 20 per cent; 2015: 20 per cent) 2,371 1,204 (217 ) Higher rate of taxation on Australian underlying earnings 1,069 604 506 Impact of items excluded in arriving at underlying earnings (a) – Impairment charges net of reversals 10 (16 ) 615 – Gains and losses on disposal of businesses (123 ) 30 (11 ) – Exchange and gains/losses on derivatives (48 ) (33 ) 481 – Onerous port and rail contracts - (46 ) - – Closure provision for legacy operations - (40 ) - – Tax provision (b) - 380 - – Adjustment to deferred tax assets relating to expected divestments (c) 202 - (250 ) – Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France (d) 439 - - – Other exclusions 14 (48 ) (17 ) Impact of changes in tax rates and laws 21 (9 ) (3 ) Other tax rates applicable outside the UK and Australia on underlying earnings (92 ) (283 ) (68 ) Resource depletion and other depreciation allowances (33 ) (15 ) (15 ) Research, development and other investment allowances (13 ) (15 ) (21 ) Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets (40 ) (154 ) (40 ) Write-down of previously recognised deferred tax assets (e) 160 - - Unrecognised current year operating losses 26 25 45 Other items (f) 2 (17 ) (12 ) Total taxation charge (g) 3,965 1,567 993 (a) The impact for each item includes the effect of tax rates applicable outside the UK. (b) Tax provision includes amounts provided for specific tax matters for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. During 2016 provision was made in relation to matters under discussion with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in relation to the transfer pricing of certain transactions between Rio Tinto entities based in Australia and the Group’s commercial centre in Singapore for the period since 2009. (c) Deferred tax assets have been derecognised as a result of revised profit forecasts in France due to expected divestments. (d) Deferred tax assets have been re-measured to reflect lower corporate income tax rates in the US and France as a result of tax legislation changes substantively enacted in December 2017. (e) The write-down of previously recognised deferred tax assets in 2017 primarily relates to a reduction in recognised deferred tax assets on brought forward losses in Grasberg. (f) Other items include various adjustments to provisions for taxation of prior periods. (g) This tax reconciliation relates to the Group’s parent companies, subsidiaries and joint operations. The Group’s share of profit of equity accounted units is net of tax charges of US$191 million (2016: US$156 million; 2015: US$177 million). 2017 2016 2015 Total Total Total US$m US$m US$m Tax (charge)/credit on actuarial gains and losses on post-retirement benefit plans (12 ) 29 (175 ) Adjustments to deferred tax on post-retirement benefit plans due to changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France (140 ) - - Other (1 ) 4 (3 ) Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year (a) (153 ) 33 (178 ) (a) This comprises a deferred tax charge of US$153 million (2016: credit of US$33 million; 2015: charge of US$174 million) and a current tax charge of US$nil (2016: US$nil; 2015: charge of US$4 million), plus a share of tax on other comprehensive income of equity accounted units shown separately (see note 17).

Earnings_(loss) per ordinary sh

Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share	10 Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share 2017 2016 Weighted Weighted average 2017 average 2016 2017 number of Per share 2016 number of Per share Earnings shares amount Earnings shares amount US$m (millions) (cents) US$m (millions) (cents) Basic earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (a) 8,762 1,786.7 490.4 4,617 1,797.3 256.9 Diluted earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (b) 8,762 1,799.5 486.9 4,617 1,808.6 255.3 2015 Weighted average 2015 2015 number of Per share Loss shares amount US$m (millions) (cents) Basic loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (a) (866 ) 1,824.7 (47.5 ) Diluted loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (b) (866 ) 1,824.7 (47.5 ) (a) The weighted average number of shares is calculated as the average number of Rio Tinto plc shares outstanding not held as treasury shares of 1,364.5 million (2016: 1,373.7 million; 2015: 1,398.1 million) plus the average number of Rio Tinto Limited shares outstanding of 422.3 million (2016: 423.6 million; 2015: 426.6 million) over the relevant period. No Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares were held by Rio Tinto plc in any of the periods presented. (b) For the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, the effect of dilutive securities of 12.8 million shares in 2017 and 11.3 million shares in 2016 is added to the weighted average number of shares described in (a) above. This effect is calculated under the treasury stock method. In accordance with IAS 33 “Earnings per share”, for the purposes of calculating diluted loss per share, the effect of potentially dilutive securities has not been taken into account for the year ended 31 December 2015. The Group’s only potential dilutive ordinary shares are share options for which terms and conditions are described in note 43.

Dividends

Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends	11 Dividends 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Rio Tinto plc previous year final dividend paid 1,725 1,443 1,642 Rio Tinto plc interim dividend paid 1,530 604 1,476 Rio Tinto Limited previous year final dividend paid 523 473 520 Rio Tinto Limited interim dividend paid 472 205 438 Dividends paid during the year 4,250 2,725 4,076 Dividends per share: paid during the year 235.0 c 152.5 c 226.5 c Dividends per share: proposed in the announcement of the results for the year 180.0 c 125.0 c 107.5 c Dividends Dividends Dividends per share per share per share 2017 2016 2015 Rio Tinto plc previous year final (pence) 100.56 p 74.21 p 77.98 p Rio Tinto plc interim (pence) 83.13 p 33.80 p 68.92 p Rio Tinto Limited previous year final – fully franked at 30% (Australian cents) 163.62 c 151.89 c 152.98 c Rio Tinto Limited interim – fully franked at 30% (Australian cents) 137.72 c 59.13 c 144.91 c Number Number Number of shares of shares of shares 2017 2016 2015 (millions) (millions) (millions) Rio Tinto plc previous year final 1,374.6 1,373.9 1,412.7 Rio Tinto plc interim 1,366.1 1,374.4 1,395.2 Rio Tinto Limited previous year final 424.0 423.5 435.0 Rio Tinto Limited interim 424.0 424.0 423.7 The dividends paid in 2017 are based on the following US cents per share amounts: 2016 final – 125.0 cents, 2017 interim – 110.0 cents (2016 dividends paid: 2015 final – 107.5 cents, 2016 interim – 45.0 cents; 2015 dividends paid: 2014 final – 119.0 cents, 2015 interim – 107.5 cents). The number of shares on which Rio Tinto plc dividends are based excludes those held as treasury shares and those held by employee share trusts which waived the right to dividends. Employee share trusts waived dividends on 277,946 Rio Tinto plc ordinary shares and 22,021 American Depository Receipts (ADRs) for the 2016 final dividend and on 173,297 Rio Tinto plc ordinary shares and 24,377 ADRs for the 2017 interim dividend (2016: 428,529 Rio Tinto plc ordinary shares and 13,881 ADRs for the 2015 final dividend and on 217,661 Rio Tinto plc ordinary shares and 31,604 ADRs for the 2016 interim dividend; 2015: 342,902 Rio Tinto plc ordinary shares and 24,582 ADRs for the 2014 final dividend and on 237,266 Rio Tinto plc ordinary shares and 27,050 ADRs for the 2015 interim dividend). In 2017, 2016 and 2015, no Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 11 Dividends continued The number of shares on which Rio Tinto Limited dividends are based excludes those held by shareholders who have waived the rights to dividends. Employee share trusts waived dividends on 214,278 Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares for the 2016 final dividend and on 274,899 shares for the 2017 interim dividend (2016: 681,818 shares for the 2015 final dividend and on 152,834 shares for the 2016 interim dividend; 2015: 727,676 shares for the 2014 final dividend and on 474,665 shares for the 2015 interim dividend). In addition, the directors of Rio Tinto announced a final dividend of 180 cents per share on 7 February 2018. This is expected to result in payments of US$3,158 million (Rio Tinto plc: US$2,416 million, Rio Tinto Limited US$742 million). The dividends will be paid on 12 April 2018 to Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited shareholders on the register at the close of business on 2 March 2018. The proposed Rio Tinto Limited dividends will be franked out of existing franking credits or out of franking credits arising from the payment of income tax during 2018. The approximate amount of the Rio Tinto Limited consolidated tax group’s retained profits and reserves that could be distributed as dividends and franked out of available credits that arose from net payments of income tax in respect of periods up to 31 December 2017 (after deducting franking credits expected to be utilised on the 2017 final dividend declared) is US$8,542 million.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 12 Goodwill 2017 2016 US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 951 892 Adjustment on currency translation 86 59 At 31 December 1,037 951 – cost 17,942 17,144 – accumulated impairment (16,905 ) (16,193 ) At 1 January – cost 17,144 17,120 – accumulated impairment (16,193 ) (16,228 ) At 31 December, goodwill has been allocated as follows: 2017 2016 US$m US$m Net book value Richards Bay Minerals 552 502 Pilbara 389 360 Dampier Salt 96 89 1,037 951 Impairment tests for goodwill Richards Bay Minerals Richards Bay Minerals’ annual impairment review resulted in no impairment charge for 2017 (2016: no impairment charge). The recoverable amount has been assessed by reference to FVLCD, in line with the policy set out in note 1(i) and classified as level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. FVLCD was determined by estimating cash flows until the end of the life-of-mine plan including anticipated expansions. In arriving at FVLCD, a post-tax discount rate of 8.7 per cent (2016: 9.0 per cent) has been applied to the post-tax cash flows expressed in real terms. The key assumptions to which the calculation of FVLCD for Richards Bay Minerals is most sensitive and the corresponding decrease in FVLCD are set out below: US$ million 5% decrease in the titanium slag price 165 1% increase in the discount rate applied to post-tax cash flows 226 10% strengthening of the South African rand 603 Other assumptions include the long-term pig iron and zircon prices and operating costs. Future selling prices and operating costs have been estimated in line with the policy set out in note 1(i). The recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit exceeds the carrying value for each of these sensitivities applied in isolation. Pilbara The annual impairment review of the Pilbara cash-generating unit has been assessed by reference to FVLCD using discounted cash flows, which is in line with the policy set out in note 1(i) and is classified as level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. In arriving at FVLCD, a post-tax discount rate of 6.7 per cent (2016: 7.0 per cent) has been applied to the post-tax cash flows expressed in real terms. The recoverable amount was determined to be significantly in excess of carrying value, and there are not considered to be any reasonably possible changes in key assumptions that would cause the remaining goodwill to be impaired. 1

Intangible assets

Intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets	13 Intangible assets Trademarks, Contract Exploration patented and based Other and non-patented intangible intangible evaluation (a) technology assets (b) assets Total Year ended 31 December 2017 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2017 711 78 2,103 387 3,279 Adjustment on currency translation 27 10 150 29 216 Expenditure during the year 57 - - 65 122 Amortisation for the year (c) - (13 ) (67 ) (97 ) (177 ) Impairment charges (d) (357 ) - - - (357 ) Disposals, transfers and other movements (e) (45 ) - 2 79 36 At 31 December 2017 393 75 2,188 463 3,119 – cost 2,658 224 3,438 1,537 7,857 – accumulated amortisation and impairment (2,265 ) (149 ) (1,250 ) (1,074 ) (4,738 ) Trademarks, Contract Exploration patented and based Other and non-patented intangible intangible evaluation (a) technology assets (b) assets Total Year ended 31 December 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2016 706 94 2,138 398 3,336 Adjustment on currency translation 14 (3 ) 47 - 58 Expenditure during the year 8 - - 23 31 Amortisation for the year (c) - (13 ) (87 ) (127 ) (227 ) Impairment charges (d) - - - (1 ) (1 ) Disposals, transfers and other movements (e) (17 ) - 5 94 82 At 31 December 2016 711 78 2,103 387 3,279 – cost 2,588 199 3,897 1,329 8,013 – accumulated amortisation and impairment (1,877 ) (121 ) (1,794 ) (942 ) (4,734 ) (a) Exploration and evaluation assets’ useful lives are not determined until transferred to property, plant and equipment. (b) The Group benefits from certain intangible assets acquired with Alcan, including power supply contracts, customer contracts and water rights. The water rights are expected to contribute to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of operations for the foreseeable future: accordingly, these rights are considered to have indefinite lives and are not subject to amortisation but are tested annually for impairment. These water rights constitute the majority of the amounts in “Contract based intangible assets”. The remaining carrying value of the water rights (US$1,824 million) as at 31 December 2017 relates wholly to the Quebec smelters cash-generating unit. The Quebec smelters cash-generating unit was tested for impairment by reference to FVLCD using discounted cash flows, which is in line with the policy set out in note 1(i). The recoverable amount of the Quebec smelters is classified as level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. In arriving at FVLCD, post-tax cash flows expressed in real terms have been estimated over the expected useful economic lives of the underlying smelting assets and discounted using a real post-tax discount rate of 6.7 per cent (2016: 7.0 per cent). The recoverable amounts were determined to be significantly in excess of carrying value, and there are no reasonably possible changes in key assumptions that would cause the remaining water rights to be impaired. (c) Finite life intangible assets are amortised over their useful economic lives on a straight-line or units of production basis, as appropriate. Where amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis, the following useful lives have been determined: Trademarks, patented and non-patented technology Trademarks: 14 to 20 years Patented and non-patented technology: ten to 20 years Contract-based intangible assets Power contracts / water rights: two to 45 years Other purchase and customer contracts: five to 15 years Other intangible assets Internally generated intangible assets and computer software: two to five years Other intangible assets: two to 20 years (d) Impairment charges in 2017 relate to the full write-off of the Roughrider deposit in Canada (see note 6). Impairment charges in 2016 related to the full write-off of the intangible assets of the Argyle cash-generating unit (see note 6). (e) Disposals, transfers and other movements for Exploration and Evaluation includes US$34 million transferred to Mining Property in relation to the Kemano tunnel project following approval of the project. Disposals, transfers and other movements for exploration and evaluation in 2016 included the disposal of the Mount Pleasant thermal coal project in New South Wales, Australia. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 13 Intangible assets continued Exploration and evaluation expenditure The charge for the year and the net amount of intangible assets capitalised during the year are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Net expenditure in the year (net of proceeds of US$3 million (2016: US$208 million; 2015: US$nil) on disposal of undeveloped projects) (493 ) (284 ) (705 ) Non-cash movements and non-cash proceeds on disposal of undeveloped projects (24 ) (177 ) (15 ) Amount capitalised during the year 57 8 152 Net charge for the year (460 ) (453 ) (568 ) Reconciliation to income statement Exploration and evaluation costs (445 ) (497 ) (576 ) Profit relating to interests in undeveloped projects (15 ) 44 8 Net charge for the year (460 ) (453 ) (568 ) At 31 December 2017, a total of US$420 million had been capitalised related to projects which had not yet been approved to proceed. This comprised evaluation costs of US$393 million included above and US$27 million of early works expenditure within property, plant and equipment (31 December 2016: a total of US$726 million had been capitalised comprising: evaluation costs of US$711 million included above and US$15 million of early works expenditure within property, plant and equipment).

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	14 Property, plant and equipment Mining Land Plant Capital properties and and works in and leases (a) buildings (b) equipment progress Total Year ended 31 December 2017 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2017 10,848 7,316 35,706 4,985 58,855 Adjustment on currency translation (c) 495 461 2,242 183 3,381 Adjustments to capitalised closure costs 26 710 - - - 710 Interest capitalised (d) 8 - - - 224 224 Additions 230 41 646 3,834 4,751 Depreciation for the year (a) (e) (673 ) (403 ) (3,122 ) - (4,198 ) Impairment charges, net of reversals (f) (304 ) (2 ) (128 ) (1 ) (435 ) Disposals - (57 ) (40 ) (26 ) (123 ) Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (g) (211 ) (95 ) (417 ) (26 ) (749 ) Transfers and other movements (h) 393 115 1,398 (2,229 ) (323 ) At 31 December 2017 11,488 7,376 36,285 6,944 62,093 – cost 24,691 12,029 71,903 7,266 115,889 – accumulated depreciation and impairment (13,203 ) (4,653 ) (35,618 ) (322 ) (53,796 ) Non-current assets held under finance leases (i) - - 37 - 37 Non-current assets pledged as security (j) 3,307 410 5,308 3,278 12,303 Mining Land Plant Capital properties and and works in and leases (a) buildings (b) equipment progress Total Year ended 31 December 2016 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2016 11,146 7,571 37,900 4,440 61,057 Adjustment on currency translation 137 62 138 16 353 Adjustments to capitalised closure costs 26 (123 ) - - - (123 ) Interest capitalised (d) 8 - - - 111 111 Additions 237 47 537 2,307 3,128 Depreciation for the year (a) (e) (760 ) (429 ) (3,378 ) - (4,567 ) Impairment charges, net of reversals (f) (130 ) - (112 ) (6 ) (248 ) Disposals (3 ) (169 ) (86 ) - (258 ) Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (40 ) (88 ) (217 ) (14 ) (359 ) Transfers and other movements (h) 384 322 924 (1,869 ) (239 ) At 31 December 2016 10,848 7,316 35,706 4,985 58,855 – cost 22,989 11,444 68,030 5,374 107,837 – accumulated depreciation and impairment (12,141 ) (4,128 ) (32,324 ) (389 ) (48,982 ) Non-current assets held under finance leases (i) - - 38 - 38 Non-current assets pledged as security (j) 3,310 423 5,332 2,104 11,169 (a) At 31 December 2017, the net book value of capitalised production phase stripping costs totalled US$1,815 million, with US$1,374 million within Property, plant and equipment and a further US$441 million within Investments in equity accounted units (2016 total of US$1,967 million with US$1,511 million in Property, plant and equipment and a further US$456 million within Investments in equity accounted units). During the year capitalisation of US$327 million was partly offset by depreciation of US$299 million (including amounts recorded within equity accounted units). Depreciation of deferred stripping costs in respect of subsidiaries of US$194 million (2016: US$203 million; 2015: US$173 million) is included within “Depreciation for the year”. (b) At 31 December 2017, the net book value amount for land and buildings includes freehold US$7,294 million (2016: US$7,276 million) and long leasehold US$82 million (2016: US$40 million). (c) Adjustment on currency translation represents the impact of exchange differences arising on the translation of the assets of entities with functional currencies other than the US dollar, recognised directly in the currency translation reserve. The adjustment in 2017 arose from the weakening of the US dollar against other currencies. (d) Interest is capitalised at a rate based on the Group or relevant subsidiary’s cost of borrowing or at the rate on project specific debt, where applicable. The Group’s average borrowing rate used for capitalisation of interest is 4.45 per cent (2016: 4.2 per cent). (e) Assets within operations for which production is not expected to fluctuate significantly from one year to another or which have a physical life shorter than the related mine are depreciated on a straight-line basis as follows: Land and buildings Land: not depreciated Buildings: five to 50 years Plant and equipment Other plant and equipment: three to 50 years Power assets: 25 to 50 years Capital work in progress: not depreciated (f) During 2017, impairment charges primarily related to Arygle Diamonds and Rössing Uranium (see note 6). During 2016, impairment charges primarily related to Argyle Diamonds. (g) During 2017, “Subsidiaries no longer consolidated” relates primarily to the disposal of Coal & Allied Industries Limited which completed on 1 September 2017 (see note 37). (h) “Transfers and other movements” includes reclassifications between categories, including transfers to assets of disposal groups held for sale. (i) The finance leases under which these assets are held are disclosed in note 23. (j) Excludes assets held under finance leases. Non-current assets pledged as security represent amounts pledged as collateral against US$4,677 million (2016: US$4,783 million) of loans, which are included in note 22.

Investments in equity accounted

Investments in equity accounted units	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Investments Accounted For Using Equity Method Explanatory [Abstract]
Investments in equity accounted units	Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 15 Investments in equity accounted units 2017 2016 Summary balance sheet (Rio Tinto share) US$m US$m Rio Tinto's share of assets – Non-current assets 5,913 6,686 – Current assets 990 832 6,903 7,518 Rio Tinto's share of liabilities – Current liabilities (654 ) (612 ) – Non-current liabilities (1,763 ) (1,887 ) (2,417 ) (2,499 ) Rio Tinto's share of net assets 4,486 5,019 Further details of investments in equity accounted units are set out in notes 35 and 36. At 31 December 2017 and 2016, the Group had no investments in equity accounted units with shares listed on recognised stock exchanges. At 31 December 2017, net debt of equity accounted units, excluding amounts due to Rio Tinto, was US$1,244 million (2016: US$1,338 million).

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	16 Inventories 2017 2016 US$m US$m Raw materials and purchased components 648 470 Consumable stores 875 840 Work in progress 1,082 970 Finished goods and goods for resale 1,027 800 3,632 3,080 Comprising: Expected to be used within one year 3,472 2,937 Expected to be used after more than one year 160 143 3,632 3,080 During 2017, the Group recognised a net inventory write-back of US$7 million. This comprised a US$81 million write-back of amounts previously written down due to an increase in realisable values, offset by inventory write offs of US$74 million. In 2016, inventory write-downs, net of reversals, amounted to US$51 million and in 2015 US$192 million. At 31 December 2017, US$611 million (2016: US$564 million) of inventories were pledged as security for liabilities.

Deferred taxation

Deferred taxation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred taxation	17 Deferred taxation 2017 2016 US$m US$m At 1 January - deferred tax asset (607 ) (23 ) Adjustment on currency translation 53 58 Charged/(credited) to the income statement 695 (548 ) Charged/(credited) to statement of comprehensive income (a) 153 (33 ) Disposals - (8 ) Other movements (b) (61 ) (53 ) At 31 December - deferred tax liability/(asset) 233 (607 ) Comprising: – deferred tax liabilities (c) (d) 3,628 3,121 – deferred tax assets (c) (e) (f) (3,395 ) (3,728 ) Deferred tax balances for which there is a right of offset within the same tax jurisdiction are presented net on the face of the balance sheet as permitted by IAS 12. The closing deferred tax liabilities and assets, prior to this offsetting of balances, are shown below. Total Total 2017 2016 US$m US$m Deferred tax liabilities arising from: Capital allowances 5,208 4,937 Unremitted earnings (d) 588 659 Capitalised interest 391 403 Unrealised exchange gains 31 40 Other temporary differences 222 301 6,440 6,340 Deferred tax assets arising from: Tax losses (e) (2,282 ) (2,246 ) Provisions (1,731 ) (2,040 ) Capital allowances (579 ) (883 ) Post-retirement benefits (616 ) (888 ) Unrealised exchange losses (317 ) (342 ) Other temporary differences (682 ) (548 ) (6,207 ) (6,947 ) Charged/(credited) to the income statement Unrealised exchange losses 36 156 Tax losses 12 (122 ) Provisions 451 (279 ) Capital allowances 278 (441 ) Tax on unremitted earnings 4 (6 ) Post-retirement benefits 149 (6 ) Other temporary differences (235 ) 150 695 (548 ) (a) The amounts charged directly to the Statement of comprehensive income include provisions for tax on exchange differences on intragroup loans qualifying for reporting as part of the net investment in subsidiaries, on cash flow hedges and on actuarial gains and losses on pension schemes and on post-retirement healthcare plans. (b) “Other movements” include deferred tax relating to tax payable recognised by subsidiary holding companies on the profits of the equity accounted units to which it relates and, in 2016, amounts credited directly to the statement of changes in equity relating to the restructure of Coal & Allied Industries Limited. (c) The deferred tax liability of US$3,628 million (2016: US$3,121 million) includes US$3,615 million (2016: US$3,109 million) due in more than one year. The deferred tax asset of US$3,395 million (2016: US$3,728 million) includes US$3,386 million (2016: US$3,721 million) receivable in more than one year. All amounts are shown as non-current on the face of the balance sheet as required by IAS 12. (d) Deferred tax is not recognised on the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures totalling US$3,242 million (2016: US$2,523 million) where the Group is able to control the timing of the remittance and it is probable that there will be no remittance in the foreseeable future. If these earnings were remitted, tax of US$131 million (2016: US$125 million) would be payable. (e) There is a limited time period, the shortest of which is six years, for the recovery of US$1,679 million (2016: US$1,309 million) of tax losses and other tax assets which have been recognised as deferred tax assets in the financial statements. (f) Recognised and unrecognised deferred tax assets are shown in the table below and totalled US$7,071 million at 31 December 2017 (2016: US$7,170 million). Of this total, US$3,395 million has been recognised as deferred tax assets (2016: US$3,728 million), leaving US$3,676 million (2016: US$3,442 million) unrecognised, as recovery is not considered probable. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 17 Deferred taxation continued The recognised amounts do not include deferred tax assets that have been netted off against deferred tax liabilities. Recognised Unrecognised 2017 2016 2017 2016 At 31 December US$m US$m US$m US$m France - 330 1,163 1,077 Canada 546 470 674 707 US 877 1,239 7 6 Australia 1,055 1,072 257 446 Mongolia (a) 631 441 61 - Other (b) 286 176 1,514 1,206 Total 3,395 3,728 3,676 3,442 (a) Deferred tax assets in Mongolia include US$432 million (2016: US$365 million) from tax losses that expire if not recovered against taxable profits within eight years. Tax losses have been calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement and Mongolian laws. Recovery of the recognised deferred tax assets is expected to commence from 2023 based on projected cash flows in the latest life-of-mine plan, which includes delivery of the underground project. Tax law in Mongolia and its interpretation by the tax authority has been, and is expected to continue to be, subject to change. Such future changes could have a material impact on the amount and period of recovery of these deferred tax assets. (b) US$777 million (2016: US$964 million) of the unrecognised assets relate to realised or unrealised capital losses, the recovery of which depends on the existence of capital gains in future years. There is a time limit, the shortest of which is one year, for the recovery of US$250 million of the unrecognised assets (2016: US$105 million).

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables	18 Trade and other receivables Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Trade receivables (a) 1 2,314 2,315 - 2,283 2,283 Other receivables 526 820 1,346 347 880 1,227 Prepayment of tolling charges to jointly controlled entities (b) 269 - 269 267 - 267 Pension surpluses (note 44) 871 - 871 625 - 625 Amounts due from equity accounted units - 30 30 - 31 31 Other prepayments 57 279 336 103 266 369 1,724 3,443 5,167 1,342 3,460 4,802 (a) At 31 December 2017, trade and other receivables are stated net of provisions for doubtful debts of US$55 million (2016: US$66 million). Amounts of US$38 million were impaired during the year, and US$11 million of unused provision reversed. (b) These prepayments will be charged to Group operating costs as processing takes place. There is no material element of trade and other receivables that is interest-bearing. The fair value of current trade and other receivables and the majority of amounts classified as non-current trade and other receivables approximates to their carrying value. As of 31 December 2017, trade receivables of US$145 million (2016: US$230 million) were past due but not impaired. The ageing of these receivables is as follows: 2017 2016 US$m US$m less than 30 days overdue 122 196 between 30 and 60 days overdue 3 4 between 60 and 90 days overdue 17 7 more than 90 days overdue 3 23 145 230 These relate to a number of customers for whom there is no recent history of default. With respect to trade and other receivables that are neither impaired nor past due, there are no indications as of the reporting date that the debtors will not meet their payment obligations.
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables	C Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables includes US$9,114 million (31 December 2016: US$6,007 million), which is subject to interest based on LIBOR, is unsecured and repayable on demand.

Assets and liabilities held for

Assets and liabilities held for sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Noncurrent Assets Or Disposal Groups Classified As Held For Sale Or As Held For Distribution To Owners [Abstract]
Assets and liabilities held for sale	19 Assets and liabilities held for sale As at 31 December 2017, assets and liabilities held for sale includes Rio Tinto's interest in the Dunkerque aluminium smelter (US$355 million) and certain other separate assets. At 31 December 2016, assets and liabilities held for sale included Blair Athol and certain other separate assets.

Other financial assets (includi

Other financial assets (including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Other Financial Assets [Abstract]
Other financial assets (including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units)	20 Other financial assets (including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units) Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Derivative financial instruments 238 29 267 508 24 532 Equity shares and quoted funds 45 91 136 73 83 156 Other investments, including loans (a) 188 964 1,152 202 252 454 Loans to equity accounted units 39 - 39 39 - 39 510 1,084 1,594 822 359 1,181 (a) Current “Other investments, including loans” comprise US$958 million (2016: US$250 million) of highly liquid financial assets held in managed investment funds classified as held for trading. Detailed information relating to other financial assets is given in note 30.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Production, Reserves Additional Information 21 Cash and cash equivalents 2017 2016 Note US$m US$m Cash at bank and in hand 1,035 956 Money market funds and other cash equivalents 9,515 7,245 Balance per Group balance sheet 10,550 8,201 Bank overdrafts repayable on demand (unsecured) 22 (3 ) (12 ) Balance per Group cash flow statement 10,547 8,189 Cash and cash equivalents of US$290 million (2016: US$358 million) are held in countries where there are restrictions on remittances. Of this balance, US$158 million (2016: US$252 million) could be used to repay subsidiaries’ third-party borrowings. There are also restrictions on a further US$1,089 million (2016: US$1,051 million) of cash and cash equivalents, the majority of which is held by partially owned subsidiaries and is not available for use in the wider Group due to legal and contractual restrictions currently in place. Of this balance US$703 million (2016: US$766 million) could be used to repay subsidiaries’ third-party borrowings. 1

Borrowings and other financial

Borrowings and other financial liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Borrowings And Other Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 22 Borrowings and other financial liabilities Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 Borrowings at 31 December Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 9.0% 2019 (a) - - - 1,235 - 1,235 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.5% 2020 - - - 464 - 464 Rio Tinto Finance plc Euro Bonds 2.0% due 2020 (a) (b) 921 - 921 817 - 817 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 4.125% 2021 (a) 428 - 428 573 - 573 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.750% 2021 (a) 347 - 347 621 - 621 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 3.5% 2022 (a) 227 - 227 459 - 459 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 2.875% 2022 (a) 377 - 377 509 - 509 Rio Tinto Finance plc Euro Bonds 2.875% due 2024 (a) (b) 644 - 644 577 - 577 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.75% 2025 (a) 1,192 - 1,192 1,195 - 1,195 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 7.125% 2028 (a) 965 - 965 980 - 980 Alcan Inc. Debentures 7.25% due 2028 105 - 105 105 - 105 Rio Tinto Finance plc Sterling Bonds 4.0% due 2029 (a) (b) 669 - 669 609 - 609 Alcan Inc. Debentures 7.25% due 2031 422 - 422 425 - 425 Alcan Inc. Global Notes 6.125% due 2033 740 - 740 741 - 741 Alcan Inc. Global Notes 5.75% due 2035 287 - 287 287 - 287 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 5.2% 2040 (a) 1,102 - 1,102 1,103 - 1,103 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 4.75% 2042 (a) 467 - 467 466 - 466 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 4.125% 2042 (a) 691 - 691 690 - 690 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2027 (c) 2,262 - 2,262 2,259 - 2,259 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2028 (c) 255 - 255 247 - 247 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2029 (c) 869 - 869 866 - 866 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2030 (c) 761 - 761 754 - 754 Loans from equity accounting units - 31 31 - 49 49 Other secured loans 451 79 530 530 127 657 Other unsecured loans 393 435 828 377 508 885 Finance leases 23 49 4 53 24 21 45 Bank overdrafts 21 - 3 3 - 12 12 Total borrowings including overdrafts (d) 14,624 552 15,176 16,913 717 17,630 (a) These borrowings are subject to the hedging arrangements summarised below. Fair value hedge accounting has been applied except for the Rio Tinto Finance plc Sterling Bonds 4.0% due 2029 which has cash flow hedge accounting applied. (b) Rio Tinto has a US$10 billion (2016: US$10 billion) European Debt Issuance Programme against which the cumulative amount utilised was US$2.2 billion equivalent at 31 December 2017 (2016: US$1.9 billion). The carrying value of these bonds after hedge accounting adjustments amounted to US$2.2 billion (2016: US$ 2.0 billion) in aggregate. (c) These borrowings relate to the Oyu Tolgoi LLC project finance facility. The project finance facility provides for interest-only payments for the first five years followed by minimum repayments according to a stepped amortisation schedule for the remaining life of the facility. The due dates stated represent the final repayment date. Further details are provided in note 30. (d) The Group’s borrowings of US$15.2 billion (2016: US$17.6 billion) include US$2.7 billion (2016: US$2.8 billion) which relates to subsidiary entity borrowings that are without recourse to the Group, and US$4.7 billion (2016: US$4.8 billion) which is subject to various financial and general covenants with which the respective borrowers were in compliance as at 31 December 2017. Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 Other financial liabilities US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Derivative financial instruments 481 50 531 517 6 523 Other financial liabilities 43 302 345 40 199 239 Total other financial liabilities 524 352 876 557 205 762 Total borrowings including overdrafts (as above) 14,624 552 15,176 16,913 717 17,630 Total borrowings and other financial liabilities 15,148 904 16,052 17,470 922 18,392 Swap arrangements At 31 December 2017, US$5.7 billion (2016: US$7.7 billion) US dollar notional of the fixed rate US dollar borrowings were swapped to floating US dollar rates and US$1.5 billion (2016: US$1.3 billion) US dollar notional equivalent of Euro borrowings were fully swapped to floating US dollar rates. Hedge accounting has been applied to the full notional of items marked (a) in the above table except for: US$75 million (2016: US$75 million) of the Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 7.125% due 2028. This portion is held at amortised cost. The Rio Tinto Finance plc Sterling Bond 4.0% due 2029 at US$0.7 billion (2016: US$0.6 billion) US dollar notional equivalent of sterling was fully swapped to US dollar notional and fixed US dollar rates. Cash flow hedging was applied to the annual interest coupons and principal of this bond. The hedge was fully effective in 2017 and 2016 financial years. The fair value of interest rate and cross currency interest rate swaps at 31 December 2017 was US$99 million (2016: US$108 million) asset and US$276 million (2016: US$516 million) liability, respectively. These are included within “Other financial assets” and “Other financial liabilities” in the balance sheet. Details of the major interest rate and cross currency interest rate swaps are shown in note 30. 1

Capitalised finance leases

Capitalised finance leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Capitalised Finance Leases [Abstract]
Capitalised finance leases	23 Capitalised finance leases 2017 2016 Note US$m US$m Present value of minimum lease payments Total minimum lease payments 57 45 Effect of discounting (4 ) - 22 53 45 Payments under capitalised finance leases Due within 1 year 4 21 Between 1 and 3 years 14 8 Between 3 and 5 years 28 6 More than 5 years 11 10 57 45

Consolidated net debt

Consolidated net debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Consolidated Net Debt [Abstract]
Consolidated net debt	24 Consolidated net debt Financing liabilities (b) Other assets Borrowings (including finance leases) excluding Debt-related derivatives (included in Other financial assets/ Cash/ Other 2017 2016 Overdrafts (a) liabilities) Overdrafts (b) investments (c) Net debt Net debt Year ended 31 December US$m US$m Analysis of changes in consolidated net debt Opening balance (17,618 ) (408 ) 8,189 250 (9,587 ) (13,783 ) Foreign exchange adjustment (303 ) 245 (12 ) - (70 ) 90 Cash movements excluding exchange movements 2,777 7 2,370 705 5,859 3,915 Other non-cash movements (29 ) (21 ) - 3 (47 ) 191 Closing balance (15,173 ) (177 ) 10,547 958 (3,845 ) (9,587 ) 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt 554 160 (1,578 ) Exchange (losses)/gains on intragroup balances (1,154 ) 449 (1,961 ) Exchange (losses)/gains on settlement of dividends (1 ) 2 1 (Charged)/credited to income statement (601 ) 611 (3,538 ) (a) Borrowings (including finance leases) at 31 December 2017 differ from total borrowings on the balance sheet as they exclude overdrafts of US$3 million (31 December 2016: US$12 million), other current financial liabilities of US$352 million (31 December 2016: US$205 million) and other non-current financial liabilities US$524 million (31 December 2016: US$557 million). (b) Closing cash/overdrafts at 31 December 2017 differ from cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet as they include overdrafts of US$3 million which have been classified as a financial liability (31 December 2016: US$12 million). (c) Other investments comprise US$958 million (2016: US$250 million) of highly liquid financial assets held in managed investment funds classified as held for trading. Further information relating to the currency and interest rate exposures arising from net debt and related derivatives is given in note 30.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Payables [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	25 Trade and other payables Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Trade payables - 3,255 3,255 - 2,787 2,787 Deferred income 246 246 492 234 197 431 Accruals 13 1,347 1,360 1 973 974 Other payables 352 964 1,316 309 1,072 1,381 Employee entitlements - 734 734 - 720 720 Royalties and mining taxes 4 492 496 3 516 519 Amounts owed to equity accounted units 156 19 175 151 92 243 Government grants deferred 85 4 89 91 4 95 856 7,061 7,917 789 6,361 7,150 The fair value of trade payables and financial instruments within other payables approximates their carrying value.
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Payables [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	D Trade and other payables Trade and other payables include US$12,265 million (31 December 2016: US$12,079 million) which is subject to interest rates based on LIBOR, is unsecured and repayable on demand.

Provisions (including post-reti

Provisions (including post-retirement benefits)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Provisions Including Post Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits)	26 Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) Pensions and Close-down post-retirement Other employee and restoration/ Total Total healthcare (a) entitlements (b) environmental (c) Other 2017 2016 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m At 1 January 3,167 450 8,722 1,455 13,794 13,066 Adjustment on currency translation 200 34 502 110 846 (56 ) Adjustments to mining properties 14 – changes in estimate - - 710 - 710 (123 ) Charged/(credited) to profit: – increases to existing and new provisions 233 96 230 238 797 1,630 – unused amounts reversed - (37 ) (61 ) (89 ) (187 ) (239 ) – exchange (gains)/losses on provisions - - (40 ) (43 ) (83 ) 13 – amortisation of discount - - 348 35 383 338 Utilised in year (339 ) (84 ) (268 ) (362 ) (1,053 ) (997 ) Actuarial losses recognised in equity 121 - - - 121 152 Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (d) - (69 ) (102 ) (451 ) (622 ) (63 ) Transfers to assets held for sale (13 ) (4 ) (47 ) - (64 ) (4 ) Transfers and other movements 1 3 (11 ) 7 - 77 At 31 December 3,370 389 9,983 900 14,642 13,794 Balance sheet analysis: Current 84 277 634 280 1,275 1,315 Non-current 3,286 112 9,349 620 13,367 12,479 Total 3,370 389 9,983 900 14,642 13,794 (a) The main assumptions used to determine the provision for pensions and post-retirement healthcare, and other information, including the expected level of future funding payments in respect of those arrangements, are given in note 44. (b) The provision for other employee entitlements includes a provision for long service leave of US$292 million (2016: US$317 million), based on the relevant entitlements in certain Group operations and includes US$24 million (2016: US$59 million) of provision for redundancy and severance payments. (c) The Group’s policy on close-down and restoration costs is described in note 1(k) and in paragraph (iv) under “Critical accounting policies and estimates” on pages 126 and 129. Close-down and restoration costs are a normal consequence of mining, and the majority of close-down and restoration expenditure is incurred in the years following closure of the mine, refinery or smelter. Remaining lives of operations and infrastructure range from one to over 50 years with an average for all sites, weighted by present closure obligation, of around 20 years (2016: 16 years). Although the ultimate cost to be incurred is uncertain, the Group’s businesses estimate their respective costs based on current restoration standards and techniques. Provisions of US$9,983 million (2016: US$8,722 million) for close-down and restoration costs and environmental clean-up obligations are based on risk-adjusted cash flows. These estimates have been discounted to their present value at a real risk free rate of 2 per cent per annum, based on an estimate of the long-term, risk-free, pre-tax cost of borrowing. If the risk free rate was decreased by 0.5 per cent then the provision would be US$1,102 million higher. Non-current provisions for close-down and restoration/environmental expenditure include amounts relating to environmental clean-up of US$336 million (2016: US$366 million) expected to take place between one and five years from the balance sheet date, and US$839 million (2016: US$727 million) expected to take place later than five years after the balance sheet date. Close-down and restoration/environmental liabilities at 31 December 2017 have not been adjusted for amounts of US$75 million (2016: US$110 million) relating to insurance recoveries and other financial assets held for the purposes of meeting these obligations. (d) “Subsidiaries no longer consolidated” relates primarily to the disposal of Coal & Allied Industries Limited, which completed on 1 September 2017 (see note 37).

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Abstract]
Share capital - Rio Tinto plc	27 Share capital – Rio Tinto plc 2017 2016 2015 Number Number Number 2017 2016 2015 (million) (million) (million) US$m US$m US$m Issued and fully paid up share capital of 10p each At 1 January 1,384.520 1,384.487 1,425.378 224 224 230 Ordinary shares issued (a) (c) 0.026 0.033 0.022 - - - Shares purchased and cancelled (b) (32.937 ) - (40.913 ) (4 ) - (6 ) At 31 December 1,351.609 1,384.520 1,384.487 220 224 224 Shares held by public At 1 January 1,374.822 1,374.046 1,414.147 Shares reissued from treasury (a) 0.147 0.743 0.790 Shares purchased and cancelled (b) (32.937 ) - (40.913 ) Ordinary shares issued (a) (c) 0.026 0.033 0.022 At 31 December 1,342.058 1,374.822 1,374.046 Shares held in treasury 9.551 9.698 10.441 Shares held by public 1,342.058 1,374.822 1,374.046 Total share capital 1,351.609 1,384.520 1,384.487 Other share classes Special Voting Share of 10p each (d) 1 only 1 only 1 only DLC Dividend Share of 10p each (d) 1 only 1 only 1 only Equalisation Share of 10p each (d) 1 only 1 only 1 only (a) 26,241 ordinary shares were issued in 2017 under the Global Employee Share Plan (GESP). 147,126 ordinary shares were reissued from treasury during the year resulting from the vesting of awards and the exercise of options under Rio Tinto plc employee share-based payment plans, with exercise prices and market values between £28.63 and £37.78 per share (2016: 33,210 ordinary shares were issued under the GESP, and 743,380 ordinary shares were reissued from treasury with exercise prices and market values between £16.53 and £32.23 per share; 2015: 21,709 ordinary shares were issued under the GESP, and 789,887 ordinary shares reissued from treasury with exercise prices and market values between £15.09 and £32.37 per share). (b) The authority for the Company to buy back its ordinary shares was renewed at the 2017 annual general meeting. 32,937,109 shares were bought back and cancelled in 2017 under the on-market buy-back programme. (c) The aggregate consideration for new shares issued under the GESP was US$1.0 million (2016: US$0.9 million; 2015: US$0.9 million). The difference between the nominal value and the issue price of the shares issued was credited to the share premium account. The aggregate consideration received for treasury shares reissued was US$2 million (2016: US$4 million; 2015: US$13 million). No new shares were issued as a result of the exercise of options under Rio Tinto plc employee share-based payment plans in 2017, 2016 and 2015. (d) The “Special Voting Share” was issued to facilitate the joint voting by shareholders of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited on Joint Decisions, following the DLC Merger. The “DLC Dividend Share” was issued to facilitate the efficient management of funds within the DLC structure. Directors have the ability to issue an Equalisation Share if that is required under the terms of the DLC Merger Sharing Agreement. During 2017, US$38.9 million of shares and ADRs (2016: US$40.1 million; 2015: US$34.1 million) were purchased by employee share ownership trusts on behalf of Rio Tinto plc to satisfy future share options and awards as they vest. At 31 December 2017, 835,062 shares and 38,849 ADRs were held in the employee share ownership trusts on behalf of Rio Tinto plc. Information relating to share options and other share-based incentive schemes is given in note 43.

Share Capital - Rio Tinto Limit

Share Capital - Rio Tinto Limited	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Abstract]
Share capital - Rio Tinto Limited	28 Share capital – Rio Tinto Limited 2017 2016 2015 Number Number Number 2017 2016 2015 (million) (million) (million) US$m US$m US$m Issued and fully paid up share capital At 1 January 424.19 424.19 435.76 3,915 3,950 4,535 Adjustment on currency translation 310 (35 ) (503 ) Ordinary shares purchased and cancelled (a) (b) (11.78 ) - (11.57 ) (85 ) - (82 ) At 31 December 412.41 424.19 424.19 4,140 3,915 3,950 – Special Voting Share (c) 1 only 1 only 1 only – DLC Dividend Share (c) 1 only 1 only 1 only Total share capital 412.41 424.19 424.19 (a) In November 2017, 11,778,064 Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares were purchased at A$63.67 per share and cancelled under an off-market share buy-back programme carried out pursuant to the shareholder approval granted at Rio Tinto Limited’s 2017 annual general meeting for off-market and on-market buy-backs of up to 42.4 million Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares. (b) In April 2015, 11,566,308 Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares were purchased at A$48.44 per share and cancelled under an off-market share buy-back programme carried out pursuant to the shareholder approval granted at Rio Tinto Limited’s 2015 annual general meeting for off-market and on-market buy-backs of up to 43.5 million Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares. (c) The “Special Voting Share” was issued to facilitate the joint voting by shareholders of Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc on Joint Decisions following the DLC Merger. The “DLC Dividend Share” was issued to facilitate the efficient management of funds within the DLC structure. Directors have the ability to issue an Equalisation Share if that is required under the terms of the DLC Merger Sharing Agreement. During 2017, US$37.5 million of shares (2016: US$48.5 million; 2015: US$37.0 million) were purchased by employee share ownership trusts on behalf of Rio Tinto Limited to satisfy future share options and awards as they vest. At 31 December 2017, 757,450 shares were held in the employee share ownership trusts on behalf of Rio Tinto Limited. Information relating to share options and other share-based incentive schemes is given in note 43.

Other reserves and retained ear

Other reserves and retained earnings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Abstract]
Other reserves and retained earnings	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 29 Other reserves and retained earnings 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Capital redemption reserve (a) At 1 January 34 34 28 Own shares purchased and cancelled 4 - 6 At 31 December 38 34 34 Hedging reserves At 1 January 32 - 12 Parent and subsidiaries' net cash flow hedge fair value gains/(losses) 62 (88 ) (41 ) Parent and subsidiaries' net cash flow hedge (gains)/losses transferred to the income statement (62 ) 116 32 Tax on the above - 4 (3 ) At 31 December 32 32 - Available for sale revaluation reserves At 1 January (126 ) (139 ) (130 ) Gains/(losses) on available for sale securities 19 13 (16 ) Losses on available for sale securities transferred to the income statement 6 - 7 Tax on the above (1 ) - - Transfers and other movements 122 - - At 31 December 20 (126 ) (139 ) Other reserves (b) At 1 January 11,861 11,735 11,704 Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto - 108 - Own shares purchased from Rio Tinto Limited shareholders to satisfy share options (64 ) (43 ) (25 ) Employee share options: value of services 31 58 58 Deferred tax on share options 10 3 (2 ) Companies no longer consolidated (124 ) - - At 31 December 11,714 11,861 11,735 Foreign currency translation reserve (c) At 1 January (2,585 ) (2,491 ) (492 ) Parent and subsidiaries currency translation and exchange adjustments 2,942 (204 ) (1,940 ) Equity accounted units currency translation adjustments 34 11 (57 ) Currency translation reclassified on disposal 78 99 (2 ) Transfers and other movements 11 - - At 31 December 480 (2,585 ) (2,491 ) Total other reserves per balance sheet 12,284 9,216 9,139 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Retained earnings (d) At 1 January 21,631 19,736 26,110 Parent and subsidiaries' profit/(loss) for the year 8,423 4,298 (1,218 ) Equity accounted units' profit after tax for the year 339 319 352 Actuarial gains/(losses) (e) 1 (94 ) 616 Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income (150 ) 30 (173 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 8,613 4,553 (423 ) Share buy-back programme (2,312 ) - (1,946 ) Dividends paid (4,250 ) (2,725 ) (4,076 ) Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto 43 40 20 Companies no longer consolidated 130 - - Own shares purchased/treasury shares reissued for share options and other movements (18 ) (37 ) (27 ) Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges taken to the income statement 57 64 78 Transfer and other movements (133 ) - - At 31 December 23,761 21,631 19,736 (a) The capital redemption reserve was set up to comply with section 733 of the UK Companies Act 2006 (previously section 170 of the UK Companies Act 1985) when shares of a company are redeemed or purchased wholly out of the company’s profits. Balances reflect the amount by which the Company’s issued share capital is diminished in accordance with this section. (b) Other reserves includes US$11,936 million which represents the difference between the nominal value and issue price of the shares issued arising from Rio Tinto plc’s rights issue completed in July 2009. No share premium was recorded in the Rio Tinto plc financial statements through the operation of the merger relief provisions of the UK Companies Act 1985. Other reserves also include the cumulative amount recognised under IFRS 2 in respect of options granted but not exercised to acquire shares in Rio Tinto Limited, less, where applicable, the cost of shares purchased to satisfy share options exercised. The cumulative amount recognised under IFRS 2 in respect of options granted but not exercised to acquire shares in Rio Tinto plc is recorded in retained earnings. (c) Exchange differences arising on the translation of the Group’s net investment in foreign controlled companies are taken to the foreign currency translation reserve, as described in note 1(d). The cumulative differences relating to an investment are transferred to the income statement when the investment is disposed of. (d) Retained earnings and movements in reserves of subsidiaries include those arising from the Group’s share of joint operations. (e) There were no actuarial losses relating to equity accounted units in 2017, 2016 or 2015. 1

Financial instruments and risk

Financial instruments and risk management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial instruments and risk management	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 30 Financial instruments and risk management Except where stated, the information given below relates to the financial instruments of the parent companies and their subsidiaries and joint operations, and excludes those of equity accounted units. The information is grouped in the following sections: A – Financial assets and liabilities by categories B – Derivative financial instruments C – Fair values A (a) Financial assets and liabilities by categories Held to maturity Available assets/Other Loans and for sale Held at financial Total receivables securities fair value liabilities At 31 December 2017 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 21 10,550 10,550 - - - Trade and other receivables (a) 2,985 2,895 - 90 - Equity shares and quoted funds 20 136 - 136 - - Other investments, including loans (b) 20 1,152 15 - 1,125 12 Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt: not designated as hedges (c) 20 168 - - 168 - Derivatives related to net debt (c) 20,24 99 - - 99 - Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans 198 198 - - - Total financial assets 15,288 13,658 136 1,482 12 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (d) (5,922 ) (15 ) (5,907 ) Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts 22 (552 ) - (552 ) Medium and long-term borrowings 22 (14,624 ) - (14,624 ) Derivatives related to net debt (c) 22,24 (276 ) (276 ) - Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges (c) 22 (255 ) (255 ) - Other financial liabilities 22 (345 ) - (345 ) Total financial liabilities (21,974 ) (546 ) (21,428 ) Held to maturity assets/other Loans and Available financial Total receivables for sale Held at liabilities At 31 December 2016 Note US$m (Adjusted) (e)(f) US$m (Adjusted) (e) securities US$m fair value US$m US$m (Adjusted) (f) Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 21 8,201 8,201 - - - Trade and other receivables (a)(e) 3,047 2,904 - 143 - Equity shares and quoted funds 20 156 - 156 - - Other investments, including loans (b) 20 454 14 - 431 9 Currency and commodity derivatives: designated as hedges (c) 20 1 - - 1 - Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt: not designated as hedges (c) 20 423 - - 423 - Derivatives related to net debt (c) 20,24 108 - - 108 - Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans 202 202 - - - Total financial assets 12,592 11,321 156 1,106 9 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (d) (f) (5,209 ) (5 ) (5,204 ) Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts 22 (717 ) - (717 ) Medium and long-term borrowings 22 (16,913 ) - (16,913 ) Derivatives related to net debt (c) 22,24 (516 ) (516 ) - Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges (c) 22 (7 ) (7 ) - Other financial liabilities 22 (239 ) - (239 ) Total financial liabilities (23,601 ) (528 ) (23,073 ) (a) Trade and other receivables exclude non-financial assets such as pension surpluses, prepayment of tolling charges to joint operations and other prepayments within other receivables and will therefore differ to the amounts shown in note 18. (b) Other investments, including loans comprise US$958 million (2016: US$250 million) of highly liquid financial assets in managed investment funds classified as held for trading. (c) These financial assets and liabilities in aggregate agree to total derivative financial instruments disclosed in notes 20 and 22. (d) Trade and other payables excludes non-financial liabilities such as deferred income, Government grants, royalties, mining taxes and employee entitlements within other payables and will therefore differ to the amounts shown in note 25. The trade and other payables held at fair value are valued using Level 2 inputs. (e) The 2016 comparative of trade and other receivables has been reduced by US$385 million to remove other receivables, which were incorrectly classified as financial assets. (f) The 2016 comparative of trade and other payables has been reduced by US$177 million to remove other payables, which were incorrectly classified as financial liabilities. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 30 Financial instruments and risk management continued A (b) Financial risk management Funding and exposure management The Group is exposed to a number of financial risks which are considered within the overall Group Risk management framework described on pages 19. The key financial risks are capital and liquidity, commodity price, credit, foreign exchange and interest rate which are discussed in detail below. The Group’s policies on financial risk management are clearly defined and consistently applied. The policies look to ensure that the Group has an appropriate capital structure which enables it to manage the risks faced by the organisation through the commodities cycle. The general approach to financial risks is to ensure that the business is robust enough to enable exposures to float with the market. However, the Group may choose to fix some financial exposures when it is deemed appropriate to do so. The Group has a diverse portfolio of commodities and operates in a number of markets, which have varying responses to the economic cycle. This diversity also provides some naturally offsetting long-term positions, for example Australian and Canadian currencies tend to strengthen when commodity prices are high and vice versa. Treasury operations Treasury is a centralised support and service function that acts as the custodian of the Group’s cash and balance sheet and its key financial risks. It performs its activities in a strong control environment, within board approved limits. It is not a profit centre. It is responsible for managing liquidity through funding and investments as well as financial risks such as commodity, financial counterparty credit, foreign exchange and interest risk. It is also responsible for managing banking relationships across the Group along with the Group’s insurance and pension arrangements. Treasury policy Rio Tinto does not acquire or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes; nor does it believe that it has material exposure to such trading or speculative holdings through its investments in joint arrangements and associates. However, derivatives are used as and when required in order to manage the Group’s exposure in accordance with its underlying financial risk management principles. Cash management and investment activities are managed and co-ordinated centrally by Treasury using only approved counterparties and within allocated credit limits which are reviewed and approved by the board at least annually. (i) Capital and liquidity risk management Policy The Group’s overriding objective when managing capital is to safeguard the business as a going concern whilst maximising returns for shareholders. In a cyclical and capital intensive industry such as the mining industry, maintaining a strong balance sheet and a sound financial risk management framework are desirable to preserve financial flexibility and generate shareholder value through the cycle. The board and senior management regularly review the capital structure and liquidity of the Group. These reviews take into account the Group’s strategic priorities, economic and business conditions, and opportunities that are identified to invest through all points of the commodities cycle and focus on the dividend policy and other forms of shareholder return while also striving to maintain a strong balance sheet. In February 2016, the Group announced a change in its dividend policy, moving from a progressive dividend policy to a dividend determined by taking into account the results for the financial year, the outlook for the Group’s major commodities, the board’s view of the long-term growth prospects of the business and the Group’s objective of maintaining a strong balance sheet. The board expects total cash returns to shareholders over the longer term to be in a range of 40 – 60 per cent of underlying earnings in aggregate throughout the cycle. Acknowledging the cyclical nature of the industry in periods of strong earnings and cash generation, it is the board’s intention to supplement the ordinary dividends with additional returns to shareholders. The resulting capital structure provides the Group with a high degree of financial flexibility at a low cost of capital. To maintain a strong balance sheet, the Group considers various financial metrics including net gearing, the overall level of borrowings and their maturity profile, liquidity levels, total capital, cash flow, EBITDA and interest cover ratios, either on a statutory reported basis or as expected to be adjusted by the credit rating agencies. 2017 2016 Total capital Note US$m US$m Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet) 44,711 39,290 Equity attributable to non-controlling interests (see Group balance sheet) 6,404 6,440 Net debt 24 3,845 9,587 Total capital 54,960 55,317 Net debt is a measure used by management and the board to manage the Group’s capital structure and liquidity risks. Net debt is disclosed in note 24. Net debt decreased from US$9.6 billion at 31 December 2016 to US$ 3.8 seven 14 The unified credit status of the Group is maintained through cross guarantees whereby contractual obligations of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited are automatically guaranteed by the other. Capital and liquidity risk management continued The table below summarises the credit ratings attributed to the Group by Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s investor services as at 31 December. 2017 2016 Long-term rating (a) A-/Baa1 Short-term rating A-1/P-2 A-1/P-2 Outlook (a) Stable/ Stable (a) On 12 February 2018, Standard and Poor's upgraded the Group's credit rating to A with a stable outlook. The Group has access to various forms of financing including its US Shelf Programme, European Debt Issuance Programme, Commercial Paper and credit facilities. The Group did not issue any listed debt in 2017 under these programmes. During 2017, the Group redeemed US$2.5 billion (2016: US$7.5 billion), in aggregate, principal value of bonds issued by Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc and Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited as part of a liability management programme. Due to early redemption costs this led to an aggregate cash outflow on those redemptions of US$2.7 billion (2016: US$7.9 billion) before fees. During 2016, Oyu Tolgoi LLC drew down US$4.3 billion under the project finance facility signed in December 2015. The project finance facility provides for interest-only payments for the first five years followed by minimum repayments according to a stepped amortisation schedule for the remaining life of the facility. The due dates stated below represent the final repayment date. In 2017, a further US$9 million was drawn down. The facility is provided and funded by international financial institutions and export credit agencies representing the governments of the United States, Canada and Australia, along with 15 commercial banks. Drawdowns comprised, in aggregate, US$0.7 billion MIGA Insured Loan due 2027 (LIBOR plus 2.65% pre-completion, LIBOR plus 3.65% post-completion); US$1.6 billion commercial banks “B Loan” due 2027 (LIBOR plus 3.4% pre-completion, LIBOR plus 4.4% post-completion); US$0.3 billion Export Credit Agencies Loan due 2028 (fixed at 2.3%); US$0.9 billion Export Credit Agencies Loan due 2029 (LIBOR plus 3.65% pre-completion, LIBOR plus 4.65% post completion); and US$0.9 billion International Financial Institutions “A Loan” due 2030 (LIBOR plus 3.78% pre-completion, LIBOR plus 4.78% post-completion). In November 2015, Rio Tinto Finance plc and Rio Tinto Finance Limited amended and extended its, in aggregate, US$7.5 billion multi-currency revolving credit facilities, originally signed in 2013, with a syndicate of banks. The facilities had two one-year extension options, the first of which was utilised in November 2016 and the second in November 2017. A US$1.9 billion facility currently matures in November 2020 and a US$5.6 billion facility (including a US$ denominated same day access swing-line facility) matures in November 2022. The funds made available under the facility agreements may be used for the general corporate purposes of the Group. Advances under the revolving facilities bear an interest rate per annum based on LIBOR (or EURIBOR, CDOR or BBSW in relation to any euro, Canadian dollar or Australian dollar loans respectively) plus a margin (which is dependent on the Group’s long-term credit rating as determined by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s and the level of drawdown). The facility agreements contain no financial covenants. At 31 December 2017 the facilities were undrawn. (ii) Commodity price risk Policy The Group’s normal policy is to sell its products at prevailing market prices. Exceptions to this rule are subject to strict limits laid down by the board and to rigid internal controls. The Group’s products are sold to customers under contracts which vary in tenure and pricing mechanisms, including some volumes sold in the spot market. Sales revenue may be subject to adjustment if the product specification does not conform to the terms specified in the sales contract. Pricing for iron ore is on a range of terms, the majority being either monthly or quarterly average pricing mechanisms, with a smaller proportion of iron ore volumes being sold on the spot market. Copper and aluminium are generally sold under contracts which vary in tenure and pricing mechanisms, with some volumes sold in the spot market. The prices are determined by reference to prevailing market prices on terminal markets, such as the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Commodities Exchange (COMEX) in New York. Prices fluctuate widely in response to changing levels of supply and demand but, in the long run, prices are related to the marginal cost of supply. Gold is also priced in an active market in which prices respond to daily changes in quantities offered and sought. Newly mined gold is only one source of supply; investment and disinvestment can be important elements of supply and demand. Certain of the Group’s products are provisionally priced at the date revenue is recognised, however, with the exception of copper, prices are generally finalised within the calendar quarter of the month of shipment. The final selling price is based on the price for the quotational period stipulated in the contract. Substantially all iron ore and aluminium sales are reflected at final prices in the results for the period. Final prices for copper concentrate are normally determined between 30 to 180 days after delivery to the customer. The change in value of the embedded pricing derivative included in the receivable is based on relevant forward market prices and is included in sales revenue. As at 31 December 2017, the Group had 250 304 41 Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 30 Financial instruments and risk management continued Hedging strategy Rio Tinto’s exposure to commodity prices is diversified by virtue of its broad commodity base and the Group does not generally consider commodity price hedging would provide a long-term benefit to shareholders. The Group may hedge certain commitments with some of its customers or suppliers. Details of commodity derivatives held at 31 December 2017 are set out in section B. Sensitivities The Group’s commodity derivatives are impacted by changes in market prices and include those aluminium forward and option contracts embedded in electricity purchase contracts outstanding at 31 December 2017. A ten per cent 221 212 The Group’s “own use contracts” are excluded from the sensitivity analysis as they are outside the scope of IAS 39. Such contracts to buy or sell non-financial items can be net settled but were entered into and continue to be held for the purpose of the receipt or delivery of the non-financial item in accordance with the business unit’s expected purchase, sale or usage requirements. (iii) Credit risk Policy Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial loss. The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (primarily from customer receivables) and from its financing activities, including investments in treasury and liquidity funds, deposits with banks and financial institutions, other short-term investments, interest rate and currency derivative contracts and other financial instruments. Credit risks related to receivables Customer credit risk is managed by each business unit subject to the Group’s established policy, procedures and controls relating to customer credit risk management. Credit limits are established for all customers based on internal or external rating criteria. Where customers are rated by an independent credit rating agency, these ratings are used to set credit limits. In circumstances where no independent credit rating exists, the credit quality of the customer is assessed based on an extensive credit rating scorecard. Outstanding customer receivables are regularly monitored and any credit concerns highlighted to senior management. At 31 December 2017, the Group had approximately 115 78 23 35 Credit risk related to financial instruments and cash deposits Credit risk from investments in government securities (primarily US Government), corporate and asset-backed securities or money market funds, and balances with banks and financial institutions is managed by Group Treasury in accordance with a board-approved policy. Investments of surplus funds are made only with approved investment grade (BBB- and above) counterparties who have been assigned specific credit limits. The board reviews these annually. The limits are set to minimise the concentration of credit risk and therefore mitigate the potential for financial loss through counterparty failure. The maximum credit risk exposure of the Group’s financial assets at the balance sheet date is as follows: 2017 2016 Note US$m US$m (Adjusted) (a) Cash and cash equivalents 21 10,550 8,201 Trade and other receivables (a) 2,985 3,047 Investments 20 1,152 454 Derivative assets 20 267 532 Loans to equity accounted units 39 39 Total 14,993 12,273 (a) The 2016 comparative of trade and other receivables has been reduced by US$385 million to remove other receivables, which were incorrectly classified as financial assets. (iv) Foreign exchange risk Policy The Group’s shareholders’ equity, earnings and cash flows are influenced by a wide variety of currencies due to the geographic diversity of the Group’s sales and the countries in which it operates. The US dollar is the currency in which the majority of the Group’s sales are denominated. Operating costs are influenced by the currencies of those countries where the Group’s mines and processing plants are located and also by those currencies in which the costs of imported equipment and services are determined. The Australian and Canadian dollars are the most important currencies (apart from the US dollar) influencing costs. In any particular year, currency fluctuations may have a significant impact on Rio Tinto’s financial results. A strengthening of the US dollar against the currencies in which the Group’s costs are partly denominated has a positive effect on Rio Tinto’s underlying earnings. However, a strengthening of the US dollar does reduce the value of non US dollar-denominated net assets and therefore total equity. The Group’s financial statements are presented in US dollars, as it most reliably reflects the global business performance of the Group as a whole. It is also the most appropriate currency for financing the Group’s operations. Borrowings and cash are predominantly denominated in US dollars, either directly or through the use of derivatives. The majority of debt and other financial assets and liabilities including intragroup balances, are held in the functional currency of the relevant subsidiary. In a small number of instances, US dollar debt and other financial assets and liabilities, including intragroup balances, are held in currencies other than the functional currency of the relevant subsidiary. This results in an accounting exposure to exchange gains and losses as the financial assets and liabilities are translated into the functional currency of the subsidiary that holds those assets and liabilities. These exchange gains and losses are recorded in the Group’s income statement except to the extent that they can be taken to equity under the Group’s accounting policy which is explained in note 1(d). The Group’s income statement includes realised and unrealised exchange gains/losses arising on US dollar external borrowings and intragroup balances in entities with a non US dollar functional currency. On translation to the Group’s US dollar presentation currency there is a corresponding and offsetting exchange difference on translation of these balances which is recognised directly in the currency translation reserve. There is no impact on total equity. Gains and losses on US dollar net debt and on non-trading intragroup balances are excluded from underlying earnings. Other exchange gains and losses are included in underlying earnings. See section B for the details of cross currency interest rate swaps relating to borrowings. After taking into account relevant swap instruments, the majority of the Group’s net debt is denominated in US dollars. The table below summarises, by currency, the Group’s net debt, after taking into account relevant cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts: Cash and Derivatives Net funds/ Net funds/ cash Other Total borrowings related to net (debt) (debt) equivalents investments in note 22 debt 2017 2016 Net funds/(debt) by currency US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US dollar 9,950 958 (14,359 ) (177 ) (3,628 ) (9,294 ) Australian dollar 332 - (540 ) - (208 ) (313 ) Euro 49 - (107 ) - (58 ) (62 ) South African rand 59 - - - 59 103 Canadian dollar 18 - (166 ) - (148 ) (155 ) Other 142 - (4 ) - 138 134 Total 10,550 958 (15,176 ) (177 ) (3,845 ) (9,587 ) Hedging strategy Under normal market conditions, the Group does not consider that active currency hedging of transactions would provide long-term benefits to shareholders. The Group reviews its exposure on a regular basis and reserves the right to enter into hedges to maintain financial stability. Currency protection measures may be deemed appropriate in specific commercial circumstances, typically hedging of capital expenditures and other significant financial items such as acquisitions, disposals, tax and dividends, and are subject to strict limits laid down by the board. Refer to section B for the details of cross currency interest rate, currency forward and option contracts used to manage the currency risk exposures of the Group at 31 December 2017. Sensitivities The table below gives the estimated retranslation effect on financial assets and financial liabilities, including intragroup balances, of a ten per cent strengthening in the closing exchange rate of the US dollar against significant currencies. The sensitivity associated with a ten per cent weakening of a particular currency would be broadly equal and opposite within equity to the figures presented below. The impact is expressed in terms of the effect on net earnings and underlying earnings, assuming that each exchange rate moves in isolation. The sensitivities are based on financial assets and financial liabilities held at 31 December 2017, where balances are not denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary or joint operation, and exclude financial assets and liabilities held by equity accounted units. These balances will not remain constant throughout 2018, and therefore the following information should be used with care. At 31 December 2017 Gains/(losses) associated with ten per cent strengthening of the US dollar Of which amount Closing Effect on impacting exchange net underlying rate earnings earnings Currency exposure US cents US$m US$m Australian dollar 78 608 47 Canadian dollar 79 (134 ) 3 Euro 120 165 (2) Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 30 Financial instruments and risk management continued At 31 December 2016 Gains/(losses) associated with ten per cent strengthening of the US dollar Of which amount Closing Effect on impacting exchange net underlying rate earnings earnings Currency exposure US cents US$m US$m Australian dollar 72 369 37 Canadian dollar 74 (159 ) 15 Euro 105 172 - Ten per cent is the annual exchange rate movement that management deems to be reasonably probable (on an annual basis over the long run) for one of the Group’s significant currencies and as such provides an appropriate representation. (v) Interest rate risk Policy Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. The Group’s interest rate management policy is generally to borrow and invest at floating interest rates. This approach is based on a historical correlation between interest rates and commodity prices. However, in certain circumstances the Group may elect to maintain a higher proportion of fixed-rate funding. Hedging strategy As noted above, the Group hedges its interest rate risk by entering into interest rate derivatives to achieve its policies. The Group reviews the positions on a regular basis. During 2017, in conjunction with its liability management programme, the Group closed out interest rate swaps with a notional principal amount of US$2.0 billion, giving rise to a net cash outflow of US$5 million, including accrued interest of US$ million. The interest rate swaps were in fair value hedge relationships prior to close out. See section B for details of currency and interest rate swaps relating to borrowings. At the end of 2017, US$ 12.5 82 18 26 74 4.2 See note 22 for the details of debt outstanding at 31 December 2017. Sensitivities Based on the Group’s net debt (refer to note 24) and other floating rate financial instruments outstanding as at 31 December 2017, the effect on net earnings of a 100 basis point increase in US dollar LIBOR interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would be a charge of US$ 8 84 88 A (c) Financial liability analysis The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities by relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period from the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. As the amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows, these balances will not necessarily agree with the amounts disclosed in the balance sheet. At 31 December 2017 Within 1 Between Between Between Between year or on 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 and 4 4 and 5 After demand years years years years 5 years Total (Outflows) / inflows US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Non-derivative financial liabilities Trade and other payables (5,488 ) (434 ) - - - - (5,922 ) Borrowings before swaps (552 ) (148 ) (1,011 ) (916 ) (1,283 ) (11,387 ) (15,297 ) Expected future interest payments (a) (679 ) (673 ) (670 ) (638 ) (606 ) (4,553 ) (7,819 ) Other financial liabilities (302 ) (43 ) - - - - (345 ) Derivative financial liabilities (b) Derivatives related to net debt - net settled 10 10 14 11 7 36 88 Derivatives related to net debt - gross settled (a) – gross inflows 62 62 958 44 44 1,493 2,663 – gross outflows (82 ) (82 ) (1,051 ) (55 ) (55 ) (1,741 ) (3,066 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled (43 ) (36 ) (33 ) (24 ) (21 ) (138 ) (295 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - gross settled: – gross inflows 795 - - - - - 795 – gross outflows (802 ) - - - - - (802 ) Total (7,081 ) (1,344 ) (1,793 ) (1,578 ) (1,914 ) (16,290 ) (30,000 ) At 31 December 2016 Within 1 Between Between Between Between year or on 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 and 4 4 and 5 After demand years years years years 5 years Total (Outflows) / inflows US$m (Adjusted) (c) US$m (Adjusted) (d) US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m (Adjusted) (c)(d) Non-derivative financial liabilities Trade and other payables (c)(d) (4,814 ) (395 ) - - - - (5,209 ) Borrowings before swaps (704 ) (191 ) (1,330 ) (1,347 ) (1,317 ) (12,806 ) (17,695 ) Expected future interest payments (a) (783 ) (779 ) (722 ) (667 ) (620 ) (5,056 ) (8,627 ) Other financial liabilities (199 ) (41 ) - - - - (240 ) Derivative financial liabilities (b) Derivatives related to net debt - net settled 29 29 27 25 23 25 158 Derivatives related to net debt - gross settled (a) – gross inflows 55 55 55 842 40 1,377 2,424 – gross outflows (73 ) (73 ) (73 ) (1,045 ) (51 ) (1,785 ) (3,100 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled (2 ) - - - - - (2 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - gross settled: – gross inflows 29 - - - - - 29 – gross outflows (29 ) - - - - - (29 ) Total (6,491 ) (1,395 ) (2,043 ) (2,192 ) (1,925 ) (18,245 ) (32,291 ) (a) Interest payments have been projected using interest rates applicable at the end of the applicable financial year. Where debt is subject to variable interest rates, future interest payments are subject to change in line with market rates. (b) The maturity grouping is based on the earliest payment date. (c) The 2016 comparative of trade and other payables due within 1 year or on demand has been reduced by US$111 million to remove other payables, which were incorrectly classified as financial liabilities. (d) The 2016 comparative of trade and other payables due between 1 and 2 years has been reduced by US$66 million to remove other payables, which were incorrectly classified as financial liabilities. The maximum carrying value of borrowings repayable, after the impact of swaps, maturing in any financial year is US$ 1.7 Offsetting and enforceable master netting agreements Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. There were no material amounts offset in the balance sheet and no material enforceable master netting agreements were identified. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 30 Financial instruments and risk management continued B Derivative financial instruments The Group’s derivatives, including embedded derivatives, as at 31 December 2017, are summarised below: Total fair value 2017 2016 Asset Liability Asset Liability Derivatives designated as hedges US$m US$m US$m US$m Interest rate swaps (a) 99 (127 ) 108 (134 ) Cross currency interest rate swaps (b) - (149 ) - (382 ) Currency forward contracts, options and swaps - - 1 - Total derivatives designated as hedges 99 (276 ) 109 (516 ) Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency forward contracts, options and swaps 7 (2 ) 1 - Aluminium forward contracts (c) 21 (9 ) 6 (2 ) Aluminium embedded derivatives (d) 140 (238 ) 411 (3 ) Other embedded derivatives - (5 ) 5 - Other commodity contracts - (1 ) - (2 ) Total derivatives not designated as hedges 168 (255 ) 423 (7 ) Total derivative instruments 267 (531 ) 532 (523 ) Analysed by maturity: Less than 1 year 29 (50 ) 24 (6 ) Between 1 and 5 years 31 (233 ) 110 (194 ) More than 5 years 207 (248 ) 398 (323 ) Total 267 (531 ) 532 (523 ) Total net derivative instruments (264 ) 9 2017 2016 Reconciliation to balance sheet Note US$m US$m – non-current assets 20 238 508 – current assets 20 29 24 – current liabilities 22 (50 ) (6 ) – non-current liabilities 22 (481 ) (517 ) Total net derivatives instruments, detailed above (264 ) 9 (a) The interest rate swaps are used to convert certain fixed rate borrowings to a floating rate. For further details, see note 22. (b) The cross currency interest rate swaps are used to convert non US dollar denominated borrowings to either fixed or floating US dollar borrowings. For further details see note 22. (c) The aluminium forward contracts are entered into to convert aluminium sales made at a fixed price to market price (LME cash). In 2016 and 2017 these contracts were not designated as hedges. (d) Aluminium embedded derivatives (forward contracts and options) are contained within certain aluminium smelter electricity purchase contracts. These contracts reduce the Group’s margin exposure to movements in the aluminium price. C (a) Fair values The carrying amounts and fair values of all of the Group’s financial instruments which are not carried at an amount which approximates

Contingencies and commitments

Contingencies and commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Contingencies and commitments	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 31 Contingencies and commitments 2017 2016 US$m US$m Capital commitments excluding the Group's share of joint venture capital commitments Within 1 year 2,052 1,588 Between 1 and 3 years 531 433 Between 3 and 5 years 58 194 After 5 years - 15 Total 2,641 2,230 Group's share of joint venture capital commitments Within 1 year 29 113 Total 29 113 Capital commitments include open purchase orders for managed operations and expenditure on major projects authorised to date by the Rio Tinto Investment Committee for non-managed operations. On a legally enforceable basis capital commitments would be approximately US$0.5 billion (2016: US$0.6 billion) as many of the contracts relating to the Group’s projects have various cancellation clauses. Unrecognised commitments to contribute funding or resources to joint ventures The Group has a commitment to purchase and market a portion (in excess of the Group’s ownership interest) of the output of Sohar Aluminium Company L.L.C., an aluminium smelter in which the Group is a joint venturer. The Group immediately sells the purchased products to third parties. The Group, along with the other joint venturers, has certain commitments to provide emergency funding (ie funding required to preserve the life or assets of the company or to comply with applicable laws) that may be required by Sohar Aluminium Company L.L.C., subject to approved thresholds. At 31 December 2017, Minera Escondida Limitada held an undrawn shareholder line of credit for US$225 million (Rio Tinto share; 31 December: US$225m). This has a three-year duration. Operating leases The aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: Adjusted (a) 2017 2016 US$m US$m Within 1 year 397 331 Between 1 and 3 years 542 463 Between 3 and 5 years 313 314 After 5 years 593 612 1,845 1,720 Operating leases include leases of dry bulk vessels and offices as well as other property, plant and equipment. The terms of lease payments vary with a significant proportion being fixed rate and including renewal options. Leases for dry bulk vessels include costs for crewing services. (a) The 2016 comparative has been amended to exclude net obligations of US$125 million related to contractual arrangements which do not qualify as leases in accordance with IAS 18. These amounts have instead been included as purchase obligations. Purchase obligations The aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding at 31 December was: Adjusted (a) 2017 2016 US$m US$m Within 1 year 2,818 2,677 Between 1 and 2 years 1,664 1,711 Between 2 and 3 years 1,433 1,327 Between 3 and 4 years 1,318 1,207 Between 4 and 5 years 1,062 1,040 After 5 years 11,494 11,356 19,789 19,318 (a) The 2016 comparative has been amended to include certain contractual arrangements previously categorised as operating leases (refer above). Purchase obligations as disclosed above are agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased or consumed; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions. Purchase obligations for goods primarily relate to purchases of raw materials and consumables and purchase obligations for services primarily relate to charges for use of infrastructure, commitments to purchase power and freight contracts. These goods and services are expected to be used in the business. To the extent that this changes, a provision for onerous obligations may be made as described in note 1(i). Purchases from joint arrangements or associates are included to the extent that the quantity purchased is in excess of Rio Tinto’s ownership interest in the entity. However, purchase obligations exclude contracted purchases of bauxite, alumina and aluminium from joint arrangements and associates and contracted purchases of alumina from third parties as the purchases are made for commercial reasons and the Group is, overall, a net seller of these commodities. In addition, as explained above, the Group has a commitment to purchase and market a portion (in excess of the Group’s ownership interest) of the output of Sohar Aluminium Company L.L.C. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 31 Contingencies and commitments continued 2017 2016 US$m US$m Contingent liabilities (subsidiaries and joint operations) Indemnities and other performance guarantees (a) (b) 552 473 (a) Indemnities and other performance guarantees represent the potential outflow of funds from the Group for the satisfaction of obligations including those under contractual arrangements (for example undertakings related to supplier agreements) not provided for in the balance sheet, where the likelihood of the guarantees or indemnities being called is assessed as possible rather than probable or remote. (b) There were no material contingent liabilities arising in relation to the Group’s joint ventures and associates. Contingent liabilities In October 2017, Rio Tinto announced that it had been notified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the SEC had filed a complaint in relation to Rio Tinto’s disclosures and timing of the impairment of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique (RTCM). The impairment was reflected in Rio Tinto’s 2012 year-end accounts. The SEC alleges that Rio Tinto, a former chief executive, Tom Albanese, and the previous chief financial officer, Guy Elliott, committed violations of the antifraud, reporting, books and records and internal control provisions of the federal securities law by not accurately disclosing the value of RTCM and not impairing it when Rio Tinto published its 2011 year-end accounts in February 2012 or its interim results in August 2012. Rio Tinto believes that the SEC case is unwarranted and that, when all the facts are considered by the court, or if necessary by a jury, the SEC’s claims will be rejected. Rio Tinto will defend the allegations vigorously. Separately, but at the same time, Rio Tinto reached a settlement with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in relation to the timing of the impairment of RTCM. The FCA determined that Rio Tinto should have carried out an impairment review in relation to RTCM for its 2012 interim results and, if it had done so, those results published in August 2012 would have reflected the impairment it recorded six months later. The FCA determined that Rio Tinto had breached the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules and imposed a financial penalty on Rio Tinto of £27.4 million (US$36.4 million). It is important to stress that the FCA made no findings of fraud, or of any systemic or widespread failure by Rio Tinto. This separate FCA case is now closed. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is also reviewing the RTCM impairment. In addition, Rio Tinto continues to co-operate fully with relevant authorities in connection with their investigations in relation to contractual payments totalling US$10.5 million made to a consultant who had provided advisory services in 2011 on the Simandou project in Guinea. The outcomes of these matters, and associated class actions that have been commenced on behalf of securities holders, remain uncertain, but they could ultimately expose the Group to material financial cost. The board is giving these matters its full and proper attention and a dedicated board committee continues to monitor the progress of these matters. The Group is monitoring developments in relation to EU State Aid investigations including the EU Commissions State Aid investigation into the UK’s Controlled Foreign Company regime. The Group does not currently consider that any provision is required in relation to EU State Aid. Guarantees by parent companies Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited have, jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed the following securities issued by the following 100 per cent owned finance subsidiaries: US$5.8 billion (31 December 2016: US$8.3 billion) Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited and Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc bonds with maturity dates up to 2042; and US$2.1 billion (31 December 2016: US$1.9 billion) on the European Debt Issuance Programme. In addition, Rio Tinto Finance plc and Rio Tinto Finance Limited have entered into facility arrangements for an aggregate amount of US$7.5 billion (31 December 2016: US$7.5 billion). The facilities are guaranteed by Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited. Rio Tinto plc has provided a guarantee, known as the completion support undertaking (CSU), in favour of the Oyu Tolgoi LLC project finance lenders. At 31 December 2017, US$4.3 billion of project finance debt was outstanding under this facility (2016: US$4.3 billion). Oyu Tolgoi LLC is jointly owned by Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC (34 per cent), which is controlled by the Government of Mongolia, and Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (66 per cent, of which Rio Tinto owns 51 per cent). The project finance has been raised for development of the underground mine and the CSU will terminate on the completion of the underground mine according to a set of completion tests set out in the project finance facility. The Rio Tinto guarantee applies to the extent that Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd cannot satisfy Oyu Tolgoi LLC’s project finance debt servicing obligations under its own guarantee to the lenders, called the sponsor debt service undertaking (DSU). Both the CSU and DSU contain a carve-out for certain political risk events. Contingent assets The Group has, from time to time, various insurance claims outstanding with reinsurers. At 31 December 2016 this included a claim relating to the Manefay slide at Rio Tinto Kennecott in April 2013. Interim progress payments were received on this claim in 2013 and 2015; the final payment was received in January 2017. 1

Average number of employees

Average number of employees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Average Number Of Employees [Abstract]
Average number of employees	32 Average number of employees Subsidiaries and joint operations Equity accounted units (Rio Tinto share) Group total 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 The principal locations of employment were: Australia and New Zealand 19,041 20,489 22,125 602 849 863 19,643 21,338 22,988 Canada 10,256 10,239 11,113 - - - 10,256 10,239 11,113 UK 309 487 542 - - - 309 487 542 Europe 1,505 1,722 2,312 - - - 1,505 1,722 2,312 Africa 3,461 4,875 5,651 1,269 1,270 1,271 4,730 6,145 6,922 US 3,429 3,196 3,439 - - - 3,429 3,196 3,439 Mongolia 2,861 2,737 2,647 - - - 2,861 2,737 2,647 Indonesia 1,642 2,862 2,871 - - - 1,642 2,862 2,871 South America 197 166 192 1,237 1,388 1,317 1,434 1,554 1,509 Other countries (a) 998 749 595 - - - 998 749 595 43,699 47,522 51,487 3,108 3,507 3,451 46,807 51,029 54,938 (a) “Other countries” primarily includes employees in the Middle East (excluding Oman which is included in Africa), India, Singapore and other countries in Asia which are not shown separately in the table above. For the year ended 31 December 2017, the average number of employees in Singapore was 434 (2016: 262) and the average number of employees in India was 310 (2016: 280). Employee numbers, which represent the average for the year, include 100 per cent of employees of subsidiary companies. Employee numbers for joint operations and equity accounted units are proportional to the Group’s interest under contractual agreements. Average employee numbers include a part-year effect for companies acquired or disposed of during the year. Part-time employees are included on a full-time-equivalent basis. Temporary employees are included in employee numbers. People employed by contractors are not included.

Principal subsidiaries

Principal subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Principal subsidiaries	Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 33 Principal subsidiaries At 31 December 2017 Company and country of incorporation/ operation Principal activities Class of shares held Proportion of class held (%) Group interest (%) Non-controlling interest (%) Australia Argyle Diamonds Limited Mining and processing of diamonds Ordinary 100 100 - Dampier Salt Limited Salt and gypsum Ordinary 68.36 68.36 31.64 Energy Resources of Australia Limited Uranium mining Ordinary 68.39 68.39 31.61 Hamersley Iron Pty Limited Iron ore mining Ordinary 100 100 - North Mining Limited (a) Iron ore mining Ordinary 100 100 - Queensland Coal Pty Limited (b) Coal mining Ordinary 100 100 - Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited Bauxite mining; alumina production; primary aluminium smelting Ordinary 100 100 - Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd (a) Iron ore mining Class A 40 60 40 Class B 76.36 Brazil Alcan Alumina Ltda. (c) Alumina production and bauxite mining Quota 100 100 - Canada Iron Ore Company of Canada (d) Iron ore mining; iron ore pellets Common 58.72 58.72 41.28 Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. Titanium dioxide feedstock; high purity iron and steel Common 100 100 - Class B preference 100 100 - CAD 0.01 preferred 100 100 - Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. Bauxite mining; alumina refining; aluminium smelting Common 100 100 - Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. (e) Diamond mining and processing Common 100 100 - Guinea Simfer Jersey Limited (f) Iron ore project Ordinary 53 53 47 Madagascar QIT Madagascar Minerals SA (g) Ilmenite mining Common 80 80 Investment certificates 100 100 15 Voting certificates 80 80 20 Mongolia Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC) (h) Copper and gold mining Common 50.79 50.79 49.21 Namibia Rössing Uranium Limited (i) Uranium mining B N$1 71.22 68.62 31.38 C N10c 70.59 South Africa Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited (j) Titanium dioxide/high purity iron production B Ordinary 100 B preference 100 74 26 Parent Preference 100 Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited (j) Ilmenite, rutile and zircon mining B Ordinary 100 B preference 100 74 26 Parent Preference 100 United States of America Kennecott Holdings Corporation (including Kennecott Utah Copper, Kennecott Land and Kennecott Exploration) Copper and gold mining, smelting and refining, land development and exploration activities Common US$0.01 100 100 - U.S. Borax Inc. Mining, refining and marketing of borates Common US$0.10 100 100 - This list includes only those companies that have a more significant impact on the profit or assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s principal subsidiaries are mostly held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd (which is 60 per cent owned by the Group) holds a 30 per cent interest in Robe River Iron Associates (Robe River). North Mining Ltd (which is wholly owned by the Group) holds a 35 per cent interest in Robe River. Through these companies the Group recognises a 65 per cent share of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of Robe River, with a 12 per cent non-controlling interest. The Group therefore has a 53 per cent beneficial interest in Robe River (b) Queensland Coal Pty Limited is the main legal entity that holds the Group’s interests in Hail Creek (82 per cent) and Kestrel (80 per cent). These are unincorporated arrangements that are not entities; the Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to these arrangements. Queensland Coal forms part of the Rio Tinto Coal Australia business unit. (c) Alcan Alumina Ltda holds the Group’s 10 per cent interest in Consórcio De Alumínio Do Maranhão, a joint operation in which the Group participates but is not a joint operator. The Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to this arrangement. (d) Iron Ore Company of Canada is incorporated in the United States of America, but operates in Canada. (e) Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. is the legal entity that owns the Group’s 60 per cent interest in the Diavik Joint Venture, an unincorporated arrangement that is not an entity. The Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses relating to this arrangement. (f) Simfer Jersey Limited, a company incorporated in Jersey in which the Group has a 53 per cent interest, has an 85 per cent interest in Simfer S.A. the company that operates the Simandou mining project in Guinea. The Group therefore has a 45.05 per cent indirect interest in Simfer S.A. These entities are consolidated as subsidiaries and together referred to as the Simandou iron ore project. (g) The Group’s shareholding in QIT Madagascar Minerals SA carries an 80 per cent economic interest and 80 per cent of the total voting rights; a further 5 per cent economic interest is held through non-voting investment certificates to give an economic interest of 85 per cent. The non-controlling interests have a 15 per cent economic interest and 20 per cent of the total voting rights. (h) The Group has a 50.79 per cent interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, which holds a 66 per cent interest in Oyu Tolgoi LLC (OT) which is subsidiary of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. The Group therefore has a 33.5 per cent indirect interest in OT. Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd is incorporated in Canada but operates principally in Mongolia. (i) The Group’s shareholding in Rössing Uranium Limited entitles it to 35.57 per cent of the total voting rights; the non-controlling interests hold 64.43 per cent of the total voting rights. Rössing is consolidated by virtue of the Group’s board control. The Government of Namibia has the ability to veto matters that are considered not to be in the interest of Namibia; this is considered to be a protective right. Rio Tinto therefore has control of Rössing and consolidates it as a subsidiary. (j) Additional classes of shares issued by Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited representing non-controlling interests are not shown. The Group’s total legal and beneficial interest in Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited is 74 per cent. Summary financial information for subsidiaries that have non-controlling interests that are material to the Group This summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis. It represents the amounts shown in the subsidiaries’ financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under Group accounting policies, including fair value adjustments, and before intercompany eliminations. Iron Ore Company of Canada Iron Ore Company of Canada Energy Resources of Australia Energy Resources of Australia Turquoise Hill (a) Turquoise Hill (a) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Revenue 1,867 1,324 157 193 940 1,203 Profit/(loss) after tax 377 108 (29 ) 7 22 140 – attributable to non-controlling interests 156 44 (9 ) 2 (49 ) 37 – attributable to Rio Tinto 221 64 (20 ) 5 71 103 Other comprehensive income 144 56 - - 4 2 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 521 164 (29 ) 7 26 142 Non-current assets 2,535 2,315 57 58 9,008 7,969 Current assets 714 627 406 383 4,953 5,702 Current liabilities (449 ) (348 ) (128 ) (96 ) (504 ) (316 ) Non-current liabilities (838 ) (755 ) (356 ) (336 ) (4,311 ) (4,257 ) Net assets/(liabilities) 1,962 1,839 (21 ) 9 9,146 9,098 – attributable to non-controlling interests 809 759 (7 ) 2 3,982 4,073 – attributable to Rio Tinto 1,153 1,080 (14 ) 7 5,164 5,025 Cash flow from operations 840 302 (2 ) 18 295 387 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (162 ) (31 ) - - - - (a) Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd holds controlling interests in Oyu Tolgoi. (b) Under the terms of the project finance facility held by Oyu Tolgoi there are certain restrictions on the ability of Oyu Tolgoi to make shareholder distributions. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 33 Principal subsidiaries continued Robe River Mining Co Pty Robe River Mining Co Pty Other companies and eliminations (c) Other companies and eliminations (c) Robe River Robe River 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Revenue 1,164 982 1,351 1,139 2,515 2,121 Profit after tax 617 482 637 517 1,254 999 – attributable to non-controlling interests 242 193 - - 242 193 – attributable to Rio Tinto 375 289 637 517 1,012 806 Other comprehensive income/(loss) 238 (23 ) 158 (20 ) 396 (43 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) 855 459 795 497 1,650 956 Non-current assets 2,927 2,797 4,187 3,976 7,114 6,773 Current assets (d) 1,453 1,122 571 801 2,024 1,923 Current liabilities (d) (186 ) (92 ) (1,357 ) (1,350 ) (1,543 ) (1,442 ) Non-current liabilities (752 ) (666 ) (1,666 ) (1,546 ) (2,418 ) (2,212 ) Net assets 3,442 3,161 1,735 1,881 5,177 5,042 – attributable to non-controlling interests 1,375 1,263 - - 1,375 1,263 – attributable to Rio Tinto 2,067 1,898 1,735 1,881 3,802 3,779 Cash flow from operations (d) 1,048 824 1,207 817 2,255 1,641 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (230 ) (268 ) - - (230 ) (268 ) (c) “Other companies and eliminations” includes North Mining Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group which accounts for its interest in Robe River and goodwill of US$389 million (2016: US$360 million) that arose on acquisition of the Group’s interest in Robe River. (d) The 2016 comparative has been adjusted to more appropriately classify certain balances.

Principal joint operations_join

Principal joint operations/joint ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Joint ventures [Member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Principal joint operations/joint ventures	35 Principal joint ventures At 31 December 2017 Company and country of incorporation/operation Principal activities Number of Class of Proportion Group Chile Minera Escondida Limitada (a) Copper mining and refining - - 30 30 Oman Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. (b) Aluminium smelting/power generation 37,500 Ordinary 20 20 This list includes only those joint ventures that have a more significant impact on the profit or operating assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s principal joint ventures are held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) Although the Group has a 30 per cent interest in Minera Escondida Limitada, participant and management agreements provide for an Owners’ Council whereby significant commercial and operational decisions about the relevant activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated in effect require the joint approval of both Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton (holders of a 57.5 per cent interest). It is therefore determined that Rio Tinto has joint control. The year-end of Minera Escondida Limitada is 30 June. The amounts included in the consolidated financial statements of Rio Tinto are, however, based on accounts of Minera Escondida Limitada that are coterminous with those of the Group. (b) Although the Group holds a 20 per cent interest in Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C., decisions about relevant activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated require agreement of all parties to the arrangement. It is therefore determined that Rio Tinto has joint control. Summary information for joint ventures that are material to the Group This summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis. It represents the amounts shown in the joint ventures’ financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under Group accounting policies, including fair value adjustments and amounts due to and from Rio Tinto. Minera Minera Sohar Sohar Escondida Escondida Aluminium Aluminium Limitada (a) Limitada (a) Company LLC (b) Company LLC (b) 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m Revenue 6,037 4,883 460 610 Depreciation and amortisation (1,690 ) (1,213 ) (145 ) (130 ) Other operating costs (2,617 ) (2,199 ) (205 ) (425 ) Operating profit 1,730 1,471 110 55 Finance expense (120 ) (47 ) (35 ) (25 ) Income tax (627 ) (517 ) - - Profit after tax 983 907 75 30 Total comprehensive income 983 907 75 30 Non-current assets 13,814 14,947 3,230 3,275 Current assets 2,760 2,257 305 255 Current liabilities (1,727 ) (1,403 ) (205 ) (45 ) Non-current liabilities (4,617 ) (4,112 ) (1,270 ) (1,505 ) Net assets 10,230 11,689 2,060 1,980 Assets and liabilities above include: Cash and cash equivalents 460 443 95 20 Current financial liabilities (c) (330 ) (467 ) (130 ) (100 ) Non-current financial liabilities (c) (2,840 ) (2,643 ) (1,120 ) (1,230 ) Dividends received from joint venture (Rio Tinto share) (c) 780 210 - - Reconciliation of the above amounts to the investment recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Group interest 30 % 30 % 20 % 20 % Net assets 10,230 11,689 2,060 1,980 Group's ownership interest 3,069 3,507 412 396 Other adjustments 4 (3 ) (3 ) (2 ) Carrying value of Group's interest 3,073 3,504 409 394 (a) In addition to its “Investment in equity accounted units”, the Group recognises deferred tax liabilities of US$500 million (2016: US$579 million) relating to tax on unremitted earnings of equity accounted units. (b) Under covenants stipulated in the agreement to Sohar Aluminium’s secured loan facilities, Sohar Aluminium is currently restricted from making any shareholder distributions until 2021 unless a specified amount of the loan facilities is funded. (c) The 2016 comparative has been adjusted to more appropriately classify certain balances.
Joint operations [Member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Principal joint operations/joint ventures	34 Principal joint operations Company and country of incorporation/operation Principal activities Group interest (%) Australia Tomago Aluminium Joint Venture Aluminium smelting 51.6 Kestrel (a) Coal mining 80 Gladstone Power Station Power generation 42.1 Hope Downs Joint Venture Iron ore mining 50 Queensland Alumina Limited (b) (c) Alumina production 80 Pilbara Iron arrangement Infrastructure, corporate and mining services (d) New Zealand New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (b) (c) Aluminium smelting 79.36 Canada Aluminerie Alouette Inc. Aluminium production 40 Indonesia Grasberg expansion (e) Copper and gold mining 40 United States of America Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc (c) (f) Aluminium smelting 50.2 This list includes only those joint operations that have a more significant impact on the profit or operating assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s joint operations are held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) Although the Group has an 80 per cent interest in the Kestrel Joint Venture, decisions about activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated require agreement of both parties to the Joint Venture Agreement, giving rise to joint control. (b) Although the Group has a 79.4 per cent interest in New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited and an 80 per cent interest in Queensland Alumina Limited, decisions about activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated require agreement of both parties to the arrangements, giving rise to joint control. (c) Queensland Alumina Limited, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited and Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc. are joint arrangements that are primarily designed for the provision of output to the parties sharing joint control; this indicates that the parties have rights to substantially all the economic benefits of the assets. The liabilities of the arrangements are in substance satisfied by cash flows received from the parties; this dependence indicates that the parties in effect have obligations for the liabilities. It is these facts and circumstances that give rise to the classification of these entities as joint operations. (d) A number of arrangements are in place between the Australian Iron Ore operations managed by Rio Tinto which allow their respective assets to be operated as a single integrated network across the Pilbara region. The arrangements are managed through two wholly owned subsidiaries: Pilbara Iron (Company) Services Pty Ltd and Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd. In assessing the Pilbara Iron arrangements it has been concluded that they collectively constitute a joint operation on the basis that decisions about relevant activities require unanimous consent, the resulting efficiencies are shared between Rio Tinto and Robe River Iron Associates (Robe River), and the parties fund all of the cash flow requirements of Pilbara Iron (Company) Services Pty Ltd and Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd. (e) Under the terms of a contractual agreement, Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of production above specified levels until the end of 2021 and 40 per cent of all production thereafter under the Participation Agreement. This date is subject to extension under certain conditions. (f) Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc. has a 50.1 per cent interest in the Aluminerie de Bécancour, Inc. aluminium smelter, which is located in Canada.

Principal associates

Principal associates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates [Abstract]
Principal associates	Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 36 Principal associates At 31 December 2017 Company and country of incorporation/operation Principal activities Number of shares held Class of shares held Proportion of class held (%) Group interest (%) Australia Boyne Smelters Limited (a) Aluminium smelting 153,679,560 Ordinary 59.4 59.4 Brazil Mineração Rio do Norte S.A. (b) Bauxite mining 25,000,000,000 Ordinary 12.5 12 47,000,000,000 Preferred 11.75 United States of America Halco (Mining) Inc (c) 4,500 Common 45 45 This list includes only those associates that have a more significant impact on the profit or operating assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s principal associates are held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) The parties that collectively control Boyne Smelters Limited do so through decisions that are determined on an aggregate voting interest that can be achieved by several combinations of the parties. Although each combination requires Rio Tinto’s approval, this is not joint control as defined under IFRS 11. Rio Tinto is therefore determined to have significant influence over this company. (b) Although the Group holds only 12 per cent of Mineração Rio do Norte S.A., it has representation on its board of directors and a consequent ability to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions. It is therefore determined that Rio Tinto has significant influence. (c) Halco (Mining) Inc has a 51 per cent indirect interest in Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée, a bauxite mine, the core assets of which are located in Guinea. Summary information for associates that are material to the Group This summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis. It represents the amounts shown in the associate’s financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under Group accounting policies, including fair value adjustments and amounts due to and from Rio Tinto. Boyne Boyne Smelters Smelters Limited (a) Limited (a) 2017 2016 US$m US$m Revenue - - Profit after tax 5 12 Other comprehensive income/(loss) (b) 56 (4 ) Total comprehensive income 61 8 Non-current assets 1,468 1,465 Current assets 88 66 Current liabilities (99 ) (121 ) Non-current liabilities (996 ) (987 ) Net assets 461 423 (a) Boyne Smelters Limited is a tolling operation; as such it is dependent on its participants for funding which is provided through cash calls. Rio Tinto Aluminium has made certain prepayments to Boyne for toll processing of alumina. These are charged to Group operating costs as processing takes place. (b) “Other comprehensive income/(loss)” is net of amounts recognised by subsidiaries in relation to quasi equity loans. Group interest 59.4 % 59.4 % Net assets 461 423 Group's ownership interest 274 251 Loans to equity accounted units 159 163 Carrying value of Group's interest 433 414 Summary information for joint ventures and associates that are not individually material to the Group Joint Joint ventures ventures Associates Associates 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m Carrying value of Group's interest - - 571 707 Profit after tax - - 25 36 Other comprehensive income/(loss) - - 14 13 Total comprehensive income - - 39 49

Purchases and sales of subsidia

Purchases and sales of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other interests in businesses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Purchases And Sales Of Subsidiaries Joint Ventures Associates And Other Interests In Businesses [Abstract]
Purchases and sales of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other interests in businesses	37 Purchases and sales of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other interests in businesses Acquisitions There were no material acquisitions during the years ended 31 December 2017, 2016 and 2015. In May 2017, the Group’s subsidiary, Simfer Jersey Limited (Rio Tinto share: 53 per cent) purchased a 4.25 per cent interest in Simfer SA from International Finance Corporation (IFC) for US$194 million in accordance with a put option exercised by IFC. Consequently, the Group’s share of Simfer SA increased from 42.80 per cent to 45.05 per cent. 2017 disposals On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto disposed of its 100 per cent shareholding in Coal & Allied Industries Limited to Yancoal Australia Limited for total consideration of US$2.69 billion (before working capital adjustments). The US$2.69 billion comprises US$2.45 billion in cash paid on the closing date and a further US$240 million of unconditional guaranteed royalty payments. During 2017, US$110 million has been received; total net cash proceeds received in 2017, net of working capital adjustments, transaction costs and cash transferred, were US$2.54 billion. Rio Tinto expects to receive the remaining US$130 million of unconditional guaranteed royalty payments between 2018 and 2021. 2016 disposals On 1 March 2016, Rio Tinto disposed of its 40 per cent interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture to New Hope Corporation Limited for US$616.7 million (before finalisation of net debt and working capital adjustments). On 31 March 2016, Rio Tinto disposed of its 100 per cent interest in Carbone Savoie to Alandia Industries. Rio Tinto transferred its 53.83 per cent shareholding in Bougainville Copper Limited (“BCL”) to Equity Trustees Limited (independent trustee) on 30 June 2016 for nil consideration. Equity Trustees Limited subsequently distributed the shares in accordance with the trust deed to nominees of each of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (36.4 per cent) and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (17.4 per cent) such that each party now controls an equal share of BCL (36.4 per cent). The Group did not previously consolidate BCL as it was determined that in accordance with IFRS, as defined in note 1, On 20 July 2016, a tranche of 7.5 per cent non-contributory shares in Simfer S.A. was transferred free of charge to the Government of Guinea as per the terms of the Simandou project agreement signed in 2014, further diluting the ownership percentage of Rio Tinto and its partners in the project. Under the agreement, a second tranche comprising 10 per cent Ordinary Contributory Shares may be acquired at any time for a pro rata share of historical mining cost. The remaining two tranches of 5 per cent ordinary contributing shares may be acquired by the Government of Guinea at market value at any time after 22 April 2026 and 22 April 2031 respectively. On 2 September 2016, Rio Tinto disposed of its interest in Zululand Anthracite Colliery. On 23 November 2016, Rio Tinto disposed of its 100 per cent interest in Lochaber to SIMEC for US$410 million (before finalisation of closing adjustments and transaction costs) of which US$224 million was received in December 2016. The second and final instalment of funds was received during April 2017. 2015 disposals On 23 April 2015, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd completed the block sale of 48.7 million common shares in SouthGobi Resources Ltd and with further divestments has reduced its interest to below 20 per cent. As at 31 December 2015 Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd’s interest in SouthGobi Resources Ltd was no longer consolidated as a subsidiary and had been classified as an available for sale investment. On 17 June 2015, Rio Tinto disposed of its 77.8 per cent interest in Murowa Diamonds and 50 per cent interest in Sengwa Colliery Ltd (Sengwa) to RZ Murowa Holdings Limited. Rio Tinto completed the sale of ECL to Fives on 9 July 2015 and the sale of Alesa to Groupe Reel on 24 November 2015.

Directors' and key management r

Directors' and key management remuneration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Abstract]
Directors' and key management remuneration	38 Directors’ and key management remuneration Aggregate remuneration, calculated in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006, of the directors of the parent companies was as follows: 2017 US$’000 2016 US$’000 2015 US$’000 Emoluments 8,339 9,186 10,590 Long-term incentive plans 4,685 3,071 2,118 13,024 12,257 12,708 Pension contributions: defined contribution plans 135 69 52 Gains made on exercise of share options - - 1 The Group defines key management personnel as the directors and members of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee comprises the executive directors, product group chief executive officers and Group executives. The aggregate remuneration incurred by Rio Tinto plc in respect of its directors was US$12,624,000 (2016: US$10,630,000; 2015: US$6,385,000). The aggregate pension contribution to defined contribution plans was US$135,000 (2016: US$69,000; 2015: US$52,000). The aggregate remuneration, including pension contributions and other retirement benefits, incurred by Rio Tinto Limited in respect of its directors was US$535,000 (2016: US$1,696,000; 2015: US$6,375,000). The aggregate pension contribution to defined contribution plans was US$nil (2016: US$nil; 2015: US$nil). During 2017, no director (2016: one; 2015: one) accrued retirement benefits under defined benefit arrangements, and two directors (2016: two; 2015: one) accrued retirement benefits under defined contribution arrangements. Emoluments included in the table above have been translated from local currency at the average exchange rate for the year with the exception of bonus payments which, together with amounts payable under long-term incentive plans, have been translated at the year-end rate. Detailed information concerning directors’ remuneration, shareholdings and options is shown in the Remuneration Report, including tables 1 to 3, on pages 70 to 105. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 38 Directors’ and key management remuneration continued Aggregate compensation, representing the expense recognised under IFRS, as defined in note 1, of the Group’s key management, including directors, was as follows: 2017 US$’000 2016 US$’000 2015 US$’000 Short-term employee benefits and costs 23,095 22,269 25,616 Post-employment benefits 415 3,461 1,049 Employment termination benefits - 2,682 - Share-based payments 8,033 15,806 17,566 31,543 44,218 44,231 The figures shown above include employment costs which comprise social security and accident premiums in Canada, the UK and US and payroll taxes in Australia paid by the employer as a direct additional cost of hire. In total, they amount to US$2,122,000 (2016: US$2,295,000; 2015: US$2,320,000) and although disclosed here, are not included in table 1 of the Remuneration Report. More detailed information concerning the remuneration of key management is shown in the Remuneration report, including tables 1 to 3 on pages 70 to 105. 1

Auditors' remuneration

Auditors' remuneration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Auditors Remuneration [Abstract]
Auditors' remuneration	39 Auditors’ remuneration 2017 US$m 2016 US$m 2015 US$m Group Auditors’ remuneration (a) Audit of the company 6.2 4.5 4.3 Audit of subsidiaries 8.1 9.0 10.1 Total audit 14.3 13.5 14.4 Audit related assurance service 1.0 0.9 0.9 Other assurance services (b) 2.3 0.6 0.9 Total assurance services 3.3 1.5 1.8 Tax compliance (c) 0.3 0.5 0.5 Tax advisory services (c) 0.2 0.1 0.4 Services related to corporate finance transactions not covered above – services in connection with bond issues/capital raising - - 0.2 Other non-audit services not covered above 0.7 1.8 1.1 Total non-audit services 4.5 3.9 4.0 Total Group Auditors’ remuneration 18.8 17.4 18.4 Audit fees payable to other accounting firms Audit of the financial statements of the Group’s subsidiaries 2.0 2.1 1.9 Fees in respect of pension scheme audits 0.5 0.3 0.2 Total audit fees payable to other accounting firms 2.5 2.4 2.1 (a) The remuneration payable to PwC, the Group Auditors, is approved by the Audit committee. The committee sets the policy for the award of non-audit work to the auditors and approves the nature and extent of such work, and the amount of the related fees, to ensure that independence is maintained. The fees disclosed above consolidate all payments made to member firms of PwC by the Companies and their subsidiaries, together with the Group’s share of the payments made by joint operations. Non-audit services arise largely from assurance and/or regulation related work. (b) Other assurance services are mainly related to carve-out financial statements and sustainability assurance. (c) “Taxation services” includes tax compliance and advisory services. Tax compliance involves the review of returns for corporation, income, sales and excise taxes. Tax advisory services include advice on non-recurring acquisitions and disposals, advice on transfer pricing and advice on employee global mobility.

Related-party transactions

Related-party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-party transactions	40 Related-party transactions Information about material related-party transactions of the Rio Tinto Group is set out below: Subsidiary companies and joint operations Details of investments in principal subsidiary companies are disclosed in note 33. Information relating to joint operations can be found in note 34. Equity accounted units Transactions and balances with equity accounted units are summarised below. Purchases, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables relate largely to amounts charged by equity accounted units for toll processing of alumina and purchasing of bauxite and aluminium. Sales relate largely to sales of alumina to equity accounted units for smelting into aluminium. 2017 2016 2015 Income statement items Note US$m US$m US$m Purchases from equity accounted units (993 ) (1,216 ) (1,249 ) Sales to equity accounted units 210 248 307 Cash flow statement items US$m US$m US$m Dividends from equity accounted units 817 253 210 Net funding of equity accounted units (3 ) (12 ) 11 Balance sheet items US$m US$m US$m Investments in equity accounted units (a) 15 4,486 5,019 4,941 Loans to equity accounted units 20 39 39 42 Loans from equity accounted units 22 (31 ) (49 ) (37 ) Trade and other receivables: amounts due from equity accounted units (b) 18 299 298 315 Trade and other payables: amounts due to equity accounted units 25 (175 ) (243 ) (231 ) (a) Investments in equity accounted units include quasi equity loans. Further information about investments in equity accounted units is set out in notes 35 and 36. (b) This includes prepayments of tolling charges. Pension funds Information relating to pension fund arrangements is set out in note 44. Directors and key management Details of directors’ and key management remuneration are set out in note 38 and in the Remuneration Report on pages 70 to 105.

Exchange rates in US$

Exchange rates in US$	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Foreign Exchange Rates [Abstract]
Exchange rates in US$	Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Production, Reserves Additional Information 41 Exchange rates in US$ The principal exchange rates used in the preparation of the 2017 financial statements were: Full-year average Year-end 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Sterling 1.29 1.36 1.53 1.34 1.22 1.48 Australian dollar 0.77 0.74 0.75 0.78 0.72 0.73 Canadian dollar 0.77 0.76 0.78 0.79 0.74 0.72 Euro 1.13 1.11 1.11 1.20 1.05 1.09 South African rand 0.075 0.068 0.079 0.081 0.073 0.064 1

Events after the balance sheet

Events after the balance sheet date	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
Events after the balance sheet date	42 Events after the balance sheet date On 10 January 2018, the Group announced it had received a binding offer from Liberty House to acquire the Group’s Aluminium Dunkerque smelter in northern France for US$500 million, subject to final adjustments. In accordance with French law, the Group will launch a consultation process with employees, relevant European works councils and other stakeholders in relation to the bid. Subject to satisfactory completion of these consultations, the Group expects to complete the sale of Aluminium Dunkerque in the second quarter of 2018. As at 31 December 2017 Rio Tinto's interest in the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter was classified as held for sale. On 7 February 2018, the Group announced an on-market share buy-back programme of US$1.0 billion Rio Tinto plc shares; this is in addition to US$1.925 billion under the US$2.5 billion programme announced on 21 September 2017, which started on 27 December 2017. Rio Tinto plc shares that have been bought back under these programmes during 2018 have been cancelled and announcements have been made to the relevant stock exchanges. On 26 February 2018, the Group announced it had received a binding offer from Hydro to acquire its aluminium assets in Northern Europe for US$345 million, subject to final adjustments. The transaction includes the Group’s ISAL smelter in Iceland, its 53.3 per cent share in the Aluchemie anode plant in the Netherlands and its 50 per cent share in the Alufluor aluminium fluoride plant in Sweden. In accordance with the applicable laws, the Group will launch a consultation process with employees, relevant European works councils and other stakeholders. Subject to satisfactory completion of these consultations and certain other conditions, the Group expects to conclude the sale in the second quarter of 2018. Except as disclosed above, no significant events were identified after the balance sheet date.
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
Events after the balance sheet date	Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Production, Reserves Additional Information H Contingent Liabilities Details of contingent liabilities are included in note 31 to the Group Financial Statements. I Events after the balance sheet date On 7 February 2018, the Group announced an on-market share buy-back programme of US$1.0 billion Rio Tinto plc shares; this is in addition to US$1.925 billion under the US$2.5 billion programme announced on 21 September 2017 which started on 27 December 2017. Rio Tinto plc shares that have been bought back under these programmes during 2018 have been cancelled and announcements have been made to the relevant stock exchanges. 1

Share-based payments

Share-based payments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based payments	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 43 Share-based payments Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited have a number of share-based incentive plans, which are described in detail in the Remuneration Report. These plans have been accounted for in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of IFRS 2 “Share-based Payment”. The charge that has been recognised in the income statement for Rio Tinto’s share-based incentive plans, and the related liability (for cash-settled plans), is set out in the table below. Charge recognised for the year Liability at the end of the year 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Equity-settled plans 88 116 128 - - Cash-settled plans 3 - - 15 1 Total 91 116 128 15 1 The main Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited plans are as follows: Share Savings Plans Awards under these plans are settled in equity and accounted for accordingly. The fair value of each award on the day of grant was estimated using a lattice-based option valuation model, including allowance for the exercise price being at a discount to market price. Awards are no longer granted under the Share Savings Plans as these plans were replaced by the Global Employee Share Plans in 2012. All charges have been incurred as the remaining unvested awards vested during 2017. No outstanding awards remain under these plans. Share Option Plans Awards are no longer granted under the Share Option Plans and all charges have been incurred as the remaining awards all vested before 2017, although there remain outstanding vested options under these plans. UK Share Plan (formerly the Share Ownership Plan) The fair values of Matching and Free Shares made by Rio Tinto plc are taken to be the market value of the shares on the date of purchase. These awards are settled in equity. Performance Share Plans Participants are generally assigned shares in settlement of their awards on vesting and therefore the awards are accounted for in accordance with the requirements applying to equity-settled share-based payment transactions, including the dividends accumulated from date of award to vesting. For the parts of awards with Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance conditions, the fair value of the awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model taking into account the TSR performance conditions. One-third of the awards granted since 2013 are subject to an earnings performance target relative to ten global mining comparators. As this is a non-market related performance condition, under IFRS 2, the fair value recognised is reviewed at each accounting date based on the directors’ expectations for the proportion vesting. Forfeitures prior to vesting are assumed at five per cent per annum of outstanding awards (2016: five per cent per annum). Management Share Plans The Management Share Plans were introduced in 2007 (and re-adopted in 2017) to provide conditional share-based awards to management. The vesting of these awards is dependent on service conditions being met. In general, the awards will be settled in equity, including the dividends accumulated from date of award to vesting. The awards are accounted for in accordance with the requirements applying to equity-settled share-based payment transactions. The fair value of each award on the day of grant is equal to the share price on the day of grant less a small adjustment for the timing of dividends. For awards granted in 2017 this adjustment is negligible and therefore the fair value of each award is equal to the share price on the day of grant. Forfeitures prior to vesting are assumed at seven per cent per annum of outstanding awards (2016: seven per cent per annum). Bonus Deferral Plans The Bonus Deferral Plans were introduced in 2009 for the mandatory deferral of 50 per cent of the bonuses for executive directors and product group executives and 25 per cent of the bonuses for other executives. The vesting of these awards is dependent only on service conditions being met. In general, the awards will be settled in equity including the dividends accumulated from date of award to vesting. The awards are accounted for in accordance with the requirements applying to equity-settled share-based payment transactions. The fair value of each award on the day of grant is equal to the share price on the day of grant less a small adjustment for the timing of dividends. For awards granted in 2017 this adjustment is negligible and therefore the fair value of each award is equal to the share price on the day of grant. Global Employee Share Plans The Global Employee Share Plans were introduced in 2012. The Companies provide matching shares for each investment share purchased by a participant. The vesting of these matching awards is dependent on service conditions being met. These awards are settled in equity Summary of options outstanding and exercisable A summary of the status of the Companies’ equity-settled share option plans at 31 December 2017 is presented below. Options outstanding and exercisable at 31 December 2017 Number Weighted average exercise price per option £/A$ Weighted average remaining contractual life Years Aggregate intrinsic value 2017 US$m Rio Tinto plc Share Option Plan (exercise price £16 - £43) 164,119 32 2.56 2 Rio Tinto Limited Share Option Plan (exercise price A 24,647 33 1.21 1 188,766 3 As at 31 December 2017 there were no options outstanding under either the Rio Tinto plc or the Rio Tinto Limited Share Savings Plans. As at 31 December 2016 there were 567,598 options outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of US$3 million. The Management Share Plans, Performance Share Plans, Bonus Deferral Plans, Global Employee Share Plans and UK Share Plan together represent 100 per cent (2016: 100 per cent) of the total IFRS 2 charge for Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited plans in 2017. Performance Share Plans Rio Tinto plc awards Rio Tinto Limited awards 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 Non-vested shares at 1 January 2,883,053 18.27 2,988,454 21.29 1,590,957 37.52 2,048,823 41.13 Awarded 1,198,677 24.64 1,085,974 12.81 529,776 45.84 535,418 28.66 Forfeited (199,435) 16.28 (603,871) 17.22 (36,716) 36.59 (526,212) 36.18 Failed performance conditions (161,966) 16.25 (203,491) 24.61 (113,857) 30.89 (161,937) 44.71 Vested (165,055) 21.51 (384,013) 24.61 (84,284) 40.79 (305,135) 44.71 Transfers from equity to cash-settled (a) - - - - (276,722) 40.11 - - Non-vested shares at 31 December 3,555,274 20.47 2,883,053 18.27 1,609,154 40.13 1,590,957 37.52 2017 Number Weighted average share price 2017 2016 Number Weighted average share price 2016 2017 Number Weighted average share price 2017 2016 Number Weighted average share price 2016 Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) 188,383 31.04 368,623 19.08 73,311 63.09 284,507 42.99 Vested awards settled in cash during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) - - 486 19.00 5,010 62.81 847 43.47 (a) In 2017, an agreement was reached between the Group and a former director to settle any of their future vested awards in cash rather than equity. In addition to the equity-settled awards shown above, there were 26,590 Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 43 Share-based payments continued Management Share Plans, Bonus Deferral Plans, Global Employee Share Plans and UK Share Plan (combined) Rio Tinto plc awards (a) Rio Tinto Limited awards 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 Non-vested awards at 1 January 3,305,966 26.00 3,211,727 29.70 2,986,080 53.32 2,993,396 58.09 Awarded 1,499,374 32.50 1,673,017 20.62 1,156,078 61.05 1,405,348 45.27 Forfeited (159,669) 29.46 (246,806) 23.02 (127,905) 53.61 (164,020) 54.48 Cancelled (51,773) 25.82 - - (95,203) 51.18 - - Vested (1,120,806) 30.41 (1,331,972) 28.72 (985,813) 60.06 (1,248,644) 55.54 Non-vested shares at 31 December 3,473,092 27.23 3,305,966 26.00 2,933,237 54.15 2,986,080 53.32 Comprising: – Management Share Plan 1,897,318 27.99 1,668,590 25.79 1,617,838 55.42 1,530,814 53.88 – Bonus Deferral Plan 281,994 25.53 312,767 23.24 153,966 52.83 148,158 50.25 – Global Employee Share Plan 1,196,937 26.42 1,223,144 26.90 1,161,433 52.54 1,307,108 53.03 – UK Share Plan 96,843 27.14 101,465 27.00 - - 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) – Management Share Plan 653,776 35.33 758,776 20.07 577,083 67.93 701,965 43.93 – Bonus Deferral Plan 170,036 34.44 112,623 30.36 88,644 69.98 113,407 56.78 – Global Employee Share Plan 382,585 33.56 344,072 24.33 466,308 65.10 332,010 48.69 – UK Share Plan 11,120 34.56 21,082 21.92 - - - - (a) Awards of Rio Tinto American Depository Receipts (ADRs) under the Global Employee Share Plan are included within the totals for Rio Tinto plc awards for the purpose of these tables In addition to the equity-settled awards shown above, there were 33,443 Rio Tinto plc and 87,019 Rio Tinto Limited cash-settled awards outstanding at 31 December 2017 (2016: 34,517 Rio Tinto plc and 15,239 Rio Tinto Limited cash-settled awards outstanding). The total liability for these awards at 31 December 2017 was US$6 million (2016: less than US$1 million). 1

Post-retirement benefits

Post-retirement benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Pension And Post Retirement Healthcare Plans [Abstract]
Post-retirement benefits	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 44 Post-retirement benefits Description of plans The Group operates a number of pension and post-retirement healthcare plans around the world. Some of these plans are defined contribution and some are defined benefit, with assets held in separate trusts, foundations and similar entities. Defined benefit pension and post-retirement healthcare plans expose the Group to a number of risks: Uncertainty in benefit payments The value of the Group’s liabilities for post-retirement benefits will ultimately depend on the amount of benefits paid out. This in turn will depend on the level of future pay increases, the level of inflation (for those benefits that are subject to some form of inflation protection) and how long individuals live. Volatility in asset values The Group is exposed to future movements in the values of assets held in pension plans to meet future benefit payments. Uncertainty in cash funding Movements in the values of the obligations or assets may result in the Group being required to provide higher levels of cash funding, although changes in the level of cash required can often be spread over a number of years. In some countries control over the rate of cash funding or over the investment policy for pension assets might rest to some extent with a trustee body or other body that is not under the Group’s direct control. In addition the Group is also exposed to adverse changes in pension regulation. For these reasons the Group has a policy of moving away from defined benefit pension provision and towards defined contribution arrangements instead. The defined benefit pension plans for salaried employees are closed to new entrants in almost all countries. For unionised employees, some plans remain open. The Group does not usually participate in multi-employer plans in which the risks are shared with other companies using those plans. The Group’s participation in such plans is immaterial and consequently no detailed disclosures are provided in this note. Pension plans The majority of the Group’s defined benefit pension obligations are in Canada, the UK, the US, Switzerland and the Eurozone. In Canada the benefits for salaried staff are generally linked to final average pay and are closed to new entrants. Benefits for bargaining employees are reviewed in negotiation with unions and are typically either linked to final average pay or to a flat monetary amount per year of service. Most of these plans have been closed to new entrants. New employees join arrangements which are defined contribution from the Group’s perspective, with any required additional funding being provided by employees. The plans are subject to the regulatory requirements that apply to Canadian pension plans in the relevant provinces and territories (predominantly Quebec). Pension Committees are responsible for ensuring that the plans operate in a manner that is compliant with the relevant regulations. The Pension Committees generally have a number of members appointed by the sponsor and a number appointed by the plan participants. In some cases there is also an independent Committee member. The defined benefit sections of the UK arrangements are linked to final pay and are closed to new members. New employees are admitted to defined contribution sections. The plans are subject to the regulatory requirements that apply to UK pension plans. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the plans operate in a manner that is compliant with UK regulations. The trustee board governing the main UK plans has a number of directors appointed by the sponsor, a number appointed by the plan participants and an independent trustee director. A number of defined benefit pension plans are sponsored by the US entities. Benefits for salaried staff are generally linked to final average pay and closed to new entrants, while benefits for bargaining employees are reviewed in negotiation with unions and are typically a flat monetary amount per year of service and are closed to new entrants. New employees are admitted to defined contribution plans. A Benefits Governance Committee is responsible for ensuring that the plans are compliant with US regulations. Members of that Committee are appointed by the sponsor. In Europe, there are defined benefit plans in Switzerland, Germany and France. The largest single plan is in Switzerland and provides benefits linked to final average pay. The Swiss plan is overseen by a foundation board which is responsible for ensuring that the plan complies with Swiss regulations. Foundation board members are appointed by the plan sponsor, by employees and by retirees. In Australia, the main arrangements are principally defined contribution in nature but there are sections providing defined benefits linked to final pay, typically paid in lump sum form. The defined benefit sections are closed to new entrants. The Group also operates a number of unfunded defined benefit plans, which are included in the figures below. Post-retirement healthcare plans Certain subsidiaries of the Group, mainly in the US and Canada, provide health and life insurance benefits to retired employees and in some cases to their beneficiaries and covered dependants. Eligibility for cover is dependent upon certain age and service criteria. These arrangements are generally unfunded, and are included in the figures below. Plan assets The assets of the pension plans are invested predominantly in a diversified range of equities, bonds and property. Consequently, the funding level of the pension plans is affected by movements in the level of equity markets and also by movements in interest rates. The Group monitors its exposure to changes in interest rates and equity markets and also measures its balance sheet pension risk using a value at risk approach. These measures are considered when deciding whether significant changes in investment strategy are required. Asset-liability studies are conducted on a periodic basis for the main pension plans to determine the optimal investment mix bearing in mind the Group’s tolerance for risk, the risk tolerance of the local sponsor companies and the views of the pension committees and trustee boards who are legally responsible for the investments of the plans. In Canada, the UK and Switzerland, the Group works with the trustees to ensure that the investment policy adopted is consistent with the Group’s tolerance for risk. In the US the Group has direct control over the investment policy, subject to local investment regulations. The proportions of the total fair value of assets in the pension plans for each asset class at the balance sheet date were: 2017 2016 Equities 32.4% 36.8% – Quoted 28.6% 32.5% – Private 3.8% 4.3% Bonds 53.2% 47.9% – Government fixed income 14.3% 11.3% – Government inflation-linked 13.1% 12.0% – Corporate and other publicly quoted 23.5% 22.3% – Private 2.3% 2.3% Property 11.2% 11.0% – Quoted property funds 5.8% 5.8% – Unquoted property funds 5.4% 5.2% Qualifying insurance policies 0.2% 0.6% Cash & other 3.0% 3.7% 100.0% 100.0% The assets of the plans are managed on a day-to-day basis by external specialist fund managers. These managers may invest in the Group’s securities subject to limits imposed by the relevant fiduciary committees and local legislation. The approximate total holding of Group securities within the plans is US$13 million (2016: US$16 million). The holdings of quoted equities are invested either in pooled funds or segregated accounts held in the name of the relevant pension funds. These equity portfolios are well diversified in terms of the geographic distribution and market sectors. The holdings of government bonds are generally invested in the debt of the country in which a pension plan is situated. Corporate and other quoted bonds are usually of investment grade. Private debt is mainly in North America. The quoted property funds are invested in a diversified range of properties. The holdings of cash & other are predominantly cash and short-term money market instruments. Investments in private equity, private debt, and property are less liquid than the other investment classes listed above and therefore the Group’s investment in those asset classes is restricted to a level that does not endanger the liquidity of the pension plans. The Group does not currently utilise derivatives to manage risk in its pension plans. However, fund managers may use derivatives to hedge currency movements within their portfolios and, in the case of bond managers, to take positions that could be taken using direct holdings of bonds but more efficiently. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 44 Post-retirement benefits continued Maturity of defined benefit obligations An approximate analysis of the maturity of the obligations is given in the table below: Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total % 2016 Total % 2015 Total % Proportion relating to current employees 20% 16% 20% 21% 22% Proportion relating to former employees not yet retired 12% 1% 11 % 12% 11% Proportion relating to retirees 68% 83% 69 % 67% 67% Total 100% 100% 100 % 100% 100% Average duration of obligations (years) 14.0 12.7 13.9 14.3 13.4 Geographical distribution of defined benefit obligations An approximate analysis of the geographic distribution of the obligations is given in the table below: Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total % 2016 Total % 2015 Total % Canada 49% 41% 49 % 46% 44% UK 29% 2% 27 % 27% 29% US 12% 54% 14 % 16% 15% Switzerland 5% 0% 5 % 5% 6% Eurozone 3% 0% 3 % 4% 4% Other 2% 3% 2 % 2% 2% Total 100% 100% 100 % 100% 100% Total expense recognised in the income statement Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total % 2016 Total US$m 2015 Total US$m Current employer service cost for defined benefit plans (146) (9) (155) (158) (184) Past service income 1 3 4 - 144 Curtailment gains 1 - 1 5 13 Settlement gains 1 - 1 - 11 Net interest on net defined benefit liability (45) (34) (79) (90) (113) Non-investment expenses paid from the plans (17) - (17) (22) (21) Total defined benefit expense (205) (40) (245) (265) (150) Current employer service cost for defined contribution and industry-wide plans (253) (2) (255) (257) (289) Total expense recognised in the income statement (458) (42) (500) (522) (439) The above expense amounts are included as an employee cost within net operating costs. No amounts have been excluded from underlying earnings in 2017, 2016 or 2015. The curtailments shown in the table above relate primarily to headcount reductions at various operations. The settlement gains in 2015 relate mainly to an exercise in the US in which deferred vested participants were offered a one-time lump sum payment in place of their future pension payments. The past service income in 2015 relates to design changes in Canada and to changes to post-retirement medical plans in the US. Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income before tax 2017 US$m 2016 US$m 2015 US$m Actuarial (losses)/gains (855) (1,120) 548 Return on assets (net of interest on assets) 894 1,031 79 Loss on application of asset ceiling (33) (1) (8) Total gain/(loss) recognised in other comprehensive income 6 (90) 619 Amounts recognised in the balance sheet The following amounts were measured in accordance with IAS 19 at 31 December: Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Total fair value of plan assets 15,257 - 15,257 13,749 Present value of obligations – funded (16,199) - (16,199) (14,504) Present value of obligations – unfunded (448) (998) (1,446) (1,724) Present value of obligations – total (16,647) (998) (17,645) (16,228) Effect of asset ceiling (111) - (111) (63) Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet (1,501) (998) (2,499) (2,542) Comprising: – Deficits (2,372) (998) (3,370) (3,167) – Surpluses 871 - 871 625 Net deficits on pension plans (1,501) - (1,501) (1,616) Unfunded post-retirement healthcare obligation - (998) (998) (926) The surplus amounts shown above are included in the balance sheet as Trade and other receivables. See note 18. Deficits are shown in the balance sheet within Provisions (including post-retirement benefits). See note 26. Funding policy and contributions to plans The Group reviews the funding position of its major pension plans on a regular basis and considers whether to provide funding above the minimum level required in each country. In Canada and the US the minimum level is prescribed by legislation. In the UK and Switzerland the minimum is negotiated with the local trustee or foundation in accordance with the funding guidance issued by the local regulators. In deciding whether to provide funding above the minimum level the Group takes into account other possible uses of cash within the Group, the tax situation of the local sponsoring entity and any strategic advantage that the Group might obtain by accelerating contributions. The Group does not generally pre-fund post-retirement healthcare arrangements. Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m 2015 Total US$m Contributions to defined benefit plans 349 55 404 464 328 Contributions to defined contribution plans 241 2 243 240 272 Contributions to industry-wide plans 12 - 12 17 17 Total 602 57 659 721 617 Contributions to defined benefit pension plans are kept under regular review and actual contributions will be determined in line with the Group’s wider financing strategy, taking into account relevant minimum funding requirements. As contributions to many plans are reviewed on at least an annual basis, the contributions for 2018 and subsequent years cannot be determined precisely in advance. Most of the Group’s largest pension funds are fully funded on their local funding basis and do not require long-term funding commitments at present. Contributions to defined benefit pension plans for 2018 are estimated to be around US$210 million but may be higher or lower than this depending on the evolution of financial markets and voluntary funding decisions taken by the Group. Contributions for subsequent years are expected to be at similar levels. Healthcare plans are generally unfunded and contributions for future years will be equal to benefit payments net of participant contributions. The Group’s contributions in 2018 are expected to be similar to the amounts paid in 2017. Movements in the net defined benefit liability A summary of the movement in the net defined benefit liability is shown in the first table below. The subsequent tables provide a more detailed analysis of the movements in the present value of the obligations, the fair value of assets and the effect of the asset ceiling. The amounts shown below include, where appropriate, 100 per cent of the costs, contributions, gains and losses in respect of employees who participate in the plans and who are employed in associates and joint arrangements. Consequently, the costs, contributions, gains and losses may not correspond directly to the amounts disclosed above in respect of the Group. Defined contribution plans and industry-wide plans are excluded from the movements below. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 44 Post-retirement benefits continued Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in the net defined benefit liability Net defined benefit liability at the start of the year (1,616) (926) (2,542) (2,530) Amounts recognised in Income (205) (40) (245) (265) Amounts recognised in Other comprehensive income 62 (56) 6 (90) Employer contributions 349 55 404 464 Arrangements divested 13 - 13 (8) Currency exchange rate loss (104) (31) (135) (113) Net defined benefit liability at the end of the year (1,501) (998) (2,499) (2,542) Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in present value of obligation Present value of obligation at the start of the year (15,302) (926) (16,228) (16,123) Current employer service costs (146) (9) (155) (158) Past service income 1 3 4 - Curtailments 1 - 1 5 Settlements 307 - 307 - Interest on obligation (498) (34) (532) (577) Contributions by plan participants (23) - (23) (23) Benefits paid 894 55 949 967 Experience (loss)/gain (2) 9 7 139 Changes in financial assumptions loss (678) (40) (718) (1,187) Changes in demographic assumptions loss (119) (25) (144) (72) Arrangements divested 13 - 13 86 Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain (1,095) (31) (1,126) 715 Present value of obligation at the end of the year (16,647) (998) (17,645) (16,228) Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at the start of the year 13,749 - 13,749 13,642 Settlements (306) - (306) - Interest on assets 459 - 459 492 Contributions by plan participants 23 - 23 23 Contributions by employer 349 55 404 464 Benefits paid (894) (55) (949) (967) Non-investment expenses (17) - (17) (22) Return on plan assets (net of interest on assets) 894 - 894 1,031 Arrangements divested - - - (94) Currency exchange rate gain/(loss) 1,000 - 1,000 (820) Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year 15,257 - 15,257 13,749 Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in the effect of the asset ceiling Effect of the asset ceiling at the start of the year (63) - (63) (49) Interest on the effect of the asset ceiling (6) - (6) (5) Movement in the effect of the asset ceiling (33) - (33) (1) Currency exchange rate loss (9) - (9) (8) Effect of the asset ceiling at the end of the year (111) - (111) (63) Most of the settlement amounts shown above relate to the US, where assets and obligations for some pensions in payment were transferred to an insurance company. In determining the extent to which the asset ceiling has an effect, the Group considers the funding legislation in each country and the rules specific to each pension plan. The calculation takes into account any minimum funding requirements that may be applicable to the plan, whether any reduction in future Group contributions is available, and whether a refund of surplus may be available. In considering whether any refund of surplus is available the Group considers the powers of trustee boards and similar bodies to augment benefits or wind up a plan. Where such powers are unilateral, the Group does not consider a refund to be available at the end of the life of a plan. Where the plan rules and legislation both permit the employer to take a refund of surplus, the asset ceiling may have no effect, although it may be the case that a refund will only be available many years in the future. Main assumptions (rates per annum) The main assumptions for the valuations of the plans under IAS 19 are set out below. Canada UK US Switzerland Eurozone At 31 December 2017 Discount rate 3.4% 2.3% 3.5% 0.5% 1.5% Inflation (a) 1.8% 3.2% 2.1% 1.2% 1.7% Rate of increase in pensions 0.5% 2.8% 0.0% 0.4% 1.7% Rate of increase in salaries 3.1% 3.6% 3.6% 2.2% 1.9% At 31 December 2016 Discount rate 3.8% 2.6% 3.9% 0.6% 1.4% Inflation (a) 1.9% 3.3% 2.1% 1.0% 1.6% Rate of increase in pensions 0.4% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% Rate of increase in salaries 3.2% 3.7% 3.6% 2.0% 2.4% (a) The inflation assumption shown for the UK is for the Retail Price Index. The assumption for the Consumer Price Index at 31 December 2017 was 2.1 per cent (2016: 2.2 per cent). The main financial assumptions used for the healthcare plans, which are predominantly in the US and Canada, were: discount rate: 3.6 per cent (2016: 3.9 per cent); medical trend rate: 9.8 per cent reducing to 4.7 per cent by the year 2026 broadly on a straight-line basis (2016: 9.1 per cent, reducing to 5.1 per cent by the year 2025); claims costs based on individual company experience. For both the pension and healthcare arrangements the post-retirement mortality assumptions allow for future improvements in longevity. The mortality tables used imply that a man aged 60 at the balance sheet date has a weighted average expected future lifetime of 27 years (2016: 26 years) and that a man aged 60 in 2037 would have a weighted average expected future lifetime of 28 years (2016: 28 years). Sensitivity The values reported for the defined benefit obligations are sensitive to the actuarial assumptions used for projecting future benefit payments and discounting those payments. In order to estimate the sensitivity of the obligations to changes in assumptions, we calculate what the obligations would be if we were to make small changes to each of the key assumptions in isolation. The difference between this figure and the figure calculated using our stated assumptions is an indication of the sensitivity to changes in each assumption. The results of this sensitivity analysis are summarised in the table below. Note that this approach is valid for small changes in the assumptions but will be less accurate for larger changes in the assumptions. The sensitivity to inflation includes the impact on pension increases, which are generally linked to inflation where they are granted. 2017 2016 Approximate Approximate Assumption Change in assumption Pensions US$m Other US$m Pensions US$m Other US$m Discount rate Increase of 0.5 percentage points 1,091 59 1,031 57 Decrease of 0.5 percentage points (1,169) (63) (1,107) (61) Inflation Increase of 0.5 percentage points (579) (20) (536) (19) Decrease of 0.5 percentage points 550 18 507 17 Salary increases Increase of 0.5 percentage points (74) (1) (77) (3) Decrease of 0.5 percentage points 72 1 75 2 Demographic – allowance for future improvements in longevity Participants assumed to have the mortality rates of individuals who are one year older 509 20 481 20 Participants assumed to have the mortality rates of individuals who are one year younger (509) (20) (481) (20) Medical costs trend rates Increase of 1.0 percentage points - (38) - (37) Decrease of 1.0 percentage points - 33 - 31 1

Rio Tinto Limited parent compan

Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Parent Company Disclosures [Abstract]
Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 45 Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures As at 31 December 2017 A$m 2016 A$m Assets Current assets 11,914 8,041 Non-current assets 7,954 10,758 Total assets 19,868 18,799 Liabilities Current liabilities (7,448) (1,268) Non-current liabilities (35) (4,814) Total liabilities (7,483) (6,082) Net assets 12,385 12,717 Shareholders’ equity Share capital 3,893 4,004 Other reserves 420 413 Retained earnings 8,072 8,300 Total equity 12,385 12,717 Profit of the parent company 9,688 4,452 Total comprehensive income of the parent company 9,688 4,452 Prepared under Australian Accounting Standards (AAS). In relation to Rio Tinto Limited there are no significant measurement differences between AAS and IFRS as defined in note 1. Rio Tinto Limited guarantees Rio Tinto Limited provides a number of guarantees in respect of Group companies. Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited have jointly guaranteed the Group's external listed debt under the US Shelf Programme, European Debt Issuance Programme and Commercial Paper Programme which totalled A$10.2 billion at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: A$14.1 billion); in addition these entities also jointly guarantee the Group's undrawn credit facility which was A$9.6 billion at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: A$10.4 billion). Rio Tinto Limited has guaranteed other external debt held by Rio Tinto Group entities which totalled A$0.1 billion at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: A$0.1 billion) and provided guarantees in respect of certain derivative contracts which were in a liability position of A$48 million at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: A$1 million). In addition, Rio Tinto Limited has provided a guarantee of all obligations, including contingent obligations, of Rio Tinto Finance Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. Pursuant to the DLC Merger, both Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited issued deed poll guarantees by which each company guaranteed contractual obligations incurred by the other or guaranteed by the other. 2017 Annual report riotinto.com 1

Related undertakings

Related undertakings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Interests In Other Entities Explanatory [Abstract]
Related undertakings	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information 46 Related undertakings In accordance with section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, disclosed below is a full list of related undertakings of the Group. Related undertakings include “subsidiaries”, “associated undertakings”, and “significant holdings in undertakings other than subsidiary companies”. The registered office address, country of incorporation, classes of shares and the effective percentage of equity owned by the Group calculated by reference to voting rights, is disclosed as at 31 December 2017. The definition of a subsidiary undertaking in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 is different from the definition under IFRS. As a result, the related undertakings included within this list may not be the same as the related undertakings consolidated in the Group IFRS financial statements. Unless otherwise disclosed, all undertakings with an effective equity holding of greater than 50% are considered subsidiary undertakings for the purpose of this note. Refer to notes 33-36 for further information on accounting policies, basis of consolidation, principal subsidiaries, joint operations, joint ventures and associates. An explanation of the dual listed companies structure of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited can be found on pages 250 to 251. For completeness, the effective ownership by the Group relates to effective holdings by both entities either together or individually. Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address 10029734 Canada Inc.; Canada CAD$1.00 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD$1.00 100 1043802 Ontario Ltd; Canada CAD 100 100 66 Wellington Street West, Suite 4700, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Toronto ON M5K 1E6, Canada 1109723 B.C. Ltd. CAD 100 100 1800 - 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6B 0M3, Canada 46106 YUKON INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada 46117 YUKON INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada CAD 100 100 535630 YUKON INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 c/o Macdonald & Company, 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada CAD 100 100 7999674 CANADA INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada 9230556 CANADA INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD 100 9539549 CANADA INC.; Canada US$ 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Alcan Alumina Ltda.; Brazil BRL1.00 Quota shares 100 100 Avenida Engenheiro Emiliano Macieira, 1—km 18, Pedrinhas, Sao Luis, MA, 65095-603, Brazil Alcan Asia Limited; Hong Kong HKD Ordinary shares 100 100 Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Alcan Betriebs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH; Germany €51.13 100 100 Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany Alcan Chemicals Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Alcan Composites Brasil Ltda; Brazil BRL0.01 100 100 Avenida das Nações Unidas, 10.989, 14th floor, Suite 141, São Paulo, 04578-000, Brazil Alcan Corporation; United States US$ 0.01 100 100 CSC, 211 East 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin TX 78701-3218, United States Alcan Farms Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Alcan Finances USA LLC; United States US$1,000.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Alcan Gove Development Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Gove Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD 100 Alcan Gove Superannuation Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Alcan Holdings Australia Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD 100 100 Alcan Holdings Europe B.V.; Netherlands €455.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands Alcan Holdings Europe B.V.; Netherlands €455.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands Alcan Holdings Nederland B.V.; Netherlands €4,555.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands Alcan Holdings Switzerland AG (SA/Ltd.); Switzerland CHF0.01 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Alcan International Network U.S.A. Inc.; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 80 State Street, Albany NY 12207-2543, United States Alcan Lebensmittelverpackungen GmbH; Germany €51.13 100 100 Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany Alcan Management Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; China US$1.00 100 100 Unit E, 40F Wheelock Square, No. 1717 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, 200040, China Alcan Management Services Canada Limited/Societe de Services de Gestion Alcan Canada Limitee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Alcan Northern Territory Alumina Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Packaging Canada Limited; Canada CAD 100 100 McCarthy Tetrault LLP, c/o Joanne Pierucci, Suite 5300 Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Toronto ON M5K 1E6, Canada Alcan Packaging Mühltal Gmbh & Co. KG; Germany €51.13 100 100 Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany Alcan Primary Metal Australia Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Primary Products Company LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Alcan Primary Products Corporation; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 211 East 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin TX 78701-3218, United States Alcan Realty Limited/Societe Immobiliere Alcan Limitee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Alcan South Pacific Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Trading AG (SA/Ltd.); Switzerland CHF1000 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Aluminium Dunkerque; France €16.00 100 100 17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France Aluminium Pechiney; France €16.00 100 100 725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France Aluminum Company of Canada Limited/Aluminium du Canada Limitee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada AML Properties Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Anglesey Aluminium Limited (Dissolved); United Kingdom (e) £1.00 Ordinary shares 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Anglesey Aluminium Metal Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom AP Service; France €15.00 100 100 725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France Argyle Diamond Mines Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Argyle Diamonds (2013) Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Argyle Diamonds Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD 100 Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Ashton Canada Pty Limited; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia Ashton Mining Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18, Central Park, 152-158 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Ashton Nominees Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Australian Coal Holdings Pty. Limited; Australia ( a) AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD 100 Australian Mining & Smelting Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Beasley River Management Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Beasley River Mining Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Borax España, S.A.; Spain €150.00 100 100 CN 340, Km 954, 12520 NULES, Castellon, Spain Borax Europe Limited; United Kingdom £0.25 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Borax Francais; France €2.75 100 100 89 Route de Bourbourg, 59210, Coudekerque-Branche, France Borax Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Malaysia MYR1.00 100 100 Level 7, Menara Milenium, Jalan Damanlela, Pusat Bandar Damansara, Damansara Heights 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Borax Rotterdam N.V.; Netherlands €453.78 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197KS, ROTTERDAM –BOTLEK, Netherlands British Alcan Aluminium Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Canning Resources Pty Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Capricorn Diamonds Investments Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Cathjoh Holdings Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Champlain Reinsurance Company Ltd.; Switzerland CHF1.23 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Channar Management Services Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Channar Mining Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia CIA. Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Cosmos S.A.C.; Peru PEN1,000.00 100 100 Av. Santa Maria No. 110 Urb. Miraflores – MIRAFLORES – LIMA, Peru Compagnie Générale D’électrolyse Du Palais; France €0.94 100 100 17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France Compania de Transmision Sierraoriente S.A.C.; Peru PEN1,000.00 100 100 Av. Santa Maria No. 110 Urb. Miraflores – MIRAFLORES – LIMA, Peru CRA Exploration (India) Private Limited; India INR10.00 100 100 Apartment No.100 A/5, Ground Floor, The Capital Court, Olof Palme Marg, Munirka, NEW DELHI 110067, India CRA Investments Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia CRA Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Daybreak Development LLC; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Daybreak Property Holdings LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States Daybreak Secondary Water Distribution Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Daybreak Water Holding LLC; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA DB Medical I LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States DBVC1 LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address East Kalimantan Coal Pte. Ltd; Singapore (a) SGD1.00 100 100 12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore US$1.00 100 Eastland Management Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Electric Power Generation Limited; New Zealand (a) NZD1 100 100 Tiwai Road , Southland via Intercargill, New Zealand Empresa de Mineracao Finesa Ltda.; Brazil BRL 100 100 SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 710/720, Brasilia DF, Brazil Falcon Insurance Ltd; Malta (a) US$1.00 100 100 No 7, 4th Floor, Block C, Skyway Offices, 179 Marina Street, Pieta , PTA 9042, Malta US$1.00 100 Flambeau Mining Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Fundsprops Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD A Class 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Gladstone Infrastructure Pty Ltd; Australia AUD Class G 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD A Class ordinary shares 100 Gove Aluminium Ltd; Australia AUD A Non redeemable preference shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD A 100 AUD 100 GPS Energy Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia GPS Nominee Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia GPS Power Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Hail Creek Coal Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Hamersley Exploration Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley HMS Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley Holdings Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley Iron – Yandi Pty Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD 100 AUD 100 Hamersley Iron Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley Resources Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD Z Class 100 Hamersley WA Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc.; United States US$100.00 Ordinary shares 100 100 CSC, 80 State Street, Albany NY 12207-2543, United States High Purity Iron Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA HIsmelt Corporation Pty Limited; Australia (a) AUD Class A shares 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Hunter Valley Resources Pty Ltd; Australia AUD A Class shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD B Class shares 100 IEA Coal Research Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 Apsley House, Third Floor, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SH, United Kingdom IEA Environmental Projects Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 IEAGHG, Pure Offices Cheltenham Office Park, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6SH, United Kingdom Industrias Metalicas Castello S.A.; Spain €6.01 100 100 Calle Tuset 10, 08006, Barcelona, Catalogna, Spain Integrity Land and Cattle LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 2338 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite J, Phoenix AZ 85021 Itallumina Srl; Italy (d) €1.00 100 100 Viale Castro Pretorio 122, 00185, Roma, Italy Johcath Holdings Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Juna Station Pty Ltd; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Kalimantan Gold Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Kalteng Pty. Ltd; Australia (a) AUD A Class ordinary shares 100 100 37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia AUD1.00 Class B (Fully paid $1.00 13/01/2003) 100 AUD1.00 Class B (Paid to $0.12 02/09/2005) 100 AUD 100 Kelian Investment Limited; British Virgin Islands (c)(e) — — 100 Woodbourne Hall, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands Kelian Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Kembla Coal & Coke Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Kennecott Barneys Canyon Mining Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Exploration Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Exploration Mexico, S.A. de C.V.; Mexico MXN1,000.00 100 100 Felix Berenguer 125 – 4,Col.Lomas Virreyes, Distrito Federal, 11000, Mexico Kennecott Holdings Corporation; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Land Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Land Investment Company LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Molybdenum Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Nevada Copper Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Ridgeway Mining Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Royalty Company; United States US$100.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Services Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Uranium Company; United States US$0.01 Common shares 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Utah Copper LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States Kennecott Water Distribution LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kestrel Coal Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Kestrel Coal Sales Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Kutaibar Holdings Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Lawson Mardon Flexible Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Lawson Mardon Smith Brothers Ltd.; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Metallwerke Refonda AG; Switzerland CHF125 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Metals & Minerals Insurance Pte. Limited; Singapore SGD Redeemable preference shares 100 100 2 Shenton Way, #2601, SGX Centre 1, Singapore 068804, Singapore SGD 100 Mineracao Tabuleiro Ltda; Brazil BRL 100 100 SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 690/720, Brasilia DF, Brazil Minera Kennecott, S.A.de C.V.; Mexico MXN1 100 100 Florencia 57,Piso 3,Col.Juarez, Delegacion Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F., 06600, Mexico Mitchell Plateau Bauxite Co. Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Mount Bruce Mining Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Mount Pleasant Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Mutamba Mineral Sands S.A.; Mozambique MZN100.00 100 100 Avenida 24 de Julho, no. 3412, Bairro da Polana Cimento, Maputo City, Mozambique NBH Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Nhulunbuy Corporation Limited; Australia (c) — — 100 19 Westal Street, Nhulunbuy NT 0880, Australia Norgold Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Redeemable 100 North Gold (W.A.) Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD Redeemable 100 North Insurances Pty. Ltd.; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia North IOC (Bermuda) Holdings Limited; Bermuda US$1.00 100 100 Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda North IOC (Bermuda) Limited; Bermuda US$143.64 Class A 100 100 Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda US$100,000.00 100 US$1.00 100 North IOC Holdings Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia North Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia North Mining Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD 100 Pacific Aluminium (New Zealand) Limited; New Zealand NZD1 100 100 Level 6, 109 Featherston Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand Pacific Aluminium Bell Bay Sales Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Pacific Aluminium Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Pacific Aluminium Services Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Pacific Coast Mines, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Aviatube Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Pechiney Bâtiment; France €15.00 100 100 725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Pechiney Bécancour, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Cast Plate, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Consolidated Australia Pty Limited; Australia US$1.00 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia US$1.00 Preference shares 100 Pechiney Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi; Turkey (d) TRY25.00 100 100 Karakoy Haci Mimi Mah. Vekil Harc Sok. 10 Kat 4, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey Pechiney Holdings, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Metals LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Sales Corporation; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Peko Exploration Pty Ltd.; Australia AUD 100 100 37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia Peko-Wallsend Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Port d’Ehoala S.A.; Madagascar US$100.00 100 100 Immeuble ASSIST, Ivandry , Lot N°35, 5ème étage, 101 Antananarivo , Antananarivo, Madagascar Project Generation Group Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia PSZ Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia PT Alcan Packaging Flexipack; Indonesia (d) IDR1,000,000.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Consultants; Indonesia (d) US$1.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Exploration; Indonesia (d) US$1.00 100 100 15th Floor, Menara Anugrah, Kantor Taman E3.3, Jalan DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 8.6-8.7, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Indonesia; Indonesia US$1.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Irja; Indonesia (d) US$1.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia QIT Madagascar Minerals Ltd; Bermuda US$1.00 100 100 Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda Queensland Coal Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Química e Metalúrgica Mequital Ltda.; Brazil BRL 100 100 Av. das Nacoes Unida, 12551 19o, andar, CJ 1911, 04578-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Ranges Management Company Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Ranges Mining Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Resolution Copper Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Richards Bay Mining Holdings (Proprietary) Limited; South Africa ZAR1.00 A 100 100 The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa ZAR1.00 B 100 Richards Bay Titanium Holdings (Proprietary) Limited; South Africa ZAR1.00 A 100 100 The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa ZAR1.00 B 100 Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Rio de Contas Desenvolvimentos Minerais Ltda; Brazil BRL 100 100 Rua Coronel Durval Matos, S/N. Centro, Municipio de Jaguaquara, Estado da Bahia, CEP45345-000, Brazil Rio Santa Rita Empreenimentos e-Particiacoes Ltda BRL 100 100 SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 690/720, Brasilia, DF, Brazil Rio Sava Exploration DOO; Serbia (c) — — 100 Resavska 23, 11000 Beograd, Beograd, 11000, Serbia Rio Tinto (Commercial Paper) Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Rio Tinto (Hong Kong) Ltd; Hong Kong HKD 100 100 Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Rio Tinto (Mauritius) Pty Limited; Mauritius (d) US$1.00 100 100 6th Floor, Tower A, 1 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius Rio Tinto Advisory Services Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Rio Tinto Alcan Fund Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltd. / Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Alcan Middle East DMCC; United Arab Emirates AED1,000 100 100 Gold Tower, Jlt Cluster I, 8th Floor, Unit E, Dubai, PO BOX 340801, United Arab Emirates Rio Tinto Alcan Technology Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Almazpoisk LLC; Russian Federation (c)(d) — — 100 3, Aleksandra Lukyanova, 105066, Moscow, Russian Federation Rio Tinto Aluminium (Bell Bay) Limited; Australia AUD 7.5% Cumulative 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, Level 3, 500 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto America Holdings Inc.; United States US$0.01 Class A 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA US$100.00 Series A 100 Rio Tinto America Inc.; United States US$100.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Rio Tinto Asia Ltd; Hong Kong HKD 100 100 Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Rio Tinto Asia Pty. Limited.; Australia (a) AUD Class A shares 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia AUD 100 Rio Tinto AuM Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Rio Tinto Australian Holdings Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom US$1.00 100 Rio Tinto Bahia Holdings Limited; United Kingdom US$1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Base Metals Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Rio Tinto Brazilian Holdings Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom US$1.00 100 Rio Tinto Brazilian Investments Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom US$1.00 100 Rio Tinto Canada Diamond Operation Management Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada Rio Tinto Canada Inc; Canada CAD Class B shares 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD Class C shares 100 CAD Class D shares 100 CAD Class J Shares 100 Class K Shares 100 Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Rio Tinto Canada Management Inc./ Rio Tinto Gestion Canada Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD 100 Rio Tinto Canada Uranium Corporation; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Coal (Clermont) Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Coal Investments Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Coal NSW Holdings Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Desenvolvimentos Minerais LTDA.; Brazil BRL Quotas shares 100 100 SIG Quadra 04, Lote 175, Torre A, Salas 106 a 109, Edificio Capital Financial Center, Brasilia, CEP 70610-440, Brazil Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Canada Holding Inc.; Canada CAD Class A 100 100 300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada CAD Class B shares 100 CAD Class C 100 CAD Class P1 100 Rio Tinto Diamonds Limited; United Kingdom US$1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Diamonds Netherlands B.V.; Netherlands €500.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Netherlands Rio Tinto Diamonds NV; Belgium € 100 100 Hoveniersstraat 53, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium Rio Tinto Eastern Investments B.V.; Netherlands €13,418,899,730 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Energy America Inc.; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Rio Tinto Energy Limited; United Kingdom US$1.00 Ordinary shares 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Escondida Limited; Bermuda US$1.00 100 100 22 Canon’s Court, Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda Rio Tinto European Holdings Limited; United Kingdom (b) £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Exploration (Asia) Holdings Pte. Ltd.; Singapore US$1.00 100 100 12 Marina Boulevard, #20-0

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Investments In Subsidiaries Joint Ventures And Associates [Abstract]
Investments	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information B Investments 2017 US$m 2016 US$m Investments in Group companies: At 1 January 36,050 36,180 Additions 45 58 Disposals - (160) Other adjustments (2) (28) At 31 December 36,093 36,050 At 31 December 2017 the Company had the following principal subsidiaries: Company Principal activity Country of incorporation Percentage shareholding Rio Tinto International Holdings Limited Holding company UK 100 Rio Tinto European Holdings Limited Holding company UK 100 In accordance with Section 409 of the UK Companies Act 2006, a full list of related undertakings is disclosed in the consolidated financial statements (note 46). 1

Share capital

Share capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Share capital	E Share capital 2017 US$m 2016 US$m Issued and fully paid up share capital of 10p each (a) At 1 January 224 224 Ordinary shares purchased and cancelled (b) (4) - At 31 December 220 224 (a) 26,241 new shares (2016: 33,210 new shares) were issued during the year and 147,126 shares (2016: 743,380 shares) were reissued from treasury pursuant to share plans. (b) During the year 32,937,109 shares (2016: nil shares) were purchased and immediately cancelled.

Other reserves

Other reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Reserves Within Equity [Line Items]
Other reserves	F Other reserves Other reserves include US$11,936 million (2016: US$11,936 million) which represents the difference between the nominal value and issue price of the shares issued arising from Rio Tinto plc’s rights issue completed in July 2009.

Rio Tinto plc guarantees

Rio Tinto plc guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Rio Tinto plc guarantees	G Rio Tinto plc guarantees Rio Tinto plc provides a number of guarantees in respect of Group companies. Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited have jointly guaranteed the Group's external listed debt under the US Shelf Programme, European Debt Issuance Programme and Commercial Paper Programme which totalled US$7.9 billion at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: US$10.2 billion). In addition, these entities also jointly guarantee the Group's undrawn credit facility which was US$7.5 billion at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: US$7.5 billion). Rio Tinto plc has provided guarantees in respect of certain derivative contracts that are in a liability position of US$231 million at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: US$458 million). Rio Tinto plc has provided a guarantee, known as the completion support undertaking (CSU), in favour of the Oyu Tolgoi LLC project finance lenders. At 31 December 2017 US$4.3 billion of project finance debt was outstanding under this facility (31 December 2016: US$4.3 billion). Oyu Tolgoi LLC is owned by Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC (34 per cent), which is controlled by the Government of Mongolia, and Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (66 per cent, of which Rio Tinto owns 51 per cent). The project finance has been raised for development of the underground mine and the CSU will terminate on the completion of the underground mine according to a set of completion tests set out in the project finance facility. The Rio Tinto guarantee applies to the extent that Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd cannot satisfy Oyu Tolgoi LLC’s project finance debt servicing obligations under its own guarantee to the lenders, called the sponsor debt service undertaking (DSU). Both the CSU and DSU contain a carve-out for certain political risk events. During 2017, fees of US$44 million (2016: US$13 million) were received from Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd as consideration for provision of the CSU with an additional balance of US$12 million (31 December 2016: US$13 million) due and included within Current Assets - Trade and other receivables. Rio Tinto plc has provided a number of guarantees in relation to various pension funds. Subject to certain conditions, Rio Tinto plc would pay any contributions due from Group companies participating in these funds in the event that the companies fail to meet their contribution requirements. The guarantees were not called upon in 2017. The aggregate of company contributions to these plans in 2017 was US$51 million (2016: US$94 million). Other guarantees issued by Rio Tinto plc in relation to Rio Tinto Group entities as at 31 December 2017 amount to US$338 million (31 December 2016: US$337 million). Included within this balance is US$60 million (31 December 2016: US$60 million) in relation to non-wholly owned subsidiaries. Pursuant to the DLC Merger, both Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited issued deed poll guarantees by which each company guaranteed contractual obligations incurred by the other or guaranteed by the other. The liability recognised for financial guarantees is US$389 million (31 December 2016: US$415 million).

Rio Tinto financial information

Rio Tinto financial information by business unit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Financial Information By Business Unit [Abstract]
Rio Tinto financial information by business unit	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information Rio Tinto financial information Gross revenue (a) EBITDA (b) Net earnings (c) for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December Rio Tinto interest 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 % US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore Pilbara (d) 18,143 14,530 13,886 11,383 8,558 7,730 6,576 4,662 4,013 Evaluation projects/other 108 75 66 137 (32 ) (55 ) 116 (51 ) (73 ) Total Iron Ore 18,251 14,605 13,952 11,520 8,526 7,675 6,692 4,611 3,940 Aluminium (e) Bauxite 2,019 1,913 2,057 804 848 937 463 493 542 Alumina 2,661 2,118 2,145 454 27 (47 ) 180 (121 ) (187 ) Intrasegment (790 ) (786 ) (849 ) (25 ) - - (17 ) - - Bauxite & Alumina 3,890 3,245 3,353 1,233 875 890 626 372 355 Primary Metal 5,808 4,913 4,931 1,762 1,258 1,245 778 402 446 Pacific Aluminium 2,305 1,971 2,254 453 264 408 176 62 147 Intersegment & Other (2,321 ) (1,822 ) (1,876 ) (19 ) (50 ) 132 (12 ) (13 ) 92 Integrated Operations 9,682 8,307 8,662 3,429 2,347 2,675 1,568 823 1,040 Other Product Group Items 1,214 1,075 1,374 (132 ) (42 ) (76 ) (100 ) (30 ) (50 ) Product group operations 10,896 9,382 10,036 3,297 2,305 2,599 1,468 793 990 Evaluation projects/other 109 76 81 126 167 143 115 154 128 Total Aluminium 11,005 9,458 10,117 3,423 2,472 2,742 1,583 947 1,118 Copper & Diamonds Rio Tinto Kennecott 100.0 1,352 1,243 1,403 539 126 437 78 (228 ) 44 Escondida 30.0 1,811 1,465 1,855 1,030 793 760 325 270 281 Grasberg joint venture (f) 33 - - (3 ) (17 ) (17 ) (169 ) (64 ) (34 ) Oyu Tolgoi & Turquoise Hill (g) 940 1,203 1,636 256 436 501 36 52 57 Diamonds (h) 706 613 698 287 239 293 92 47 79 Product group operations 4,842 4,524 5,592 2,109 1,577 1,974 362 77 427 Evaluation projects/other - - - (205 ) (190 ) (141 ) (99 ) (95 ) (57 ) Total Copper & Diamonds 4,842 4,524 5,592 1,904 1,387 1,833 263 (18 ) 370 Energy & Minerals Rio Tinto Coal Australia (i) 2,829 2,634 2,757 1,223 893 497 716 382 48 Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7 1,867 1,324 1,353 770 335 197 235 64 12 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (j) 1,763 1,419 1,571 546 370 435 201 86 116 Rio Tinto Borates 100.0 630 620 624 244 213 178 126 117 103 Dampier Salt 68.4 215 259 306 27 74 71 3 25 24 Uranium (k) 417 456 474 15 54 1 (26 ) 10 (42 ) Product group operations 7,721 6,712 7,085 2,825 1,939 1,379 1,255 684 261 Simandou iron ore project (l) - - - (13 ) (102 ) (87 ) (6 ) (47 ) (41 ) Evaluation projects/other 43 22 55 (9 ) (31 ) (55 ) (7 ) (25 ) (43 ) Total Energy & Minerals 7,764 6,734 7,140 2,803 1,806 1,237 1,242 612 177 Other Operations (m) 10 8 18 (116 ) (95 ) (83 ) (138 ) (88 ) (90 ) Intersegment transactions (15 ) (11 ) (34 ) - - - - - - Product group Total 41,857 35,318 36,785 19,534 14,096 13,404 9,642 6,064 5,515 Other items (n) (736 ) (411 ) (546 ) (483 ) (241 ) (375 ) Exploration and evaluation (218 ) (175 ) (237 ) (178 ) (147 ) (211 ) Net interest (354 ) (576 ) (389 ) Underlying EBITDA/earnings 18,580 13,510 12,621 8,627 5,100 4,540 Items excluded from underlying EBITDA/earnings 10 18 (1 ) 1,912 (687 ) (563 ) 135 (483 ) (5,406 ) EBITDA/net earnings 20,492 12,823 12,058 8,762 4,617 (866 ) Reconciliation to Group income statement Share of equity accounted unit sales and intra-subsidiary/equity accounted units sales (1,837 ) (1,555 ) (1,955 ) Depreciation & amortisation in subsidiaries excluding capitalised depreciation (4,302 ) (4,691 ) (4,553 ) Impairment charges, net of reversals (796 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Depreciation & amortisation in equity accounted units (648 ) (526 ) (462 ) Taxation and finance items in equity accounted units (272 ) (241 ) (276 ) Consolidated sales revenue/profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax 40,030 33,781 34,829 14,474 7,116 3,976 Depreciation & Operating assets (p) Capital expenditure (o) amortisation as at Employees for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December Rio Tinto interest 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 % US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Number Number Number Iron Ore Pilbara (d) 1,201 868 1,608 1,645 1,645 1,744 16,535 16,357 16,870 10,159 10,424 11,097 Evaluation projects/other - - - - - - 2 2 2 - - - Total Iron Ore 1,201 868 1,608 1,645 1,645 1,744 16,537 16,359 16,872 10,159 10,424 11,097 Aluminium (e) Bauxite 825 343 159 123 110 112 1,897 1,278 1,050 2,534 2,592 2,603 Alumina 108 87 158 209 206 207 2,733 2,588 2,698 2,012 2,139 2,287 Intrasegment - - (18 ) Bauxite & Alumina 933 430 317 332 316 319 4,612 3,866 3,748 4,546 4,731 4,890 Primary Metal 389 394 1,249 665 716 629 9,946 10,701 10,326 6,404 6,799 7,980 Pacific Aluminium 109 91 126 196 193 212 1,016 1,044 1,198 2,173 2,276 2,339 Intersegment and Other 5 1 (10 ) 6 25 12 772 171 677 222 231 210 Total Aluminium 1,436 916 1,682 1,199 1,250 1,172 16,346 15,782 15,949 13,345 14,037 15,419 Copper & Diamonds Rio Tinto Kennecott 100.0 249 333 408 422 530 344 1,936 2,189 2,441 1,734 1,638 1,793 Escondida 30.0 248 517 770 507 364 293 3,369 3,565 3,485 1,079 1,230 1,159 Grasberg joint venture (f) 138 174 179 42 89 43 1,137 1,151 1,016 1,642 2,859 2,868 Oyu Tolgoi & Turquoise Hill (g) 901 322 92 344 450 416 4,725 3,804 3,597 2,835 2,728 2,798 Diamonds (h) 85 97 124 132 164 159 441 655 857 922 907 1,118 Product group operations 1,621 1,443 1,573 1,447 1,597 1,255 11,608 11,364 11,396 8,212 9,362 9,736 Evaluation projects/other 1 (2 ) 3 5 4 6 135 166 155 142 127 160 Total Copper & Diamonds 1,622 1,441 1,576 1,452 1,601 1,261 11,743 11,530 11,551 8,354 9,489 9,896 Energy & Minerals Rio Tinto Coal Australia (i)/(q) 84 (107 ) 108 152 297 336 1,040 1,807 2,137 1,924 3,049 3,157 Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7 202 75 118 157 151 162 988 1,018 1,152 2,382 2,308 2,316 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (j) 119 97 150 219 189 194 3,881 3,662 3,554 4,048 4,094 4,507 Rio Tinto Borates 100.0 28 31 28 65 53 45 523 508 585 936 984 987 Dampier Salt 68.4 13 11 14 22 23 22 150 146 140 232 317 394 Uranium (k) 21 30 39 37 25 65 (327 ) (143 ) (216 ) 1,307 1,303 1,329 Product group operations 467 137 457 652 738 824 6,255 6,998 7,352 10,829 12,055 12,690 Simandou iron ore project (l) - - 91 - - 1 17 13 (10 ) 10 635 912 Evaluation projects/other - 4 4 - 1 5 41 38 39 25 763 855 Total Energy & Minerals 467 141 552 652 739 830 6,313 7,049 7,381 10,864 13,453 14,457 Other Operations (m) (35 ) (11 ) (36 ) 32 34 32 (328 ) 203 (33 ) 203 249 299 Product group Total 4,691 3,355 5,382 4,980 5,269 5,039 50,611 50,923 51,720 42,925 47,652 51,168 Intersegment transactions 206 142 242 Net assets/(liabilities) of disposal groups held for sale (r) 370 (7 ) 182 Other items (n) 70 (46 ) 65 42 51 68 (2,631 ) (2,181 ) (1,012 ) 3,882 3,377 3,770 Less: equity accounted units (417 ) (651 ) (859 ) (647 ) (526 ) (462 ) - - - - Total 4,344 2,658 4,588 4,375 4,794 4,645 48,556 48,877 51,132 46,807 51,029 54,938 Add back: Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 138 354 97 Total capital expenditure per cash flow statement 4,482 3,012 4,685 Less: Net debt (3,845 ) (9,587 ) (13,783 ) Less: EAU funded balances excluded from net debt - - - Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto 44,711 39,290 37,349 Notes to financial information Business units are classified according to the Group’s management structure. Certain comparative amounts have been reallocated to appropriately represent changes in management responsibility. a) Gross sales revenue includes the sales revenue of equity accounted units on a proportionately consolidated basis (after adjusting for sales to subsidiaries) in addition to consolidated sales. Consolidated sales revenue includes subsidiary sales to equity accounted units which are not included in gross sales revenue. b) EBITDA of subsidiaries and the Group's share of EBITDA relating to equity accounted units represents profit before: tax, net finance items, depreciation and amortisation charged to the income statement in the period. Underlying EBITDA excludes the same items that are excluded from underlying earnings. c) Represents profit after tax for the period attributable to the owners of the Rio Tinto Group. Business unit earnings are stated before finance items but after the amortisation of discount related to provisions. Earnings attributed to business units do not include amounts that are excluded in arriving at underlying earnings. d) Pilbara represents the Group’s 100 per cent holding in Hamersley, 50 per cent holding of Hope Downs Joint Venture and 65 per cent holding of Robe River Iron Associates. The Group’s net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron Associates is 53 per cent as 30 per cent is held through a 60 per cent owned subsidiary and 35 per cent is held through a 100 per cent owned subsidiary. e) Presented on an integrated operations basis splitting activities between Bauxite & Alumina, Primary Metal, Pacific Aluminium and Other integrated operations (which in total reflect the results of the integrated production of aluminium) and Other product group items which relate to other commercial activities. f) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. g) Rio Tinto’s interest in Oyu Tolgoi is held indirectly through its 50.8 per cent investment in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (TRQ), where TRQ’s principal asset is its 66 per cent investment in Oyu Tolgoi LLC, which owns the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine. h) Includes Rio Tinto’s interests in Argyle (100 per cent) and Diavik (60 per cent). i) On 1 September, 2017, Rio Tinto disposed of its 100 per cent shareholding in Coal & Allied Industries Limited to Yancoal Australia Limited. As at 31 December 2016, this included Rio Tinto’s 100 per cent shareholding in Coal & Allied Industries Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Rio Tinto as a 100 per cent owner of Coal & Allied held a 67.6 per cent, 80 per cent and 55.6 per cent respectively, with management rights, in Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth. On 1 March 2016, Coal & Allied disposed of its 40 per cent interest in Bengalla Joint Venture and on 5 August 2016, Coal & Allied disposed of its 100 per cent interest in the Mount Pleasant project. Both were included up until their respective disposal dates. j) Includes Rio Tinto's interests in Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (100 per cent), QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM, 80 per cent) and Richards Bay Minerals (attributable interest of 74 per cent). k) Includes Rio Tinto’s interests in Energy Resources of Australia (68.4 per cent) and Rössing Uranium Limited (68.6 per cent). l) Simfer Jersey Limited, a company incorporated in Jersey in which the Group has a 53 per cent interest, has an 85 per cent interest in Simfer S.A., the company that manages the Simandou project in Guinea. The Group therefore has a 45.05 per cent indirect interest in Simfer S.A. These entities are consolidated as subsidiaries and together referred to as the Simandou iron ore project. m) Other Operations include Rio Tinto’s 100 per cent interest in the curtailed Gove alumina refinery and Rio Tinto Marine. n) Central office costs, central Growth & Innovation costs and other central items are reported in Other items. The loss in Other items includes restructuring, project and other one off costs of US$177 million (pre-tax) in 2017. The increased loss also reflects an increase in Information Systems & Technology spend and further investment in the Commercial Centre in Singapore and capability to support the Group’s Mine to Market Productivity programme. o) Capital expenditure comprises the net cash outflow on purchases less disposals of property, plant and equipment, capitalised evaluation costs and purchases less disposals of other intangible assets. The details provided include 100 per cent of subsidiaries’ capital expenditure and Rio Tinto’s share of the capital expenditure of joint operations and equity accounted units. p) Operating assets of subsidiaries comprise net assets excluding post-retirement assets and liabilities, net of tax, and are before deducting net debt. Operating assets are stated after deduction of non-controlling interests, which are calculated by reference to the net assets of the relevant companies (ie inclusive of such companies’ debt and amounts due to or from Rio Tinto Group companies). q) Capital expenditure in 2016 for Rio Tinto Coal Australia includes net proceeds of US$192 million for the disposal of 100 per cent interest in the Mount Pleasant thermal coal project to MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd on 5 August 2016. r) Assets and liabilities held for sale at 31 December 2017 comprise of Rio Tinto’s interest in the Dunkerque aluminium smelter and certain other separate assets. Assets and liabilities held for sale at 31 December 2016 comprise Rio Tinto’s interests in the Blair Athol coal project and certain separate assets. Assets and liabilities held for sale at 31 December 2015 comprised Rio Tinto’s interests in the Blair Athol coal project, Carbone Savoie (disposed of on 31 March 2016), Bengalla (disposed of on 1 March 2016), and certain other separate assets. 1

Principal accounting policies (

Principal accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Accounting Judgements And Estimates [Line Items]
Accounting convention	(a) Accounting convention The financial information included in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, and for the related comparative periods, has been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain derivative contracts and financial assets, the impact of fair value hedge accounting on the hedged item and the accounting for post-employment assets and obligations. The Group’s policy in respect of these items is set out in the notes below. The Group’s financial statements are presented in US dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest million (US$m) unless otherwise stated. Where applicable, comparatives have been adjusted to measure or present them on the same basis as current period figures.
Basis of consolidation	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information (b) Basis of consolidation (notes 33 to 36) All intragroup transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the locally reported assets, liabilities, and results of subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates to bring their accounting policies in line with those used by the Group. Subsidiaries: Subsidiaries are entities controlled by either of the Companies. Control exists where either of the Companies has: power over the entities, that is, existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the entities (those that significantly affect the Companies’ returns); exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entities; and the ability to use its power to affect those returns. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which the Group obtains control. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Joint arrangements: A joint arrangement is an arrangement in which two or more parties have joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control such that decisions about the relevant activities of the arrangement (those that significantly affect the Companies’ returns) require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Group has two types of joint arrangements: Joint operations (JO): A JO is a joint arrangement in which the parties that share joint control have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. This includes situations where the parties benefit from the joint activity through a share of the output, rather than by receiving a share of the results of trading. In relation to its interest in a JO, the Group recognises: its share of assets and liabilities; revenue from the sale of its share of the output and its share of any revenue generated from the sale of the output by the JO; and its share of expenses. All such amounts are measured in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, which is usually in proportion to the Group’s interest in the JO. These amounts are recorded in the Group’s financial statements on the appropriate lines. Joint ventures (JV): A JV is a joint arrangement in which the parties that share joint control have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. JVs are accounted for using the equity accounting method. Other unincorporated arrangements: In some cases, the Group participates in unincorporated arrangements and has rights to its share of the assets and obligations for its share of the liabilities of the arrangement rather than a right to a net return, but does not share joint control. In such cases, the Group recognises: its share of assets and liabilities; revenue from the sale of its share of the output and its share of any revenue generated from the sale of the output by the unincorporated arrangement; and its share of expenses. All such amounts are measured in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, which is usually in proportion to the Group’s interest in the arrangement. These amounts are recorded in the Group’s financial statements on the appropriate lines. Associates: An associate is an entity that is neither a subsidiary nor a joint arrangement, over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence is presumed to exist where there is neither control nor joint control and the Group has over 20 per cent of the voting rights, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. Significant influence can arise where the Group holds less than 20 per cent of the voting rights if it has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions affecting the entity. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity accounting method . The Group uses the term “equity accounted units” (EAUs) to refer to associates and JVs collectively. Under the equity accounting method the investment is recorded initially at cost to the Group, including any goodwill on acquisition. In subsequent periods the carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to reflect the Group’s share of the EAUs’ retained post-acquisition profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Long term loans to EAUs that in substance form part of the Group’s net investment (quasi equity loans) are financial assets but are included in the line “Investments in equity accounted units” on the face of the balance sheet. When the Group’s share of losses in an EAU equals or exceeds its interest in the EAU, including such long term loans and any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred legal or constructive obligations to continue to make payments on behalf of the EAU. Acquisitions (note 37) Under the “acquisition” method of accounting for business combinations, the purchase consideration is allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed (the identifiable net assets) on the basis of their fair value at the date of acquisition, which is the date on which control is obtained. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree, the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement and any equity interests issued by the Group. Costs related to the acquisition of a subsidiary are expensed as incurred. The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Any shortfall is immediately recognised in the income statement. Non-controlling interests in the acquiree, that are present ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of the entity’s net assets in the event of liquidation, are recognised by the Group in one of two ways with the choice being available on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. They can be measured at either the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets or at fair value. In some cases, non-controlling interests may be treated as equity options and valued on that basis. Goodwill (see note (e)) and amounts attributable to non-controlling interests will differ depending on the basis used. Where the Group has a previously held non-controlling interest in the acquiree, this is remeasured to fair value at the date control is obtained with any gain or loss recognised in the income statement. The cash cost of the share purchase that gives rise to control is included within “Investing activities” in the cash flow statement. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 1 Principal accounting policies continued Where the Group increases its ownership interest in a subsidiary, the difference between the purchase price and the carrying value of the share of net assets acquired is recorded in equity. The cash cost of such purchases is included within “Financing activities” in the cash flow statement. Provisional fair values allocated at a reporting date are finalised within 12 months of the acquisition date. The results of businesses acquired during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control, joint control or significant influence is obtained. Disposals (note 37) Individual non-current assets or “disposal groups” (that is, groups of assets and liabilities) to be disposed of by sale or otherwise in a single transaction are classified as “held for sale” if the following criteria are met at the period end: – the carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use; and – the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for such sales; and – the sale is highly probable. Disposal groups held for sale are carried at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. The comparative balance sheet is not restated. Disposal groups acquired with a view to resale are held at the fair value determined at the acquisition date. For these assets acquired for resale no profits or losses are recognised between the acquisition date and the disposal date, unless there is a subsequent impairment. On classification as held for sale, the assets are no longer depreciated and, if applicable, equity accounting ceases. If control is lost, any interest in the entity retained by the Group is remeasured to its fair value and the change in carrying amount is recognised in the income statement. The retained interest may be subsequently accounted for as a joint venture, joint operation, associate or financial asset depending on the facts. Certain amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of the entity disposed of, or for which control, joint control or significant influence has ceased, may be recycled to the income statement. The cash proceeds of disposals are included within “Investing activities” in the cash flow statement. Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for in equity. The cash proceeds of such disposals are included within “Financing activities” in the cash flow statement.
Sales revenue	(c) Sales revenue Sales revenue comprises sales to third parties. All shipping and handling costs incurred by the Group are recognised as operating costs. If the Group is acting solely as an agent, amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are offset against the relevant costs. Revenue from services is recognised as those services are rendered to, and accepted by, the customer. Sales revenue excludes any applicable sales taxes. Mining royalties payable are presented as an operating cost or, where they are in substance a profit-based tax, within taxation. Revenues from the sale of significant by-products, such as gold, are included in sales revenue. Other operating income, incidental to the main revenue-generating activities of the operations, is treated as a credit to operating costs. Third-party commodity swap arrangements principally for delivery and receipt of smelter grade alumina are offset within operating costs. Sales of copper concentrate are stated at their invoiced amount which is net of treatment and refining charges. Sales revenue is only recognised on individual sales when all of the following criteria are met: – the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the product have been transferred to the buyer; – neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership, nor effective control over the goods sold, has been retained; – the amount of revenue can be measured reliably; – it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the sale will flow to the Group; and – the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the sale can be measured reliably. In most instances, sales revenue is recognised when the product is delivered to the destination specified by the customer, which is typically the vessel on which it will be shipped, the destination port or the customer’s premises. The Group’s products are sold to customers under contracts which vary in tenure and pricing mechanisms, including some volumes sold in the spot market. Sales revenue may be subject to adjustment if the product specification does not conform to the terms specified in the sales contract. Pricing for iron ore is on a range of terms, the majority being either monthly or quarterly average pricing mechanisms, with a smaller proportion of iron ore volumes being sold on the spot market. Certain of the Group’s products are provisionally priced at the date revenue is recognised, however, with the exception of copper, prices are generally finalised within the calendar quarter of the month of shipment. The final selling price is based on the price for the quotational period stipulated in the contract. Substantially all iron ore and aluminium sales are reflected at final prices in the results for the period. Final prices for copper concentrate are normally determined between 30 to 180 days after delivery to the customer. The change in value of the embedded pricing derivative included in the receivable is based on relevant forward market prices and is included in sales revenue. Information on provisionally priced sales contracts is included in note 30.
Currency translation	(d) Currency translation The functional currency for each entity in the Group, and for joint arrangements and associates, is the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. For many of these entities, this is the currency of the country in which they are located. Transactions denominated in other currencies are converted to the functional currency at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at period-end exchange rates. The Group’s financial statements are presented in US dollars, as that presentation currency most reliably reflects the global business performance of the Group as a whole. On consolidation, income statement items for each entity are translated from the functional currency into US dollars at average rates of exchange, except for material one-off transactions, which are translated at the rate prevailing on the transaction date. Balance sheet items are translated into US dollars at period-end exchange rates. Exchange differences arising on the translation of the net assets of entities with functional currencies other than the US dollar are recognised directly in the currency translation reserve. These translation differences are shown in the statement of comprehensive income, with the exception of translation adjustments relating to Rio Tinto Limited’s share capital which are shown in the statement of changes in equity. Where an intragroup balance is, in substance, part of the Group’s net investment in an entity, exchange gains and losses on that balance are taken to the currency translation reserve. Except as noted above, or in note 1(p) relating to derivative contracts, all other exchange differences are charged or credited to the income statement in the year in which they arise.
Goodwill and intangible assets (excluding exploration and evaluation expenditure)	(e) Goodwill and intangible assets (excluding exploration and evaluation expenditure) (notes 12 and 13) Goodwill is not amortised; it is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Investments in EAUs, including any goodwill, are tested for impairment as a single asset when a trigger for impairment has been identified. The Group’s impairment policy is explained in note 1(i). Purchased intangible assets are initially recorded at cost. Finite-life intangible assets are amortised over their useful economic lives on a straight-line or units of production basis, as appropriate. Intangible assets that are deemed to have indefinite lives and intangible assets that are not yet ready for use are not amortised; they are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment in accordance with accounting policy note 1(i). The Group considers that intangible assets have indefinite lives when, based on an analysis of all of the relevant factors, there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate cash flows for the Group. The factors considered in making this judgment include the existence of contractual rights for unlimited terms or evidence that renewal of the contractual rights without significant incremental cost can be expected for indefinite future periods in view of the Group’s investment intentions. The life cycles of the products and processes that depend on the asset are also considered.
Exploration and evaluation	(f) Exploration and evaluation (note 13) Exploration and evaluation expenditure comprises costs that are directly attributable to: – researching and analysing existing exploration data; – conducting geological studies, exploratory drilling and sampling; – examining and testing extraction and treatment methods; and/or – compiling various studies (order of magnitude, pre-feasibility and feasibility). Exploration expenditure relates to the initial search for deposits with economic potential. Expenditure on exploration activity undertaken by the Group is not capitalised. Evaluation expenditure relates to a detailed assessment of deposits or other projects (including smelter and refinery projects) that have been identified as having economic potential. Capitalisation of evaluation expenditure commences when there is a high degree of confidence that the Group will determine that a project is commercially viable, that is the project will provide a satisfactory return relative to its perceived risks, and therefore it is considered probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group. The Group’s view is that a high degree of confidence is greater than “more likely than not” (that is, greater than 50 per cent certainty) and less than “virtually certain” (that is, less than 90 per cent certainty). Assessing whether there is a high degree of confidence that the Group will ultimately determine that an evaluation project is commercially viable requires a significant degree of judgment and consideration of all relevant factors such as the nature and objective of the project; the project’s current stage; project timeline; current estimates of the project’s net present value, including sensitivity analyses for the key assumptions; and the main risks of the project. Development expenditure incurred prior to the decision to proceed is subject to the same criteria for capitalisation, being a high degree of confidence that the Group will ultimately determine that a project is commercially viable. In some cases, undeveloped projects are regarded as successors to orebodies, smelters or refineries currently in production. Where this is the case, it is intended that these will be developed and go into production when the current source of ore is exhausted or when existing smelters or refineries are closed. Ore reserves may be declared for an undeveloped mining project before its commercial viability has been fully determined. Evaluation costs may continue to be capitalised during the period between declaration of ore reserves and approval to mine as further work is undertaken in order to refine the development case to maximise the project’s returns. In accordance with IFRS 6 “Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources”, the criteria for the capitalisation of evaluation costs are applied consistently from period to period. The carrying values of capitalised evaluation expenditure for undeveloped mining projects (projects for which the decision to mine has not yet been approved at the appropriate authorisation level within the Group) are reviewed at each reporting date for indicators of impairment in accordance with IFRS 6, and when indicators are identified are tested in accordance with IAS 36. Evaluation expenditure for non-mining projects is reviewed and tested under IAS 36. In the case of undeveloped mining projects which have arisen through acquisition, the allocation of the purchase price consideration may result in undeveloped properties being recognised at an earlier stage of project evaluation compared with projects arising from the Group’s exploration and evaluation programme. Subsequent expenditure on acquired undeveloped projects is only capitalised if it meets the high degree of confidence threshold discussed above. The impairment review is based on a status report summarising the Group’s intentions to recover value through development, sale or other partnering arrangements. If a project does not prove viable
Property, plant and equipment	(g) Property, plant and equipment (note 14) Once an undeveloped mining project has been determined as commercially viable and approval to mine has been given, expenditure other than that on land, buildings, plant, equipment and capital work in progress is capitalised under “Mining properties and leases” together with any amount transferred from “Exploration and evaluation”. Costs which are necessarily incurred whilst commissioning new assets, in the period before they are capable of operating in the manner intended by management, are capitalised. Development costs incurred after the commencement of production are capitalised to the extent they are expected to give rise to a future economic benefit. Interest on borrowings related to construction or development projects is capitalised, at the rate payable on project-specific debt if applicable or at the Group or subsidiary’s cost of borrowing if not, until the point when substantially all the activities that are necessary to make the asset ready for its intended use are complete. It may be appropriate to use a subsidiary’s cost of borrowing when the debt was negotiated based on the financing requirements of that subsidiary. Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, as defined in IAS 16, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of property, plant and equipment includes, where applicable, the estimated close-down and restoration costs associated with the asset.
Deferred stripping	Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 1 Principal accounting policies continued (h) Deferred stripping (note 14) In open pit mining operations, overburden and other waste materials must be removed to access ore from which minerals can be extracted economically. The process of removing overburden and waste materials is referred to as stripping. During the development of a mine (or, in some instances, pit; see below), before production commences, stripping costs related to a component of an orebody are capitalised as part of the cost of construction of the mine (or pit) and are subsequently amortised over the life of the mine (or pit) on a units of production basis. Where a mine operates several open pits that are regarded as separate operations for the purpose of mine planning, initial stripping costs are accounted for separately by reference to the ore from each separate pit. If, however, the pits are highly integrated for the purpose of mine planning, the second and subsequent pits are regarded as extensions of the first pit in accounting for stripping costs. In such cases, the initial stripping (i.e. overburden and other waste removal) of the second and subsequent pits is considered to be production phase stripping (see below). The Group’s judgment as to whether multiple pit mines are considered separate or integrated operations depends on each mine’s specific circumstances. The following factors would point towards the initial stripping costs for the individual pits being accounted for separately: – If mining of the second and subsequent pits is conducted consecutively following that of the first pit, rather than concurrently. – If separate investment decisions are made to develop each pit, rather than a single investment decision being made at the outset. – If the pits are operated as separate units in terms of mine planning and the sequencing of overburden removal and ore mining, rather than as an integrated unit. – If expenditures for additional infrastructure to support the second and subsequent pits are relatively large. – If the pits extract ore from separate and distinct orebodies, rather than from a single orebody. If the designs of the second and subsequent pits are significantly influenced by opportunities to optimise output from several pits combined, including the co-treatment or blending of the output from the pits, then this would point to treatment as an integrated operation for the purposes of accounting for initial stripping costs. The relative importance of each of the above factors is considered in each case. In order for production phase stripping costs to qualify for capitalisation as a stripping activity asset, three criteria must be met: – It must be probable that there will be an economic benefit in a future accounting period because the stripping activity has improved access to the orebody; – It must be possible to identify the “component” of the orebody for which access has been improved; and – It must be possible to reliably measure the costs that relate to the stripping activity. A “component” is a specific section of the orebody that is made more accessible by the stripping activity. It will typically be a subset of the larger orebody that is distinguished by a separate useful economic life (for example, a pushback). Production phase stripping can give rise to two benefits: the extraction of ore in the current period and improved access to ore which will be extracted in future periods. When the cost of stripping which has a future benefit is not distinguishable from the cost of producing current inventories, the stripping cost is allocated to each of these activities based on a relevant production measure using a life-of-component strip ratio. The ratio divides the tonnage of waste mined for the component for the period either by the quantity of ore mined for the component or by the quantity of minerals contained in the ore mined for the component. In some operations, the quantity of ore is a more appropriate basis for allocating costs, particularly where there are significant by-products. Stripping costs for the component are deferred to the extent that the current period ratio exceeds the life of component ratio. The stripping activity asset is depreciated on a “units of production” basis based on expected production of either ore or minerals contained in the ore over the life of the component unless another method is more appropriate. The life-of-component ratios are based on the ore reserves of the mine (and for some mines, other mineral resources) and the annual mine plan; they are a function of the mine design and, therefore, changes to that design will generally result in changes to the ratios. Changes in other technical or economic parameters that impact the ore reserves (and for some mines, other mineral resources) may also have an impact on the life-of-component ratios even if they do not affect the mine design. Changes to the ratios are accounted for prospectively. It may be the case that subsequent phases of stripping will access additional ore and that these subsequent phases are only possible after the first phase has taken place. Where applicable, the Group considers this on a mine-by-mine basis. Generally, the only ore attributed to the stripping activity asset for the purposes of calculating a life-of-component ratio, and for the purposes of amortisation, is the ore to be extracted from the originally identified component. Deferred stripping costs are included in “Mining properties and leases” within “Property, plant and equipment” or within “Investments in equity accounted units”, as appropriate. Amortisation of deferred stripping costs is included in “Depreciation of property, plant and equipment” within “Net operating costs” or in “Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units”, as appropriate.
Depreciation of non-current assets	Depreciation of non-current assets Property, plant and equipment is depreciated over its useful life, or over the remaining life of the mine or smelter or refinery if that is shorter and there is no reasonable alternative use for the asset by the Group. The useful lives of the major assets of a cash-generating unit are often dependent on the life of the orebody to which they relate. Where this is the case, the lives of mining properties, and their associated refineries, concentrators and other long-lived processing equipment are generally limited to the expected life of the orebody. The life of the orebody, in turn, is estimated on the basis of the life-of-mine plan. Where the major assets of a cash-generating unit are not dependent on the life of a related orebody, management applies judgment in estimating the remaining service potential of long-lived assets. Factors affecting the remaining service potential of smelters include, for example, smelter technology and electricity purchase contracts when power is not sourced from the company’s, or in some cases a local government’s, renewably sourced electricity generating capacity. The useful lives and residual values for material assets and categories of assets are reviewed annually and changes are reflected prospectively. Depreciation commences when an asset is available for use. The major categories of property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a units of production and/or straight-line basis as follows: Units of production basis For mining properties and leases and certain mining equipment, consumption of the economic benefits of the asset is linked to production. Except as noted below, these assets are depreciated on the units of production basis. In applying the units of production method, depreciation is normally calculated based on production in the period as a percentage of total expected production in current and future periods based on ore reserves and, for some mines, other mineral resources. Other mineral resources may be included in the calculations of total expected production in limited circumstances where there are very large areas of contiguous mineralisation, for which the economic viability is not sensitive to likely variations in grade, as may be the case for certain iron ore, bauxite and industrial minerals deposits and where there is a high degree of confidence that the other mineral resources can be extracted economically. This would be the case when the other mineral resources do not yet have the status of ore reserves merely because the necessary detailed evaluation work has not yet been performed and the responsible technical personnel agree that inclusion of a proportion of measured and indicated resources in the calculation of total expected production is appropriate based on historical reserve conversion rates. The required level of confidence is unlikely to exist for minerals that are typically found in low-grade ore (as compared with the above), such as copper or gold. In these cases, specific areas of mineralisation have to be evaluated in considerable detail before their economic status can be predicted with confidence. Where measured and indicated resources are used in the calculation of depreciation for infrastructure, primarily rail and port, which will benefit current and future mines, then the measured and indicated resources may relate to mines which are currently in production or to mines where there is a high degree of confidence that they will be brought into production in the future. The quantum of mineral resources is determined taking into account future capital costs as required by the JORC code. The depreciation calculation, however, applies to current mines only and does not take into account future development costs for mines which are not yet in production. Measured and indicated resources are currently incorporated into depreciation calculations in the Group’s Australian iron ore business. Straight-line basis Assets within operations for which production is not expected to fluctuate significantly from one year to another or which have a physical life shorter than the related mine are depreciated on a straight-line basis.
Impairment charges/reversals of non-current assets	Impairment charges/reversals of non-current assets Impairment charges and reversals are assessed at the level of cash-generating units which, in accordance with IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets”, are identified as the smallest identifiable asset or group of assets that generate cash inflows, which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets. Separate cash-generating units are identified where an active market exists for intermediate products, even if the majority of those products are further processed internally. Impairment of financial assets is evaluated in accordance with IAS 39. In some cases, individual business units consist of several operations with independent cash-generating streams which constitute separate cash-generating units. Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated to the cash-generating unit or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the related business combination, and tested for impairment at the lowest level within the Group at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. All goodwill, intangible assets that have an indefinite life and intangible assets that are not ready for use are tested annually for impairment as at 30 September, regardless of whether there has been an impairment trigger, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment if there is an indication that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Group conducts an internal review of the asset values annually as at 30 September which is used as a source of information to assess for indications of impairment or reversal of previously recognised impairment losses. External factors, such as changes in forecasted commodity prices, costs and other market factors as well as internal factors such as cancellation of a project or reduced project scope, are also monitored to assess for indications of impairment or reversal of previously recognised impairment losses. If any such indication exists then an impairment review is undertaken; the recoverable amount is assessed by reference to the higher of value in use (being the net present value of expected future cash flows of the relevant cash-generating unit in its current condition) and fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD). When the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is measured by reference to FVLCD, this amount is further classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy for observable market data that is consistent with the unit of account for the cash-generating unit being tested. The Group considers that the best evidence of FVLCD is the value obtained from an active market or binding sale agreement and, in this case, the recoverable amount is classified in the fair value hierarchy as level 1. When FVLCD is based on quoted prices for equity instruments but adjusted to reflect factors such as a lack of liquidity in the market, the recoverable amount is classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. No cash-generating units are currently assessed for impairment by reference to a recoverable amount based on FVLCD classified as level 1 or level 2. Where unobservable inputs are material to the measurement of the recoverable amount, FVLCD is based on the best information available to reflect the amount the Group could receive for the cash-generating unit in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This is often estimated using discounted cash flow techniques and is classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Where the recoverable amount is assessed using FVLCD based on discounted cash flow techniques, the resulting estimates are based on detailed life-of-mine and/or long-term production plans. These may include anticipated expansions which are at the evaluation stage of study. The cash flow forecasts for FVLCD purposes are based on management’s best estimates of expected future revenues and costs, including the future cash costs of production, capital expenditure, and closure, restoration and environmental costs. For the purposes of determining FVLCD from a market participant’s perspective, the cash flows incorporate management’s price and cost assumptions in the short and medium term. In the longer term, operating margins are assumed to remain constant where appropriate; as it is considered unlikely that a market participant would prepare detailed forecasts over a longer term. The cash flow forecasts may include net cash flows expected to be realised from the extraction, processing and sale of material that does not currently qualify for inclusion in ore reserves. Such non-reserve material is only included when there is a high degree of confidence in its economic extraction. This expectation is usually based on preliminary drilling and sampling of areas of mineralisation that are contiguous with existing ore reserves. Typically, the additional evaluation required to achieve reserves status for such material has not yet been done because this would involve incurring evaluation costs earlier than is required for the efficient planning and operation of the mine. As noted above, cost levels incorporated in the cash flow forecasts for FVLCD purposes are based on the current life-of-mine plan or long-term production plan for the cash-generating unit. This differs from value in use which requires future cash flows to be estimated for the asset in its current condition and therefore does not include future cash flows associated with improving or enhancing an asset’s performance. Anticipated enhancements to assets may be included in FVLCD calculations and, therefore, generally result in a higher value. Where the recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is dependent on the life of its associated orebody, expected future cash flows reflect the current life of mine and/or long-term production plans, which are based on detailed research, analysis and iterative modelling to optimise the level of return from investment, output and sequence of extraction. The mine plan takes account of all relevant characteristics of the orebody, including waste-to-ore ratios, ore grades, haul distances, chemical and metallurgical properties of the ore impacting process recoveries and capacities of processing equipment that can be used. The life-of-mine plan and/or long term production plans are, therefore, the basis for forecasting production output and production costs in each future year. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 1 Principal accounting policies continued Forecast cash flows for ore reserve estimation for JORC purposes are generally based on Rio Tinto’s commodity price forecasts, which assume short-term market prices will revert to the Group’s assessment of the long-term price, generally over a period of three to five years. Forecast future cash flows of a cash-generating unit take into account the sales prices under existing sales contracts. The discount rates applied to the future cash flow forecasts represent an estimate of the rate the market would apply having regard to the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted. The Group’s weighted average cost of capital is generally used as a starting point for determining the discount rates, with appropriate adjustments for the risk profile of the countries in which the individual cash-generating units operate. For final feasibility studies and ore reserve estimation, internal hurdle rates, which are generally higher than the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, are used. For developments funded with project finance, the debt component of the weighted average cost of capital may be calculated by reference to the specific interest rate of the project finance and anticipated leverage of the project. For operations with a functional currency other than the US dollar, the impairment review is undertaken in the relevant functional currency. In estimating FVLCD, internal forecasts of exchange rates take into account spot exchange rates, historical data and external forecasts, and are kept constant in real terms after five years. The great majority of the Group’s sales are based on prices denominated in US dollars. To the extent that the currencies of countries in which the Group produces commodities strengthen against the US dollar without an increase in commodity prices, cash flows and, therefore, net present values are reduced. Management considers that over the long term, there is a tendency for movements in commodity prices to compensate to some extent for movements in the value of the US dollar, particularly against the Australian dollar and Canadian dollar, and vice versa. However, such compensating changes are not synchronised and do not fully offset each other. In estimating value in use, the present value of future cash flows in foreign currencies is translated at the spot exchange rate on the testing date. Non-current assets (excluding goodwill) that have suffered impairment are reviewed using the same basis for valuation as explained above whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the impairment loss may no longer exist, or may have decreased. If appropriate an impairment reversal will be recognised. The carrying amount of the cash-generating unit after reversal must be the lower of (a) the recoverable amount, as calculated above, and (b) the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortisation or depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the cash-generating unit in prior periods. An onerous contract is defined under IAS 37 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets” as a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. Provision is made when the assets dedicated to the contract are fully impaired or the contract becomes stranded as a result of a business decision.
Determination of ore reserve and mineral resource estimates	(j) Determination of ore reserve and mineral resource estimates The Group estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information compiled by Competent Persons as defined in accordance with the JORC code. Ore reserves and, for certain mines, other mineral resources, determined in this way are used in the calculation of depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges and for forecasting the timing of the payment of close-down and restoration costs and the recovery of deferred tax assets. The depreciation and impairment policy above notes instances in which mineral resources are taken into account for accounting purposes. In addition, value may be attributed to mineral resources in purchase price allocations undertaken for the purposes of business combination accounting. For the purposes of disclosure only with this combined Annual report on Form 20-F estimates of ore reserves have been computed in accordance with the SEC’s Industry Guide 7, rather than in accordance with the JORC code, and are shown on pages 228 to 237. Ore reserves presented in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7 do not exceed the quantities that, it is estimated, could be extracted economically if future prices were to be in line with the average of historical prices for the three years to 30 June 2017, or contracted prices where applicable. For this purpose, contracted prices are applied only to future sales volumes for which the price is predetermined by an existing contract; and the average of historical prices is applied to expected sales volumes in excess of such amounts. Moreover, reported ore reserve estimates have not been increased above the levels expected to be economic based on Rio Tinto’s own long term price assumptions. Therefore, a reduction in commodity prices from the three year average historical price levels would not necessarily give rise to a reduction in reported ore reserves.
Close-down, restoration and environmental obligations	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information (k) Close-down, restoration and environmental obligations (note 26) The Group has provisions for close-down and restoration costs which include the dismantling and demolition of infrastructure, the removal of residual materials and the remediation of disturbed areas for mines and certain refineries and smelters. These provisions are based on all regulatory requirements and any other commitments made to stakeholders. Closure provisions are not made for those operations that have no known restrictions on their lives as the closure dates cannot be reliably estimated. This applies primarily to certain Canadian smelters which have indefinite-lived water rights or power agreements for renewably sourced power with local governments. Close-down and restoration costs are a normal consequence of mining or production, and the majority of close-down and restoration expenditure is incurred in the years following closure of the mine, refinery or smelter. Although the ultimate cost to be incurred is uncertain, the Group’s businesses estimate their costs using current restoration standards and techniques. Close-down and restoration costs are provided for in the accounting period when the obligation arising from the related disturbance occurs, based on the net present value of the estimated future costs of restoration to be incurred during the life of the operation and post closure. Where appropriate, the provision is estimated using probability weighting of the different remediation and closure scenarios. The obligation may occur during development or during the production phase of a facility. Provisions for close-down and restoration costs do not include any additional obligations which are expected to arise from future disturbance. The costs are estimated on the basis of a closure plan, and are reviewed at each reporting period during the life of the operation to reflect known developments. The estimates are also subject to formal review, with appropriate external support, at regular intervals. The initial close-down and restoration provision is capitalised within “Property, plant and equipment”. Subsequent movements in the close-down and restoration provisions for ongoing operations, including those resulting from new disturbance related to expansions or other activities qualifying for capitalisation, updated cost estimates, changes to the estimated lives of operations, changes to the timing of closure activities and revisions to discount rates are also capitalised within “Property, plant and equipment”. These costs are then depreciated over the lives of the assets to which they relate. Changes in closure provisions relating to closed operations are charged/credited to “Net operating costs” in the income statement. Where rehabilitation is conducted systematically over the life of the operation, rather than at the time of closure, provision is made for the estimated outstanding continuous rehabilitation work at each balance sheet date and the cost is charged to the income statement. The amortisation or “unwinding” of the discount applied in establishing the provisions is charged to the income statement in each accounting period. The amortisation of the discount is shown within “Finance items” in the income statement. Environmental costs result from environmental damage that was not a necessary consequence of operations, and may include remediation, compensation and penalties. Provision is made for the estimated present value of such costs at the balance sheet date. These costs are charged to “Net operating costs”, except for the unwinding of the discount which is shown within “Finance items”. Remediation procedures may commence soon after the time the disturbance, remediation process and estimated remediation costs become known, but can continue for many years depending on the nature of the disturbance and the remediation techniques used.
Inventories	(l) Inventories (note 16) Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, primarily on a weighted average cost basis. Average costs are calculated by reference to the cost levels experienced in the relevant month together with those in opening inventory. The cost of raw materials and consumable stores is the purchase price. The cost of partly-processed and saleable products is generally the cost of production, including: – labour costs, materials and contractor expenses which are directly attributable to the extraction and processing of ore or the production of alumina and aluminium; – the depreciation of mining properties and leases and of property, plant and equipment used in the extraction and processing of ore or the production of alumina and aluminium; and – production overheads. Work in progress includes ore stockpiles and other partly processed material. Stockpiles represent ore that has been extracted and is available for further processing. If there is significant uncertainty as to if and/or when the stockpiled ore will be processed, the ore is expensed as mined. If the ore will not be processed within 12 months after the balance sheet date, it is included within non-current assets and net realisable value is calculated on a discounted cash flow basis. Quantities of stockpiled ore are assessed primarily through surveys and assays. Certain estimates, including expected metal recoveries, are calculated using available industry, engineering and scientific data, and are periodically reassessed taking into account technical analysis and historical performance.
Taxation	(m) Taxation (note 9 and note 17) Current tax is the tax expected to be payable on the taxable income for the year calculated using rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. It includes adjustments for tax expected to be payable or recoverable in respect of previous periods. Where the amount of tax payable or recoverable is uncertain, Rio Tinto establishes provisions based on the Group’s judgment of the most likely amount of the liability, or recovery. Deferred tax is calculated in accordance with IAS 12. The Group provides for deferred tax in respect of fair value adjustments on acquisitions including mining rights that, in general, are not eligible for income tax allowances. Provision for deferred tax is based on the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its income tax base (which may be nil). Even when there is no income tax base, the existence of a tax base for capital gains tax purposes is not usually taken into account in determining the deferred tax provision for the assets, unless they are classified as held for sale or it is determined for other reasons that the carrying amount is expected to be recovered primarily through disposal and not through use of the assets.
Post-employment benefits	(n) Post-employment benefits (note 44) The Group operates a number of defined benefit plans which provide lump sums, pensions, medical benefits and life insurance to retirees. In accordance with IAS 19, for post-employment defined benefit plans, the difference between the fair value of any plan assets and the present value of the plan obligations is recognised as an asset or liability in the balance sheet. Where appropriate, the recognition of assets may be restricted to the present value of any amounts the Group expects to recover by way of refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions. In determining the extent to which a refund will be available the Group considers whether any third party, such as a trustee or pension committee, has the power to enhance benefits or to wind up a pension plan without the Group’s consent. The most significant assumptions used in accounting for pension plans are the discount rate, the inflation rate and mortality rates. The discount rate is used to determine the net present value of the obligations, the interest cost on the obligations and the interest income on plan assets. The discount rate used is the yield on high-quality corporate bonds with maturities and terms that match those of the post-employment obligations as closely as possible. Where there is no developed corporate bond market in a currency, the rate on government bonds is used. The inflation rate is used to project increases in future benefit payments for those plans that have benefits linked to inflation. The mortality rates are used to project the period over which benefits will be paid, which is then discounted to arrive at the net present value of the obligations. The current service cost, any past service cost and the effect of any curtailment or settlements are recognised in the income statement. The interest cost less interest income on assets held in the plans is also charged to the income statement. All amounts charged to the income statement in respect of these plans are included within “Net operating costs” or in “Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units”, as appropriate. The Group’s contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the income statement in the period to which the contributions relate. These are included within “Net operating costs” or in “Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units”, as appropriate.
Cash and cash equivalents	(o) Cash and cash equivalents (note 21) For the purpose of the balance sheet, cash and cash equivalents comprise: cash on hand, deposits held with banks, and short-term, highly liquid investments (mainly money market funds) that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are shown as current liabilities in the balance sheet. Further detail on cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, is shown in note 21). For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand.
Financial instruments	(p) Financial instruments (note 30) (i) Financial assets Classification The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss; loans and receivables; held-to-maturity; and available-for-sale investments. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. The Group’s policy with regard to financial risk management is set out in note 30. Generally, the Group does not acquire financial assets for the purpose of selling in the short term. When the Group enters into derivative contracts, these transactions are designed to reduce exposures related to assets and liabilities, firm commitments or anticipated transactions. Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. (a) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Assets in this category are classified as current assets if expected to be settled within 12 months, otherwise they are classified as non-current. Derivative assets, including embedded derivatives separated from the host contracts, are included within financial assets at fair value through profit or loss unless they are designated as hedging instruments. (b) Loans and receivables Loans and receivables comprise non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Trade receivables are included within this category; however, the embedded derivatives for provisional pricing included within some trade receivables are valued as explained in note 1(c) Sales revenue. (c) Held-to-maturity Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturity that the Group has the intention and ability to hold to maturity and which do not qualify as loans and receivables. Assets in this category are classified as Other investments and are classified as current assets or non-current assets based on their maturity. Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 1 Principal accounting policies continued (d) Available-for-sale Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated as available-for-sale or not classified in any of the other categories. Assets in this category are included in non-current assets unless the Group intends to dispose of the assets within 12 months of the balance sheet date or the asset matures within 12 months. Recognition and measurement Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently measured at fair value. Initial transaction costs are expensed in the income statement for those assets at fair value through profit or loss. Loans and receivables and held-to-maturity financial assets are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The fair values of the various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in note 30. Movements on the hedging reserve are disclosed in note 29. (ii) Financial liabilities Borrowings and other financial liabilities (including trade payables but excluding derivative liabilities) are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost. The Group participates in supply chain finance arrangements whereby vendors may elect to receive early payment of their invoice from a bank by factoring their receivable from Rio Tinto. These arrangements do not modify the terms of the original liability and therefore, financial liabilities subject to supply chain finance continue to be classified as trade payables.
Share-based payments	(q) Share-based payments (note 43) The fair value of the Group’s share plans is recognised as an expense over the expected vesting period with an offset to retained earnings for Rio Tinto plc plans and to other reserves for Rio Tinto Limited plans. The Group uses fair values provided by independent actuaries calculated using either a lattice-based option valuation model or a Monte Carlo simulation model. The terms of each plan are considered at the balance sheet date to determine whether the plan should be accounted for as equity or cash settled. The Group does not operate any plans as cash-settled. However the Performance Share Plan can, at the discretion of the directors, offer employees an equivalent amount in cash. This is not standard practice. In some jurisdictions, employees are granted cash-settled awards where equity-settled awards are prohibited by local laws and regulations. The value of these awards is immaterial. The Group’s equity-settled share plans are settled either by: the issuance of shares by the relevant parent company, the purchase of shares on market, or the use of shares held in treasury which were previously acquired as part of a share buy-back. If the cost of shares acquired to satisfy the plans differs from the expense charged, the difference is taken to retained earnings or other reserves, as appropriate.
Share capital	(r) Share capital (notes 27 and 28) Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. Where any Group company purchases the Group’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes) is deducted from equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto. Where such shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly-attributable incremental costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto. If purchased Rio Tinto plc shares are cancelled, an amount equal to the nominal value of the cancelled share is credited to the capital redemption reserve.
Segment reporting	(s) Segment reporting (notes 2 and 3) Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM). The Group considers that Rio Tinto’s chief executive is the CODM, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments.
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Accounting Judgements And Estimates [Line Items]
Currency translation	c. Currency translation Items included in the financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates (the functional currency). The financial statements are presented in US dollars, which is the Company's functional and presentation currency. Transactions denominated in other currencies, including the issue of shares, are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognised in the profit and loss account. Exchange rates used are consistent with the rates used by the Group as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements (note 41).
Share-based payments	f. Share-based payments The Company operates a number of share-based payment plans for Group employees, the details of which are included in the consolidated financial statements (note 43). The fair value of the Company's share plans is recognised as an addition to the cost of the investment in the subsidiary in which the relevant employees work over the expected vesting period, with a corresponding entry to retained earnings. Payments received from the Company's subsidiaries in respect of these share-based payments are recognised as a reduction in the cost of the investment. The Company uses fair values provided by independent actuaries calculated using either a lattice-based option valuation model or a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of the share plans is determined at the date of grant, taking into account any market-based vesting conditions attached to the award. Non-market based vesting conditions (eg relative EBIT margin performance targets) are taken into account in estimating the number of awards likely to vest. The estimate of the number of awards likely to vest is reviewed at each balance sheet date up to the vesting date, at which point the estimate is adjusted to reflect the actual awards issued. No adjustment is made after the vesting date even if the awards are forfeited or not exercised.
Basis of preparation	a. Basis of preparation The Rio Tinto plc company financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial liabilities and in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006 and FRS 101. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements. The following exemptions available under FRS 101 have been applied: – Paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52 of IFRS 2, “Share-based payment” (details of the number and weighted average exercise prices of share options and how the fair value of goods and services received was determined). – Paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 “Fair value measurement” (disclosure of valuation techniques and inputs used for fair value measurement of assets and liabilities). – IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments: Disclosures”. – Paragraph 38 of IAS 1 “Presentation of financial statements”, comparative information requirements in respect of Paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1. – The following paragraphs of IAS 1 “Presentation of financial statements”: – 10 (d) (statement of cash flows); – 16 (statement of compliance with all IFRS); – 38A (requirement for minimum of two primary statements, including cash flow statements); – 38B-D (additional comparative information); – 111 (cash flow statement information); and – 134-136 (capital management disclosures). – IAS 7 “Statement of cash flows”. – Paragraph 30 and 31 of IAS 8 “Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors” (requirement for the disclosure of information when an entity has not applied a new IFRS that has been issued and is not yet effective). – Paragraph 17 of IAS 24 “Related party disclosures” (key management compensation). – The requirements of IAS 24, “Related party disclosures” to disclose related-party transactions entered into between two or more members of a group.
Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty	b. Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make assumptions, judgments and estimates and to use judgment in applying accounting policies and making critical accounting estimates. These judgments, estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to previous experience, but actual results may differ materially from the amounts included in the financial statements. The key area of judgment that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements is the review for impairment of investment carrying values.
Investments	d. Investments Investments in Group companies are valued at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Investments are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Financial guarantees	e. Financial guarantees Financial guarantees are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequently, the liability is measured at the higher of the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation.
Dividend income	g. Dividend income Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.
Treasury shares	h. Treasury shares The consideration paid for shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares is recognised as a reduction in shareholders’ funds through retained earnings.

Operating segments (Tables)

Operating segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Operating Segments [Abstract]
Summary of operating segments	The financial information by business unit provided on pages 206 to 208 of these financial statements provides additional voluntary disclosure which the Group considers useful to the users of the financial statements. 2017 2016 2015 Gross sales revenue US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 18,251 14,605 13,952 Aluminium 11,005 9,458 10,117 Copper & Diamonds 4,842 4,524 5,592 Energy & Minerals 7,764 6,734 7,140 Other Operations 10 8 18 Reportable segments total 41,872 35,329 36,819 Inter-segment transactions (15 ) (11 ) (34 ) Product group total 41,857 35,318 36,785 Items excluded from underlying earnings 10 18 (1 ) Gross sales revenue 41,867 35,336 36,784 Share of equity accounted units and adjustments for inter-subsidiary/equity accounted units sales (1,837 ) (1,555 ) (1,955 ) Consolidated sales revenue per income statement 40,030 33,781 34,829 Gross sales revenue includes the Group’s proportionate share of sales revenue of equity accounted units (after adjusting for sales to subsidiaries) of US$1,859 million (2016: US$1,585 million; 2015: US$1,987 million) which are not included in consolidated sales revenue. Consolidated sales revenue includes subsidiary sales of US$22 million (2016: US$30 million; 2015: US$32 million) to equity accounted units which are not included in gross sales revenue. 2017 2016 2015 Capital expenditure US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 1,201 868 1,608 Aluminium 1,436 916 1,682 Copper & Diamonds 1,622 1,441 1,576 Energy & Minerals 467 141 552 Other Operations (35 ) (11 ) (36 ) Reportable segments total 4,691 3,355 5,382 Other items 70 (46 ) 65 Less: capital expenditure of equity accounted units (417 ) (651 ) (859 ) Capital expenditure per financial information by business units 4,344 2,658 4,588 Add: proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 138 354 97 Capital expenditure per cash flow statement 4,482 3,012 4,685 Capital expenditure for reportable segments comprises the net cash outflow on purchases less disposals of property, plant and equipment, capitalised evaluation costs and purchases less disposals of other intangible assets. The details provided include 100 per cent of subsidiaries’ capital expenditure and Rio Tinto’s share of the capital expenditure of joint operations and equity accounted units. 2017 2016 2015 Depreciation and amortisation US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 1,645 1,645 1,744 Aluminium 1,199 1,250 1,172 Copper & Diamonds 1,452 1,601 1,261 Energy & Minerals 652 739 830 Other Operations 32 34 32 Reportable segments total 4,980 5,269 5,039 Other items 42 51 68 Less: depreciation and amortisation of equity accounted units (647 ) (526 ) (462 ) Depreciation and amortisation per note 4 4,375 4,794 4,645 Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 2 Operating segments continued Product group depreciation and amortisation for reportable segments totals include 100 per cent of subsidiaries’ depreciation and amortisation and Rio Tinto’s share of the depreciation and amortisation of equity accounted units. Rio Tinto’s share of the depreciation and amortisation charge of equity accounted units is deducted to arrive at depreciation and amortisation, excluding equity accounted units, as shown in note 4. These figures exclude impairment charges and reversals, which are excluded from underlying earnings. 2017 2016 2015 Tax charge/(credit) US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 2,871 2,005 1,747 Aluminium 543 171 303 Copper & Diamonds 48 (320 ) (77 ) Energy & Minerals 652 331 122 Other Operations (84 ) (73 ) (73 ) Reportable segments total 4,030 2,114 2,022 Other items (261 ) (191 ) (192 ) Exploration and evaluation not attributed to product groups (36 ) (27 ) (25 ) Net finance costs (364 ) (484 ) (245 ) 3,369 1,412 1,560 Tax charge/(credit) excluded from underlying earnings 596 155 (567 ) Tax charge per income statement 3,965 1,567 993 Tax charge/(credit) excludes amounts relating to equity accounted units. Further information on the tax charge/(credit) excluded from underlying earnings is provided below in the section “Underlying earnings”. 2017 2016 2015 Underlying earnings (Refer overleaf) US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore 6,692 4,611 3,940 Aluminium 1,583 947 1,118 Copper & Diamonds 263 (18 ) 370 Energy & Minerals 1,242 612 177 Other Operations (138 ) (88 ) (90 ) Reportable segments total 9,642 6,064 5,515 Other items (483 ) (241 ) (375 ) Exploration and evaluation not attributed to product groups (178 ) (147 ) (211 ) Net finance costs (354 ) (576 ) (389 ) Underlying earnings 8,627 5,100 4,540 Items excluded from underlying earnings (Refer overleaf) 135 (483 ) (5,406 ) Net earnings/(loss) attributable to owners of Rio Tinto per income statement 8,762 4,617 (866 ) Reconciliation of net earnings/(losses) to underlying earnings Pre-tax Non- controlling Net Net Net (l) Taxation interests amount amount amount 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2015 Exclusions from underlying earnings US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Impairment charges (note 6) (796 ) 141 174 (481 ) (183 ) (1,802 ) Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses (a) 2,344 (322 ) - 2,022 382 48 Exchange and derivative (losses)/gains: – Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances (b) (613 ) 113 12 (488 ) 516 (3,282 ) – Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting (c) 33 (5 ) 2 30 (12 ) (88 ) – (Losses)/gains on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting (d) (498 ) 146 - (352 ) 32 88 Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France (e) - (439 ) - (439 ) - - Onerous port and rail contracts (f) - - - - (329 ) - Restructuring costs and global headcount reductions - - - - (177 ) (258 ) Increased closure provision for non-operating and legacy operations (g) - - - - (282 ) (233 ) Rio Tinto Kennecott insurance settlement (h) 73 (28 ) - 45 - 18 Tax provision ( i ) - - - - (380 ) - Adjustment to deferred tax assets relating to expected divestments (j) - (202 ) - (202 ) - 234 Other exclusions (k) - - - - (50 ) (131 ) Total excluded from underlying earnings 543 (596 ) 188 135 (483 ) (5,406 ) Net earnings/(loss) 12,816 (3,965 ) (89 ) 8,762 4,617 (866 ) Underlying earnings 12,273 (3,369 ) (277 ) 8,627 5,100 4,540 (a) Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses in 2017 relate mainly to the sale of Coal & Allied Industries Limited which completed on 1 September 2017. In 2016, the net gain related mainly to the sale of Rio Tinto’s 40 per cent interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture on 1 March 2016 and the sale of the Lochaber assets in Scotland on 23 November 2016. This was partially offset by a loss on disposal of the 100 per cent interest in Carbone Savoie on 31 March 2016. (b) Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances comprise of post-tax foreign exchange gains on US dollar denominated net debt in non-US dollar functional currency companies of US$420 million and post-tax losses of US$908 million on intragroup balances. Net exchange gains in 2016 comprise post-tax foreign exchange gains of US$123 million on external US dollar denominated net debt, and US$393 million gains on intragroup balances, mainly as the Canadian dollar strengthened against the US dollar. (c) Valuation changes on currency and interest rate derivatives, which are ineligible for hedge accounting, other than those embedded in commercial contracts, and the currency revaluation of embedded US dollar derivatives contained in contracts held by entities whose functional currency is not the US dollar. (d) Valuation changes on commodity derivatives, embedded in commercial contracts and other financial commodity derivatives, that are ineligible for hedge accounting, but for which there will be an offsetting change in future Group earnings. (e) Deferred tax assets have been re-measured to reflect lower corporate income tax rates in the US and France as a result of tax legislation changes substantively enacted in December 2017. (f) In 2016, a review of the infrastructure capacity requirements in Queensland, Australia confirmed that it was no longer likely that Rio Tinto would utilise the Abbot Point Coal Terminal and associated rail infrastructure capacity contracted under take or pay arrangements and agreement was reached with Adani, the owner of the port, to relinquish that capacity. Accordingly, an onerous contract provision was recognised based on the net present value of expected future cash flows for the port and rail capacity discounted at a post-tax real rate of two per cent, resulting in a post-tax onerous contract charge of US$329 million. (g) In 2016, the closure provision for non-operating and legacy operations increased mainly due to the Gove alumina refinery in Northern Territory, Australia where operations have been curtailed since May 2014. The provision was updated based on the cost estimates from the studies. Future revisions to the closure cost estimate during the study periods (including the next stage of feasibility study) will continue to be excluded from underlying earnings as the site operating assets have been fully impaired. (h) In 2017, Rio Tinto received the final settlement on the insurance claims related to the 2013 slide at Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon mine. The amounts excluded from underlying earnings are consistent with the previous excluded loses to which they relate, in line with the treatment of the 2013 and 2015 settlement payments. (i) Tax provision includes amounts provided for specific tax matters for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. During 2016, provision was made in relation to matters under discussion with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in relation to the transfer pricing of certain transactions between Rio Tinto entities based in Australia and the Group’s commercial centre in Singapore for the period since 2009. (j) Deferred tax assets have been derecognised as a result of revised profit forecasts in France due to expected divestments. (k) Other credits and charges that, individually, or in aggregate if of similar type, are of a nature or size to require exclusion in order to provide additional insight into underlying business performance. In 2016, other exclusions included costs related to multiple transformation projects and the recuperation of capital losses against capital gains on divestment. In 2015, other exclusions included a provision relating to the incomplete divestment of Carbone Savoie within the Aluminium product group, divestment costs and an increase in provision relating to the Gove refinery. (l) Exclusions from underlying earnings relating to equity accounted units are stated after tax and are included in the column “Pre-tax”. 1
Summary of geographical location sales revenue and non-current assets other than excluded items	Adjusted (b) Adjusted (b) Adjusted (b) Adjusted (b) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Consolidated sales revenue by destination (a) % % % US$m US$m US$m China 44.2 43.6 42.2 17,706 14,742 14,701 Asia (excluding China and Japan) 12.8 13.9 12.9 5,108 4,692 4,499 United States of America 14.3 13.9 15.3 5,716 4,709 5,321 Japan 11.7 11.3 11.4 4,701 3,809 3,974 Europe (excluding UK) 7.5 7.6 8.4 3,015 2,579 2,909 Canada 2.8 3.0 3.8 1,111 1,024 1,322 Australia 1.8 2.0 2.4 710 675 830 UK 1.1 1.2 0.9 449 391 330 Other countries 3.8 3.5 2.7 1,514 1,160 943 Consolidated sales revenue 100.0 100.0 100.0 40,030 33,781 34,829 (a) Consolidated sales revenue by geographical destination is based on the ultimate country of destination of the product, if known. If the eventual destination of the product sold through traders is not known then revenue is allocated to the location of the product at the time when the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred. Rio Tinto is domiciled in both the UK and Australia. (b) The 2016 and 2015 comparatives above have been amended to correct the allocation of revenues by region. The most significant impacts are an increase in the amounts allocated to China (2016: US$337 million; 2015: US$135 million) and Canada (2015: US$155 million) and a decrease in amounts allocated to Asia (excluding China and Japan) (2016: US$319 million; 2015: US$263 million). There is no impact on the total consolidated sales revenue. Non-current assets other than excluded items The total of non-current assets other than items excluded is shown by location below. This is allocated based on the location of the business units holding the assets. 2017 2016 Non-current assets other than excluded items (a) US$m US$m Australia 32,890 30,602 Canada 14,640 14,362 Mongolia 8,582 7,743 United States of America 4,812 4,958 Africa 3,781 3,882 South America 3,304 3,785 Indonesia 1,458 1,482 Europe (excluding France and the UK) 362 429 UK 66 66 France 276 251 Other countries 892 891 71,063 68,451 Non-current assets excluded from analysis above: Deferred tax assets 3,395 3,728 Other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units) 510 822 Quasi equity loans to equity accounted units (b) 159 163 Tax recoverable 30 38 Trade and other receivables 1,397 975 Total non-current assets per balance sheet 76,554 74,177 (a) Allocation of non-current assets by country is based on the location of the business units holding the assets. It includes investments in equity accounted units totalling US$4,327 million (2016: US$4,856 million) which represents the Group’s share of net assets excluding quasi equity loans shown separately within “Loans to equity accounted units” above. (b) Loans to equity accounted units comprise quasi equity loans of US$159 million (2016: US$163 million) included in “Investments in equity accounted units” on the face of the balance sheet and non-current non-quasi equity loans of US$39 million (2016: US$39 million) shown within “Other financial assets”.
Consolidated sales revenue by product	Consolidated sales revenue by product Consolidated sales revenues of the Group are derived from the following products sold to external customers: 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Iron ore 20,010 15,855 15,239 Aluminium 10,864 9,342 9,904 Copper 1,760 1,609 1,577 Coal 2,822 2,567 2,703 Industrial minerals 2,060 1,954 2,155 Gold 378 608 1,063 Diamonds 706 613 698 Other 1,430 1,233 1,490 Consolidated sales revenue 40,030 33,781 34,829

Net operating costs (excludin62

Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Net Operating Costs Excluding Items Shown Separately [Abstract]
Summary of net operating costs (excluding items shown separately)	Adjusted (a) 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Raw materials, consumables, repairs and maintenance (a) 9,286 8,760 8,966 Amortisation of intangible assets 13 177 227 207 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 14 4,198 4,567 4,438 Employment costs 5 4,765 4,881 5,446 Shipping and other freight costs (c) 2,338 1,454 2,165 (Increase)/decrease in finished goods and work in progress (a) (82 ) 87 558 Royalties 2,228 1,889 1,863 Amounts charged by equity accounted units (b) 980 1,184 1,246 Net foreign exchange losses/(gains) 61 38 (263 ) Other external costs (c) (d) 3,935 3,472 4,181 Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions) 26 527 1,404 731 Research and development 58 60 104 Costs included above qualifying for capitalisation (486 ) (521 ) (661 ) Other operating income (1,002 ) (703 ) (1,062 ) Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) (c) 26,983 26,799 27,919 (a) The 2016 and 2015 comparatives have been amended to reclassify certain amounts between operating cost categories. The impact is to decrease the amount allocated to “(Increase)/decrease in finished goods and work in progress” (2016: US$304 million; 2015: US$143 million) and to increase “Raw materials, consumables, repairs and maintenance” by the same amount. (b) Amounts charged by equity accounted units relate to toll processing and also include purchases from equity accounted units of bauxite and aluminium which are then processed by the product group or sold to third parties. Generally, purchases are in proportion to the Group’s share of the equity accounted unit but in 2017, US$229 million (2016: US$383 million; 2015: US$378 million) related to purchases of the other investors’ share of production. (c) Net operating costs includes operating lease expense of US$555 million (2016: US$541 million). Costs for leases of dry bulk vessels (which include costs for crewing services) are included within “Shipping and other freight costs” and other lease costs are included within “Other external costs”. The 2016 comparative has been amended to exclude certain contractual arrangements which do not qualify as leases in accordance with IAS 18 . (d) Other external costs include a financial penalty of £27.4 million (US$36.4 million) paid to the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in relation to the timing of the impairment of the Group’s former coal operations in Mozambique. Refer to note 31 for further detail.

Employment costs (Tables)

Employment costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Employee Cost Explanatory [Abstract]
Summary of employment costs	5 Employment costs 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Total employment costs – Wages and salaries 4,129 4,235 4,670 – Social security costs 337 429 430 – Net post-retirement charge 44 500 522 439 – Share option charge 43 91 116 128 5,057 5,302 5,667 Less: charged within provisions (a) 26 (292 ) (421 ) (221 ) Employment costs 4 4,765 4,881 5,446 (a) Amounts included above in respect of provisions for pensions, post-retirement healthcare, long service leave and other employee entitlements which are included in ‘Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions)’ in note 4.

Impairment charges and revers64

Impairment charges and reversals (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Abstract]
Summary of impairment charges and reversals	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information Non- controlling Net Pre-tax Pre-tax Pre-tax Taxation interests amount amount amount 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Energy & Minerals – Roughrider (357 ) 100 - (257 ) - (229 ) Energy & Minerals – Rössing (267 ) 7 83 (177 ) - - Energy & Minerals – Simandou - - 91 91 - (2,039 ) Energy & Minerals – Energy Resources of Australia - - - - - (260 ) Copper & Diamonds – Argyle (172 ) 34 - (138 ) (241 ) - Copper & Diamonds – Molybdenum Autoclave Process - - - - - (17 ) Aluminium – Other - - - - - (179 ) Other - - - - (8 ) (67 ) Total impairment charge net of reversals (796 ) 141 174 (481 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Allocated as: Goodwill 12 - - (116 ) Intangible assets 13 (357 ) (1 ) (1,833 ) Property, plant and equipment 14 (435 ) (248 ) (652 ) Other assets and liabilities (4 ) - (190 ) Total impairment charge net of reversals (796 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Comprising: Total impairment charge net of reversals in the financial information by business unit (page 206) (796 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Taxation (including related to EAUs) 141 66 (57 ) Non-controlling interests 174 - 1,046 Total impairment in the income statement (481 ) (183 ) (1,802 ) 1

Share of profit after tax of 65

Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Share Of Profit After Tax Of Equity Accounted Units [Abstract]
Summary of share of profit after tax of equity accounted units	2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Sales revenue: Rio Tinto share (a) 1,960 1,727 2,149 Operating costs (1,400 ) (1,237 ) (1,609 ) Profit before finance items and taxation 560 490 540 Finance items (47 ) (33 ) (37 ) Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units 17 20 35 Profit before taxation 530 477 538 Taxation (191 ) (156 ) (177 ) Profit for the year (Rio Tinto share) 339 321 361 (a) Sales revenue of equity accounted units includes sales by equity accounted units to Group subsidiaries.

Finance income and finance co66

Finance income and finance costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Finance Income Expense Explanatory [Abstract]
Summary of Finance Income and Finance Cost	2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Finance income from equity accounted units (Rio Tinto share) 4 6 8 Other finance income (including bank deposits and other financial assets) 137 83 44 Total finance income 141 89 52 Interest on: – Financial liabilities at amortised cost and associated derivatives (819 ) (895 ) (972 ) – Finance leases (3 ) (3 ) (4 ) Fair value movements: – Bonds designated as hedged items in fair value hedges 28 89 (17 ) – Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in fair value hedges (22 ) (89 ) (11 ) Loss on early redemption of bonds (a) (256 ) (324 ) - Amounts capitalised 14 224 111 254 Total finance costs (848 ) (1,111 ) (750 ) (a) In 2017, loss on early redemption of bonds includes a premium charge of US$238 million; unamortised debt issuance costs and fees of US$14 million and the write-off of the fair value hedge adjustment of US$4 million (see note 30). In 2016, loss on early redemption of bonds included a premium charge of US$441 million; unamortised debt issuance costs and fees of US$42 million partially offset by the write-off of fair value hedge adjustments of US$159 million (see note 30).

Taxation (Tables)

Taxation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Major Components Of Tax Expense Income [Abstract]
Summary of taxation charge	2017 2016 2015 Note US$m US$m US$m Taxation charge – Current 3,270 2,115 1,132 – Deferred 17 695 (548 ) (139 ) 3,965 1,567 993
Summary of prima facie tax reconciliation	2017 2016 2015 Prima facie tax reconciliation US$m US$m US$m Profit/(loss) before taxation 12,816 6,343 (726 ) Deduct: share of profit after tax of equity accounted units (339 ) (321 ) (361 ) Parent companies' and subsidiaries' profit/(loss) before tax 12,477 6,022 (1,087 ) Prima facie tax payable/(receivable) at UK rate of 19 per cent (2016: 20 per cent; 2015: 20 per cent) 2,371 1,204 (217 ) Higher rate of taxation on Australian underlying earnings 1,069 604 506 Impact of items excluded in arriving at underlying earnings (a) – Impairment charges net of reversals 10 (16 ) 615 – Gains and losses on disposal of businesses (123 ) 30 (11 ) – Exchange and gains/losses on derivatives (48 ) (33 ) 481 – Onerous port and rail contracts - (46 ) - – Closure provision for legacy operations - (40 ) - – Tax provision (b) - 380 - – Adjustment to deferred tax assets relating to expected divestments (c) 202 - (250 ) – Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France (d) 439 - - – Other exclusions 14 (48 ) (17 ) Impact of changes in tax rates and laws 21 (9 ) (3 ) Other tax rates applicable outside the UK and Australia on underlying earnings (92 ) (283 ) (68 ) Resource depletion and other depreciation allowances (33 ) (15 ) (15 ) Research, development and other investment allowances (13 ) (15 ) (21 ) Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets (40 ) (154 ) (40 ) Write-down of previously recognised deferred tax assets (e) 160 - - Unrecognised current year operating losses 26 25 45 Other items (f) 2 (17 ) (12 ) Total taxation charge (g) 3,965 1,567 993 (a) The impact for each item includes the effect of tax rates applicable outside the UK. (b) Tax provision includes amounts provided for specific tax matters for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. During 2016 provision was made in relation to matters under discussion with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in relation to the transfer pricing of certain transactions between Rio Tinto entities based in Australia and the Group’s commercial centre in Singapore for the period since 2009. (c) Deferred tax assets have been derecognised as a result of revised profit forecasts in France due to expected divestments. (d) Deferred tax assets have been re-measured to reflect lower corporate income tax rates in the US and France as a result of tax legislation changes substantively enacted in December 2017. (e) The write-down of previously recognised deferred tax assets in 2017 primarily relates to a reduction in recognised deferred tax assets on brought forward losses in Grasberg. (f) Other items include various adjustments to provisions for taxation of prior periods. (g) This tax reconciliation relates to the Group’s parent companies, subsidiaries and joint operations. The Group’s share of profit of equity accounted units is net of tax charges of US$191 million (2016: US$156 million; 2015: US$177 million).
Summary of tax relating to components of other comprehensive income or loss	2017 2016 2015 Total Total Total US$m US$m US$m Tax (charge)/credit on actuarial gains and losses on post-retirement benefit plans (12 ) 29 (175 ) Adjustments to deferred tax on post-retirement benefit plans due to changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France (140 ) - - Other (1 ) 4 (3 ) Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year (a) (153 ) 33 (178 ) (a) This comprises a deferred tax charge of US$153 million (2016: credit of US$33 million; 2015: charge of US$174 million) and a current tax charge of US$nil (2016: US$nil; 2015: charge of US$4 million), plus a share of tax on other comprehensive income of equity accounted units shown separately (see note 17).

Earnings_(loss) per ordinary 68

Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of earnings (loss) per ordinary shares	2017 2016 Weighted Weighted average 2017 average 2016 2017 number of Per share 2016 number of Per share Earnings shares amount Earnings shares amount US$m (millions) (cents) US$m (millions) (cents) Basic earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (a) 8,762 1,786.7 490.4 4,617 1,797.3 256.9 Diluted earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (b) 8,762 1,799.5 486.9 4,617 1,808.6 255.3 2015 Weighted average 2015 2015 number of Per share Loss shares amount US$m (millions) (cents) Basic loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (a) (866 ) 1,824.7 (47.5 ) Diluted loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto (b) (866 ) 1,824.7 (47.5 ) (a) The weighted average number of shares is calculated as the average number of Rio Tinto plc shares outstanding not held as treasury shares of 1,364.5 million (2016: 1,373.7 million; 2015: 1,398.1 million) plus the average number of Rio Tinto Limited shares outstanding of 422.3 million (2016: 423.6 million; 2015: 426.6 million) over the relevant period. No Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares were held by Rio Tinto plc in any of the periods presented. (b) For the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, the effect of dilutive securities of 12.8 million shares in 2017 and 11.3 million shares in 2016 is added to the weighted average number of shares described in (a) above. This effect is calculated under the treasury stock method. In accordance with IAS 33 “Earnings per share”, for the purposes of calculating diluted loss per share, the effect of potentially dilutive securities has not been taken into account for the year ended 31 December 2015. The Group’s only potential dilutive ordinary shares are share options for which terms and conditions are described in note 43.

Property, plant and equipment (

Property, plant and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of property, plant and equipment	Mining Land Plant Capital properties and and works in and leases (a) buildings (b) equipment progress Total Year ended 31 December 2017 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2017 10,848 7,316 35,706 4,985 58,855 Adjustment on currency translation (c) 495 461 2,242 183 3,381 Adjustments to capitalised closure costs 26 710 - - - 710 Interest capitalised (d) 8 - - - 224 224 Additions 230 41 646 3,834 4,751 Depreciation for the year (a) (e) (673 ) (403 ) (3,122 ) - (4,198 ) Impairment charges, net of reversals (f) (304 ) (2 ) (128 ) (1 ) (435 ) Disposals - (57 ) (40 ) (26 ) (123 ) Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (g) (211 ) (95 ) (417 ) (26 ) (749 ) Transfers and other movements (h) 393 115 1,398 (2,229 ) (323 ) At 31 December 2017 11,488 7,376 36,285 6,944 62,093 – cost 24,691 12,029 71,903 7,266 115,889 – accumulated depreciation and impairment (13,203 ) (4,653 ) (35,618 ) (322 ) (53,796 ) Non-current assets held under finance leases (i) - - 37 - 37 Non-current assets pledged as security (j) 3,307 410 5,308 3,278 12,303 Mining Land Plant Capital properties and and works in and leases (a) buildings (b) equipment progress Total Year ended 31 December 2016 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2016 11,146 7,571 37,900 4,440 61,057 Adjustment on currency translation 137 62 138 16 353 Adjustments to capitalised closure costs 26 (123 ) - - - (123 ) Interest capitalised (d) 8 - - - 111 111 Additions 237 47 537 2,307 3,128 Depreciation for the year (a) (e) (760 ) (429 ) (3,378 ) - (4,567 ) Impairment charges, net of reversals (f) (130 ) - (112 ) (6 ) (248 ) Disposals (3 ) (169 ) (86 ) - (258 ) Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (40 ) (88 ) (217 ) (14 ) (359 ) Transfers and other movements (h) 384 322 924 (1,869 ) (239 ) At 31 December 2016 10,848 7,316 35,706 4,985 58,855 – cost 22,989 11,444 68,030 5,374 107,837 – accumulated depreciation and impairment (12,141 ) (4,128 ) (32,324 ) (389 ) (48,982 ) Non-current assets held under finance leases (i) - - 38 - 38 Non-current assets pledged as security (j) 3,310 423 5,332 2,104 11,169 (a) At 31 December 2017, the net book value of capitalised production phase stripping costs totalled US$1,815 million, with US$1,374 million within Property, plant and equipment and a further US$441 million within Investments in equity accounted units (2016 total of US$1,967 million with US$1,511 million in Property, plant and equipment and a further (e) Assets within operations for which production is not expected to fluctuate significantly from one year to another or which have a physical life shorter than the related mine are depreciated on a straight-line basis as follows: Land and buildings Land: not depreciated Buildings: five to 50 years Plant and equipment Other plant and equipment: three to 50 years Power assets: 25 to 50 years Capital work in progress: not depreciated (f) During 2017, impairment charges primarily related to Arygle Diamonds and Rössing Uranium (see note 6). During 2016, impairment charges primarily related to Argyle Diamonds. (g) During 2017, “Subsidiaries no longer consolidated” relates primarily to the disposal of Coal & Allied Industries Limited which completed on 1 September 2017 (see note 37). (h) “Transfers and other movements” includes reclassifications between categories, including transfers to assets of disposal groups held for sale. (i) The finance leases under which these assets are held are disclosed in note 23. (j) Excludes assets held under finance leases. Non-current assets pledged as security represent amounts pledged as collateral against US$4,677 million (2016: US$4,783 million) of loans, which are included in note 22.

Dividends (Tables)

Dividends (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Dividends [Abstract]
Summary of dividends paid	2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Rio Tinto plc previous year final dividend paid 1,725 1,443 1,642 Rio Tinto plc interim dividend paid 1,530 604 1,476 Rio Tinto Limited previous year final dividend paid 523 473 520 Rio Tinto Limited interim dividend paid 472 205 438 Dividends paid during the year 4,250 2,725 4,076 Dividends per share: paid during the year 235.0 c 152.5 c 226.5 c Dividends per share: proposed in the announcement of the results for the year 180.0 c 125.0 c 107.5 c
Summary of dividends per share	Dividends Dividends Dividends per share per share per share 2017 2016 2015 Rio Tinto plc previous year final (pence) 100.56 p 74.21 p 77.98 p Rio Tinto plc interim (pence) 83.13 p 33.80 p 68.92 p Rio Tinto Limited previous year final – fully franked at 30% (Australian cents) 163.62 c 151.89 c 152.98 c Rio Tinto Limited interim – fully franked at 30% (Australian cents) 137.72 c 59.13 c 144.91 c
Summary of number of shares dividend distributed	Number Number Number of shares of shares of shares 2017 2016 2015 (millions) (millions) (millions) Rio Tinto plc previous year final 1,374.6 1,373.9 1,412.7 Rio Tinto plc interim 1,366.1 1,374.4 1,395.2 Rio Tinto Limited previous year final 424.0 423.5 435.0 Rio Tinto Limited interim 424.0 424.0 423.7

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Abstract]
Summary of goodwill	2017 2016 US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 951 892 Adjustment on currency translation 86 59 At 31 December 1,037 951 – cost 17,942 17,144 – accumulated impairment (16,905 ) (16,193 ) At 1 January – cost 17,144 17,120 – accumulated impairment (16,193 ) (16,228 ) At 31 December, goodwill has been allocated as follows: 2017 2016 US$m US$m Net book value Richards Bay Minerals 552 502 Pilbara 389 360 Dampier Salt 96 89 1,037 951
Key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal	The key assumptions to which the calculation of FVLCD for Richards Bay Minerals is most sensitive and the corresponding decrease in FVLCD are set out below: US$ million 5% decrease in the titanium slag price 165 1% increase in the discount rate applied to post-tax cash flows 226 10% strengthening of the South African rand 603

Intangible assets (Tables)

Intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Summary of intangible assets	Trademarks, Contract Exploration patented and based Other and non-patented intangible intangible evaluation (a) technology assets (b) assets Total Year ended 31 December 2017 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2017 711 78 2,103 387 3,279 Adjustment on currency translation 27 10 150 29 216 Expenditure during the year 57 - - 65 122 Amortisation for the year (c) - (13 ) (67 ) (97 ) (177 ) Impairment charges (d) (357 ) - - - (357 ) Disposals, transfers and other movements (e) (45 ) - 2 79 36 At 31 December 2017 393 75 2,188 463 3,119 – cost 2,658 224 3,438 1,537 7,857 – accumulated amortisation and impairment (2,265 ) (149 ) (1,250 ) (1,074 ) (4,738 ) Trademarks, Contract Exploration patented and based Other and non-patented intangible intangible evaluation (a) technology assets (b) assets Total Year ended 31 December 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Net book value At 1 January 2016 706 94 2,138 398 3,336 Adjustment on currency translation 14 (3 ) 47 - 58 Expenditure during the year 8 - - 23 31 Amortisation for the year (c) - (13 ) (87 ) (127 ) (227 ) Impairment charges (d) - - - (1 ) (1 ) Disposals, transfers and other movements (e) (17 ) - 5 94 82 At 31 December 2016 711 78 2,103 387 3,279 – cost 2,588 199 3,897 1,329 8,013 – accumulated amortisation and impairment (1,877 ) (121 ) (1,794 ) (942 ) (4,734 ) (a) Exploration and evaluation assets’ useful lives are not determined until transferred to property, plant and equipment. (b) The Group benefits from certain intangible assets acquired with Alcan, including power supply contracts, customer contracts and water rights. The water rights are expected to contribute to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of operations for the foreseeable future: accordingly, these rights are considered to have indefinite lives and are not subject to amortisation but are tested annually for impairment. These water rights constitute the majority of the amounts in “Contract based intangible assets”. The remaining carrying value of the water rights (US$1,824 million) as at 31 December 2017 relates wholly to the Quebec smelters cash-generating unit. The Quebec smelters cash-generating unit was tested for impairment by reference to FVLCD using discounted cash flows, which is in line with the policy set out in note 1(i). The recoverable amount of the Quebec smelters is classified as level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. In arriving at FVLCD, post-tax cash flows expressed in real terms have been estimated over the expected useful economic lives of the underlying smelting assets and discounted using a real post-tax discount rate of 6.7 per cent (2016: 7.0 per cent). The recoverable amounts were determined to be significantly in excess of carrying value, and there are no reasonably possible changes in key assumptions that would cause the remaining water rights to be impaired. (c) Finite life intangible assets are amortised over their useful economic lives on a straight-line or units of production basis, as appropriate. Where amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis, the following useful lives have been determined: Trademarks, patented and non-patented technology Trademarks: 14 to 20 years Patented and non-patented technology: ten to 20 years Contract-based intangible assets Power contracts / water rights: two to 45 years Other purchase and customer contracts: five to 15 years Other intangible assets Internally generated intangible assets and computer software: two to five years Other intangible assets: two to 20 years (d) Impairment charges in 2017 relate to the full write-off of the Roughrider deposit in Canada (see note 6). Impairment charges in 2016 related to the full write-off of the intangible assets of the Argyle cash-generating unit (see note 6). (e) Disposals, transfers and other movements for Exploration and Evaluation includes US$34 million transferred to Mining Property in relation to the Kemano tunnel project following approval of the project. Disposals, transfers and other movements for exploration and evaluation in 2016 included the disposal of the Mount Pleasant thermal coal project in New South Wales, Australia.
Summary of exploration and evaluation expenditure	The charge for the year and the net amount of intangible assets capitalised during the year are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Net expenditure in the year (net of proceeds of US$3 million (2016: US$208 million; 2015: US$nil) on disposal of undeveloped projects) (493 ) (284 ) (705 ) Non-cash movements and non-cash proceeds on disposal of undeveloped projects (24 ) (177 ) (15 ) Amount capitalised during the year 57 8 152 Net charge for the year (460 ) (453 ) (568 ) Reconciliation to income statement Exploration and evaluation costs (445 ) (497 ) (576 ) Profit relating to interests in undeveloped projects (15 ) 44 8 Net charge for the year (460 ) (453 ) (568 )

Investments in equity account73

Investments in equity accounted units (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Investments Accounted For Using Equity Method Explanatory [Abstract]
Summary of investments in equity accounted units	2017 2016 Summary balance sheet (Rio Tinto share) US$m US$m Rio Tinto's share of assets – Non-current assets 5,913 6,686 – Current assets 990 832 6,903 7,518 Rio Tinto's share of liabilities – Current liabilities (654 ) (612 ) – Non-current liabilities (1,763 ) (1,887 ) (2,417 ) (2,499 ) Rio Tinto's share of net assets 4,486 5,019

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Inventories [Abstract]
Summary of inventories	2017 2016 US$m US$m Raw materials and purchased components 648 470 Consumable stores 875 840 Work in progress 1,082 970 Finished goods and goods for resale 1,027 800 3,632 3,080 Comprising: Expected to be used within one year 3,472 2,937 Expected to be used after more than one year 160 143 3,632 3,080

Deferred taxation (Tables)

Deferred taxation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability asset	2017 2016 US$m US$m At 1 January - deferred tax asset (607 ) (23 ) Adjustment on currency translation 53 58 Charged/(credited) to the income statement 695 (548 ) Charged/(credited) to statement of comprehensive income (a) 153 (33 ) Disposals - (8 ) Other movements (b) (61 ) (53 ) At 31 December - deferred tax liability/(asset) 233 (607 ) Comprising: – deferred tax liabilities (c) (d) 3,628 3,121 – deferred tax assets (c) (e) (f) (3,395 ) (3,728 )
Deferred tax liabilities and assets, prior to offsetting of balances	The closing deferred tax liabilities and assets, prior to this offsetting of balances, are shown below. Total Total 2017 2016 US$m US$m Deferred tax liabilities arising from: Capital allowances 5,208 4,937 Unremitted earnings (d) 588 659 Capitalised interest 391 403 Unrealised exchange gains 31 40 Other temporary differences 222 301 6,440 6,340 Deferred tax assets arising from: Tax losses (e) (2,282 ) (2,246 ) Provisions (1,731 ) (2,040 ) Capital allowances (579 ) (883 ) Post-retirement benefits (616 ) (888 ) Unrealised exchange losses (317 ) (342 ) Other temporary differences (682 ) (548 ) (6,207 ) (6,947 ) Charged/(credited) to the income statement Unrealised exchange losses 36 156 Tax losses 12 (122 ) Provisions 451 (279 ) Capital allowances 278 (441 ) Tax on unremitted earnings 4 (6 ) Post-retirement benefits 149 (6 ) Other temporary differences (235 ) 150 695 (548 ) (a) The amounts charged directly to the Statement of comprehensive income include provisions for tax on exchange differences on intragroup loans qualifying for reporting as part of the net investment in subsidiaries, on cash flow hedges and on actuarial gains and losses on pension schemes and on post-retirement healthcare plans. (b) “Other movements” include deferred tax relating to tax payable recognised by subsidiary holding companies on the profits of the equity accounted units to which it relates and, in 2016, amounts credited directly to the statement of changes in equity relating to the restructure of Coal & Allied Industries Limited. (c) The deferred tax liability of US$3,628 million (2016: US$3,121 million) includes US$3,615 million (2016: US$3,109 million) due in more than one year. The deferred tax asset of US$3,395 million (2016: US$3,728 million) includes US$3,386 million (2016: US$3,721 million) receivable in more than one year. All amounts are shown as non-current on the face of the balance sheet as required by IAS 12. (d) Deferred tax is not recognised on the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures totalling US$3,242 million (2016: US$2,523 million) where the Group is able to control the timing of the remittance and it is probable that there will be no remittance in the foreseeable future. If these earnings were remitted, tax of US$131 million (2016: US$125 million) would be payable. (e) There is a limited time period, the shortest of which is six years, for the recovery of US$1,679 million (2016: US$1,309 million) of tax losses and other tax assets which have been recognised as deferred tax assets in the financial statements. (f) Recognised and unrecognised deferred tax assets are shown in the table below and totalled US$7,071 million at 31 December 2017 (2016: US$7,170 million). Of this total, US$3,395 million has been recognised as deferred tax assets (2016: US$3,728 million), leaving US$3,676 million (2016: US$3,442 million) unrecognised, as recovery is not considered probable.
Recognised and unrecognised amounts in deferred tax assets	The recognised amounts do not include deferred tax assets that have been netted off against deferred tax liabilities. Recognised Unrecognised 2017 2016 2017 2016 At 31 December US$m US$m US$m US$m France - 330 1,163 1,077 Canada 546 470 674 707 US 877 1,239 7 6 Australia 1,055 1,072 257 446 Mongolia (a) 631 441 61 - Other (b) 286 176 1,514 1,206 Total 3,395 3,728 3,676 3,442 (a) Deferred tax assets in Mongolia include US$432 million (2016: US$365 million) from tax losses that expire if not recovered against taxable profits within eight years. Tax losses have been calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement and Mongolian laws. Recovery of the recognised deferred tax assets is expected to commence from 2023 based on projected cash flows in the latest life-of-mine plan, which includes delivery of the underground project. Tax law in Mongolia and its interpretation by the tax authority has been, and is expected to continue to be, subject to change. Such future changes could have a material impact on the amount and period of recovery of these deferred tax assets. (b) US$777 million (2016: US$964 million) of the unrecognised assets relate to realised or unrealised capital losses, the recovery of which depends on the existence of capital gains in future years. There is a time limit, the shortest of which is one year, for the recovery of US$250 million of the unrecognised assets (2016: US$105 million).

Trade and other receivables (Ta

Trade and other receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Trade And Other Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of trade and other receivables	Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Trade receivables (a) 1 2,314 2,315 - 2,283 2,283 Other receivables 526 820 1,346 347 880 1,227 Prepayment of tolling charges to jointly controlled entities (b) 269 - 269 267 - 267 Pension surpluses (note 44) 871 - 871 625 - 625 Amounts due from equity accounted units - 30 30 - 31 31 Other prepayments 57 279 336 103 266 369 1,724 3,443 5,167 1,342 3,460 4,802 (a) At 31 December 2017, trade and other receivables are stated net of provisions for doubtful debts of US$55 million (2016: US$66 million). Amounts of US$38 million were impaired during the year, and US$11 million of unused provision reversed. (b) These prepayments will be charged to Group operating costs as processing takes place.
Summary of ageing receivables	The ageing of these receivables is as follows: 2017 2016 US$m US$m less than 30 days overdue 122 196 between 30 and 60 days overdue 3 4 between 60 and 90 days overdue 17 7 more than 90 days overdue 3 23 145 230

Other financial assets (inclu77

Other financial assets (including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Other Financial Assets [Abstract]
Summary of other financial assets including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units	Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Derivative financial instruments 238 29 267 508 24 532 Equity shares and quoted funds 45 91 136 73 83 156 Other investments, including loans (a) 188 964 1,152 202 252 454 Loans to equity accounted units 39 - 39 39 - 39 510 1,084 1,594 822 359 1,181 (a) Current “Other investments, including loans” comprise US$958 million (2016: US$250 million) of highly liquid financial assets held in managed investment funds classified as held for trading.

Cash and cash equivalents (Tabl

Cash and cash equivalents (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents	2017 2016 Note US$m US$m Cash at bank and in hand 1,035 956 Money market funds and other cash equivalents 9,515 7,245 Balance per Group balance sheet 10,550 8,201 Bank overdrafts repayable on demand (unsecured) 22 (3 ) (12 ) Balance per Group cash flow statement 10,547 8,189

Borrowings and other financia79

Borrowings and other financial liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Borrowings And Other Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Summary of borrowings	Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 Borrowings at 31 December Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 9.0% 2019 (a) - - - 1,235 - 1,235 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.5% 2020 - - - 464 - 464 Rio Tinto Finance plc Euro Bonds 2.0% due 2020 (a) (b) 921 - 921 817 - 817 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 4.125% 2021 (a) 428 - 428 573 - 573 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.750% 2021 (a) 347 - 347 621 - 621 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 3.5% 2022 (a) 227 - 227 459 - 459 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 2.875% 2022 (a) 377 - 377 509 - 509 Rio Tinto Finance plc Euro Bonds 2.875% due 2024 (a) (b) 644 - 644 577 - 577 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.75% 2025 (a) 1,192 - 1,192 1,195 - 1,195 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 7.125% 2028 (a) 965 - 965 980 - 980 Alcan Inc. Debentures 7.25% due 2028 105 - 105 105 - 105 Rio Tinto Finance plc Sterling Bonds 4.0% due 2029 (a) (b) 669 - 669 609 - 609 Alcan Inc. Debentures 7.25% due 2031 422 - 422 425 - 425 Alcan Inc. Global Notes 6.125% due 2033 740 - 740 741 - 741 Alcan Inc. Global Notes 5.75% due 2035 287 - 287 287 - 287 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 5.2% 2040 (a) 1,102 - 1,102 1,103 - 1,103 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 4.75% 2042 (a) 467 - 467 466 - 466 Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 4.125% 2042 (a) 691 - 691 690 - 690 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2027 (c) 2,262 - 2,262 2,259 - 2,259 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2028 (c) 255 - 255 247 - 247 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2029 (c) 869 - 869 866 - 866 Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2030 (c) 761 - 761 754 - 754 Loans from equity accounting units - 31 31 - 49 49 Other secured loans 451 79 530 530 127 657 Other unsecured loans 393 435 828 377 508 885 Finance leases 23 49 4 53 24 21 45 Bank overdrafts 21 - 3 3 - 12 12 Total borrowings including overdrafts (d) 14,624 552 15,176 16,913 717 17,630 (a) These borrowings are subject to the hedging arrangements summarised below. Fair value hedge accounting has been applied except for the Rio Tinto Finance plc Sterling Bonds 4.0% due 2029 which has cash flow hedge accounting applied. (b) Rio Tinto has a US$10 billion (2016: US$10 billion) European Debt Issuance Programme against which the cumulative amount utilised was US$2.2 billion equivalent at 31 December 2017 (2016: US$1.9 billion). The carrying value of these bonds after hedge accounting adjustments amounted to US$2.2 billion (2016: US$ 2.0 billion) in aggregate. (c) These borrowings relate to the Oyu Tolgoi LLC project finance facility. The project finance facility provides for interest-only payments for the first five years followed by minimum repayments according to a stepped amortisation schedule for the remaining life of the facility. The due dates stated represent the final repayment date. Further details are provided in note 30. (d) The Group’s borrowings of US$15.2 billion (2016: US$17.6 billion) include US$2.7 billion (2016: US$2.8 billion) which relates to subsidiary entity borrowings that are without recourse to the Group, and US$4.7 billion (2016: US$4.8 billion) which is subject to various financial and general covenants with which the respective borrowers were in compliance as at 31 December 2017.
Summary of borrowings and other financial liabilities	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 Other financial liabilities US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Derivative financial instruments 481 50 531 517 6 523 Other financial liabilities 43 302 345 40 199 239 Total other financial liabilities 524 352 876 557 205 762 Total borrowings including overdrafts (as above) 14,624 552 15,176 16,913 717 17,630 Total borrowings and other financial liabilities 15,148 904 16,052 17,470 922 18,392 1

Capitalised finance leases (Tab

Capitalised finance leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Capitalised Finance Leases [Abstract]
Summary of capitalised finance leases	2017 2016 Note US$m US$m Present value of minimum lease payments Total minimum lease payments 57 45 Effect of discounting (4 ) - 22 53 45 Payments under capitalised finance leases Due within 1 year 4 21 Between 1 and 3 years 14 8 Between 3 and 5 years 28 6 More than 5 years 11 10 57 45

Consolidated net debt (Tables)

Consolidated net debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Consolidated Net Debt [Abstract]
Analysis of changes in consolidated net debt	Financing liabilities (b) Other assets Borrowings (including finance leases) excluding Debt-related derivatives (included in Other financial assets/ Cash/ Other 2017 2016 Overdrafts (a) liabilities) Overdrafts (b) investments (c) Net debt Net debt Year ended 31 December US$m US$m Analysis of changes in consolidated net debt Opening balance (17,618 ) (408 ) 8,189 250 (9,587 ) (13,783 ) Foreign exchange adjustment (303 ) 245 (12 ) - (70 ) 90 Cash movements excluding exchange movements 2,777 7 2,370 705 5,859 3,915 Other non-cash movements (29 ) (21 ) - 3 (47 ) 191 Closing balance (15,173 ) (177 ) 10,547 958 (3,845 ) (9,587 ) (a) Borrowings (including finance leases) at 31 December 2017 differ from total borrowings on the balance sheet as they exclude overdrafts of US$3 million (31 December 2016: US$12 million), other current financial liabilities of US$352 million (31 December 2016: US$205 million) and other non-current financial liabilities US$524 million (31 December 2016: US$557 million). (b) Closing cash/overdrafts at 31 December 2017 differ from cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet as they include overdrafts of US$3 million which have been classified as a financial liability (31 December 2016: US$12 million). (c) Other investments comprise US$958 million (2016: US$250 million) of highly liquid financial assets held in managed investment funds classified as held for trading.
Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances	2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt 554 160 (1,578 ) Exchange (losses)/gains on intragroup balances (1,154 ) 449 (1,961 ) Exchange (losses)/gains on settlement of dividends (1 ) 2 1 (Charged)/credited to income statement (601 ) 611 (3,538 )

Trade and other payables (Table

Trade and other payables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Trade And Other Payables [Abstract]
Summary of trade and other payables	Non-current Current Total Non-current Current Total 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Trade payables - 3,255 3,255 - 2,787 2,787 Deferred income 246 246 492 234 197 431 Accruals 13 1,347 1,360 1 973 974 Other payables 352 964 1,316 309 1,072 1,381 Employee entitlements - 734 734 - 720 720 Royalties and mining taxes 4 492 496 3 516 519 Amounts owed to equity accounted units 156 19 175 151 92 243 Government grants deferred 85 4 89 91 4 95 856 7,061 7,917 789 6,361 7,150

Provisions (including post-re83

Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Provisions Including Post Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Summary of Provisions including post-retirement benefits	Pensions and Close-down post-retirement Other employee and restoration/ Total Total healthcare (a) entitlements (b) environmental (c) Other 2017 2016 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m At 1 January 3,167 450 8,722 1,455 13,794 13,066 Adjustment on currency translation 200 34 502 110 846 (56 ) Adjustments to mining properties 14 – changes in estimate - - 710 - 710 (123 ) Charged/(credited) to profit: – increases to existing and new provisions 233 96 230 238 797 1,630 – unused amounts reversed - (37 ) (61 ) (89 ) (187 ) (239 ) – exchange (gains)/losses on provisions - - (40 ) (43 ) (83 ) 13 – amortisation of discount - - 348 35 383 338 Utilised in year (339 ) (84 ) (268 ) (362 ) (1,053 ) (997 ) Actuarial losses recognised in equity 121 - - - 121 152 Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (d) - (69 ) (102 ) (451 ) (622 ) (63 ) Transfers to assets held for sale (13 ) (4 ) (47 ) - (64 ) (4 ) Transfers and other movements 1 3 (11 ) 7 - 77 At 31 December 3,370 389 9,983 900 14,642 13,794 Balance sheet analysis: Current 84 277 634 280 1,275 1,315 Non-current 3,286 112 9,349 620 13,367 12,479 Total 3,370 389 9,983 900 14,642 13,794 (a) The main assumptions used to determine the provision for pensions and post-retirement healthcare, and other information, including the expected level of future funding payments in respect of those arrangements, are given in note 44. (b) The provision for other employee entitlements includes a provision for long service leave of US$292 million (2016: US$317 million), based on the relevant entitlements in certain Group operations and includes US$24 million (2016: US$59 million) of provision for redundancy and severance payments. (c) The Group’s policy on close-down and restoration costs is described in note 1(k) and in paragraph (iv) under “Critical accounting policies and estimates” on pages 126 and 129. Close-down and restoration costs are a normal consequence of mining, and the majority of close-down and restoration expenditure is incurred in the years following closure of the mine, refinery or smelter. Remaining lives of operations and infrastructure range from one to over 50 years with an average for all sites, weighted by present closure obligation, of around 20 years (2016: 16 years). Although the ultimate cost to be incurred is uncertain, the Group’s businesses estimate their respective costs based on current restoration standards and techniques. Provisions of US$9,983 million (2016: US$8,722 million) for close-down and restoration costs and environmental clean-up obligations are based on risk-adjusted cash flows. These estimates have been discounted to their present value at a real risk free rate of 2 per cent per annum, based on an estimate of the long-term, risk-free, pre-tax cost of borrowing. If the risk free rate was decreased by 0.5 per cent then the provision would be US$1,102 million higher. Non-current provisions for close-down and restoration/environmental expenditure include amounts relating to environmental clean-up of US$336 million (2016: US$366 million) expected to take place between one and five years from the balance sheet date, and US$839 million (2016: US$727 million) expected to take place later than five years after the balance sheet date. Close-down and restoration/environmental liabilities at 31 December 2017 have not been adjusted for amounts of US$75 million (2016: US$110 million) relating to insurance recoveries and other financial assets held for the purposes of meeting these obligations. (d) “Subsidiaries no longer consolidated” relates primarily to the disposal of Coal & Allied Industries Limited, which completed on 1 September 2017 (see note 37).

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc (

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Abstract]
Summary of share capital rio tinto plc	2017 2016 2015 Number Number Number 2017 2016 2015 (million) (million) (million) US$m US$m US$m Issued and fully paid up share capital of 10p each At 1 January 1,384.520 1,384.487 1,425.378 224 224 230 Ordinary shares issued (a) (c) 0.026 0.033 0.022 - - - Shares purchased and cancelled (b) (32.937 ) - (40.913 ) (4 ) - (6 ) At 31 December 1,351.609 1,384.520 1,384.487 220 224 224 Shares held by public At 1 January 1,374.822 1,374.046 1,414.147 Shares reissued from treasury (a) 0.147 0.743 0.790 Shares purchased and cancelled (b) (32.937 ) - (40.913 ) Ordinary shares issued (a) (c) 0.026 0.033 0.022 At 31 December 1,342.058 1,374.822 1,374.046 Shares held in treasury 9.551 9.698 10.441 Shares held by public 1,342.058 1,374.822 1,374.046 Total share capital 1,351.609 1,384.520 1,384.487 Other share classes Special Voting Share of 10p each (d) 1 only 1 only 1 only DLC Dividend Share of 10p each (d) 1 only 1 only 1 only Equalisation Share of 10p each (d) 1 only 1 only 1 only (a) 26,241 ordinary shares were issued in 2017 under the Global Employee Share Plan (GESP). 147,126 ordinary shares were reissued from treasury during the year resulting from the vesting of awards and the exercise of options under Rio Tinto plc employee share-based payment plans, with exercise prices and market values between £28.63 and £37.78 per share (2016: 33,210 ordinary shares were issued under the GESP, and 743,380 ordinary shares were reissued from treasury with exercise prices and market values between £16.53 and £32.23 per share; 2015: 21,709 ordinary shares were issued under the GESP, and 789,887 ordinary shares reissued from treasury with exercise prices and market values between £15.09 and £32.37 per share). (b) The authority for the Company to buy back its ordinary shares was renewed at the 2017 annual general meeting. 32,937,109 shares were bought back and cancelled in 2017 under the on-market buy-back programme. (c) The aggregate consideration for new shares issued under the GESP was US$1.0 million (2016: US$0.9 million; 2015: US$0.9 million). The difference between the nominal value and the issue price of the shares issued was credited to the share premium account. The aggregate consideration received for treasury shares reissued was US$2 million (2016: US$4 million; 2015: US$13 million). No new shares were issued as a result of the exercise of options under Rio Tinto plc employee share-based payment plans in 2017, 2016 and 2015. (d) The “Special Voting Share” was issued to facilitate the joint voting by shareholders of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited on Joint Decisions, following the DLC Merger. The “DLC Dividend Share” was issued to facilitate the efficient management of funds within the DLC structure. Directors have the ability to issue an Equalisation Share if that is required under the terms of the DLC Merger Sharing Agreement.

Share capital - Rio Tinto Lim85

Share capital - Rio Tinto Limited (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Abstract]
Summary of share capital rio tinto limited	2017 2016 2015 Number Number Number 2017 2016 2015 (million) (million) (million) US$m US$m US$m Issued and fully paid up share capital At 1 January 424.19 424.19 435.76 3,915 3,950 4,535 Adjustment on currency translation 310 (35 ) (503 ) Ordinary shares purchased and cancelled (a) (b) (11.78 ) - (11.57 ) (85 ) - (82 ) At 31 December 412.41 424.19 424.19 4,140 3,915 3,950 – Special Voting Share (c) 1 only 1 only 1 only – DLC Dividend Share (c) 1 only 1 only 1 only Total share capital 412.41 424.19 424.19 (a) In November 2017, 11,778,064 Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares were purchased at A$63.67 per share and cancelled under an off-market share buy-back programme carried out pursuant to the shareholder approval granted at Rio Tinto Limited’s 2017 annual general meeting for off-market and on-market buy-backs of up to 42.4 million Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares. (b) In April 2015, 11,566,308 Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares were purchased at A$48.44 per share and cancelled under an off-market share buy-back programme carried out pursuant to the shareholder approval granted at Rio Tinto Limited’s 2015 annual general meeting for off-market and on-market buy-backs of up to 43.5 million Rio Tinto Limited ordinary shares. (c) The “Special Voting Share” was issued to facilitate the joint voting by shareholders of Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc on Joint Decisions following the DLC Merger. The “DLC Dividend Share” was issued to facilitate the efficient management of funds within the DLC structure. Directors have the ability to issue an Equalisation Share if that is required under the terms of the DLC Merger Sharing Agreement.

Other reserves and retained e86

Other reserves and retained earnings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Abstract]
Summary of other reserves and retained earnings	2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Capital redemption reserve (a) At 1 January 34 34 28 Own shares purchased and cancelled 4 - 6 At 31 December 38 34 34 Hedging reserves At 1 January 32 - 12 Parent and subsidiaries' net cash flow hedge fair value gains/(losses) 62 (88 ) (41 ) Parent and subsidiaries' net cash flow hedge (gains)/losses transferred to the income statement (62 ) 116 32 Tax on the above - 4 (3 ) At 31 December 32 32 - Available for sale revaluation reserves At 1 January (126 ) (139 ) (130 ) Gains/(losses) on available for sale securities 19 13 (16 ) Losses on available for sale securities transferred to the income statement 6 - 7 Tax on the above (1 ) - - Transfers and other movements 122 - - At 31 December 20 (126 ) (139 ) Other reserves (b) At 1 January 11,861 11,735 11,704 Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto - 108 - Own shares purchased from Rio Tinto Limited shareholders to satisfy share options (64 ) (43 ) (25 ) Employee share options: value of services 31 58 58 Deferred tax on share options 10 3 (2 ) Companies no longer consolidated (124 ) - - At 31 December 11,714 11,861 11,735 Foreign currency translation reserve (c) At 1 January (2,585 ) (2,491 ) (492 ) Parent and subsidiaries currency translation and exchange adjustments 2,942 (204 ) (1,940 ) Equity accounted units currency translation adjustments 34 11 (57 ) Currency translation reclassified on disposal 78 99 (2 ) Transfers and other movements 11 - - At 31 December 480 (2,585 ) (2,491 ) Total other reserves per balance sheet 12,284 9,216 9,139 2017 2016 2015 US$m US$m US$m Retained earnings (d) At 1 January 21,631 19,736 26,110 Parent and subsidiaries' profit/(loss) for the year 8,423 4,298 (1,218 ) Equity accounted units' profit after tax for the year 339 319 352 Actuarial gains/(losses) (e) 1 (94 ) 616 Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income (150 ) 30 (173 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 8,613 4,553 (423 ) Share buy-back programme (2,312 ) - (1,946 ) Dividends paid (4,250 ) (2,725 ) (4,076 ) Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto 43 40 20 Companies no longer consolidated 130 - - Own shares purchased/treasury shares reissued for share options and other movements (18 ) (37 ) (27 ) Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges taken to the income statement 57 64 78 Transfer and other movements (133 ) - - At 31 December 23,761 21,631 19,736 (a) The capital redemption reserve was set up to comply with section 733 of the UK Companies Act 2006 (previously section 170 of the UK Companies Act 1985) when shares of a company are redeemed or purchased wholly out of the company’s profits. Balances reflect the amount by which the Company’s issued share capital is diminished in accordance with this section. (b) Other reserves includes US$11,936 million which represents the difference between the nominal value and issue price of the shares issued arising from Rio Tinto plc’s rights issue completed in July 2009. No share premium was recorded in the Rio Tinto plc financial statements through the operation of the merger relief provisions of the UK Companies Act 1985. Other reserves also include the cumulative amount recognised under IFRS 2 in respect of options granted but not exercised to acquire shares in Rio Tinto Limited, less, where applicable, the cost of shares purchased to satisfy share options exercised. The cumulative amount recognised under IFRS 2 in respect of options granted but not exercised to acquire shares in Rio Tinto plc is recorded in retained earnings. (c) Exchange differences arising on the translation of the Group’s net investment in foreign controlled companies are taken to the foreign currency translation reserve, as described in note 1(d). The cumulative differences relating to an investment are transferred to the income statement when the investment is disposed of. (d) Retained earnings and movements in reserves of subsidiaries include those arising from the Group’s share of joint operations. (e) There were no actuarial losses relating to equity accounted units in 2017, 2016 or 2015

Financial instruments and ris87

Financial instruments and risk management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Summary of financial assets by categories	A (a) Financial assets and liabilities by categories Held to maturity Available assets/Other Loans and for sale Held at financial Total receivables securities fair value liabilities At 31 December 2017 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 21 10,550 10,550 - - - Trade and other receivables (a) 2,985 2,895 - 90 - Equity shares and quoted funds 20 136 - 136 - - Other investments, including loans (b) 20 1,152 15 - 1,125 12 Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt: not designated as hedges (c) 20 168 - - 168 - Derivatives related to net debt (c) 20,24 99 - - 99 - Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans 198 198 - - - Total financial assets 15,288 13,658 136 1,482 12 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (d) (5,922 ) (15 ) (5,907 ) Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts 22 (552 ) - (552 ) Medium and long-term borrowings 22 (14,624 ) - (14,624 ) Derivatives related to net debt (c) 22,24 (276 ) (276 ) - Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges (c) 22 (255 ) (255 ) - Other financial liabilities 22 (345 ) - (345 ) Total financial liabilities (21,974 ) (546 ) (21,428 ) Held to maturity assets/other Loans and Available financial Total receivables for sale Held at liabilities At 31 December 2016 Note US$m (Adjusted) (e)(f) US$m (Adjusted) (e) securities US$m fair value US$m US$m (Adjusted) (f) Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 21 8,201 8,201 - - - Trade and other receivables (a)(e) 3,047 2,904 - 143 - Equity shares and quoted funds 20 156 - 156 - - Other investments, including loans (b) 20 454 14 - 431 9 Currency and commodity derivatives: designated as hedges (c) 20 1 - - 1 - Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt: not designated as hedges (c) 20 423 - - 423 - Derivatives related to net debt (c) 20,24 108 - - 108 - Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans 202 202 - - - Total financial assets 12,592 11,321 156 1,106 9 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (d) (f) (5,209 ) (5 ) (5,204 ) Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts 22 (717 ) - (717 ) Medium and long-term borrowings 22 (16,913 ) - (16,913 ) Derivatives related to net debt (c) 22,24 (516 ) (516 ) - Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges (c) 22 (7 ) (7 ) - Other financial liabilities 22 (239 ) - (239 ) Total financial liabilities (23,601 ) (528 ) (23,073 ) (a) Trade and other receivables exclude non-financial assets such as pension surpluses, prepayment of tolling charges to joint operations and other prepayments within other receivables and will therefore differ to the amounts shown in note 18. (b) Other investments, including loans comprise US$958 million (2016: US$250 million) of highly liquid financial assets in managed investment funds classified as held for trading. (c) These financial assets and liabilities in aggregate agree to total derivative financial instruments disclosed in notes 20 and 22. (d) Trade and other payables excludes non-financial liabilities such as deferred income, Government grants, royalties, mining taxes and employee entitlements within other payables and will therefore differ to the amounts shown in note 25. The trade and other payables held at fair value are valued using Level 2 inputs. (e) The 2016 comparative of trade and other receivables has been reduced by US$385 million to remove other receivables, which were incorrectly classified as financial assets. (f) The 2016 comparative of trade and other payables has been reduced by US$177 million to remove other payables, which were incorrectly classified as financial liabilities.
Summary of financial liabilities by categories	A (a) Financial assets and liabilities by categories Held to maturity Available assets/Other Loans and for sale Held at financial Total receivables securities fair value liabilities At 31 December 2017 Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 21 10,550 10,550 - - - Trade and other receivables (a) 2,985 2,895 - 90 - Equity shares and quoted funds 20 136 - 136 - - Other investments, including loans (b) 20 1,152 15 - 1,125 12 Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt: not designated as hedges (c) 20 168 - - 168 - Derivatives related to net debt (c) 20,24 99 - - 99 - Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans 198 198 - - - Total financial assets 15,288 13,658 136 1,482 12 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (d) (5,922 ) (15 ) (5,907 ) Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts 22 (552 ) - (552 ) Medium and long-term borrowings 22 (14,624 ) - (14,624 ) Derivatives related to net debt (c) 22,24 (276 ) (276 ) - Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges (c) 22 (255 ) (255 ) - Other financial liabilities 22 (345 ) - (345 ) Total financial liabilities (21,974 ) (546 ) (21,428 ) Held to maturity assets/other Loans and Available financial Total receivables for sale Held at liabilities At 31 December 2016 Note US$m (Adjusted) (e)(f) US$m (Adjusted) (e) securities US$m fair value US$m US$m (Adjusted) (f) Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 21 8,201 8,201 - - - Trade and other receivables (a)(e) 3,047 2,904 - 143 - Equity shares and quoted funds 20 156 - 156 - - Other investments, including loans (b) 20 454 14 - 431 9 Currency and commodity derivatives: designated as hedges (c) 20 1 - - 1 - Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt: not designated as hedges (c) 20 423 - - 423 - Derivatives related to net debt (c) 20,24 108 - - 108 - Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans 202 202 - - - Total financial assets 12,592 11,321 156 1,106 9 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (d) (f) (5,209 ) (5 ) (5,204 ) Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts 22 (717 ) - (717 ) Medium and long-term borrowings 22 (16,913 ) - (16,913 ) Derivatives related to net debt (c) 22,24 (516 ) (516 ) - Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges (c) 22 (7 ) (7 ) - Other financial liabilities 22 (239 ) - (239 ) Total financial liabilities (23,601 ) (528 ) (23,073 ) (a) Trade and other receivables exclude non-financial assets such as pension surpluses, prepayment of tolling charges to joint operations and other prepayments within other receivables and will therefore differ to the amounts shown in note 18. (b) Other investments, including loans comprise US$958 million (2016: US$250 million) of highly liquid financial assets in managed investment funds classified as held for trading. (c) These financial assets and liabilities in aggregate agree to total derivative financial instruments disclosed in notes 20 and 22. (d) Trade and other payables excludes non-financial liabilities such as deferred income, Government grants, royalties, mining taxes and employee entitlements within other payables and will therefore differ to the amounts shown in note 25. The trade and other payables held at fair value are valued using Level 2 inputs. (e) The 2016 comparative of trade and other receivables has been reduced by US$385 million to remove other receivables, which were incorrectly classified as financial assets. (f) The 2016 comparative of trade and other payables has been reduced by US$177 million to remove other payables, which were incorrectly classified as financial liabilities.
Summary of capital and liquidity risk management	2017 2016 Total capital Note US$m US$m Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet) 44,711 39,290 Equity attributable to non-controlling interests (see Group balance sheet) 6,404 6,440 Net debt 24 3,845 9,587 Total capital 54,960 55,317
Summary of credit ratings	The table below summarises the credit ratings attributed to the Group by Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s investor services as at 31 December. 2017 2016 Long-term rating (a) A-/Baa1 Short-term rating A-1/P-2 A-1/P-2 Outlook (a) Stable/ Stable (a) On 12 February 2018, Standard and Poor's upgraded the Group's credit rating to A with a stable outlook.
Summary of maximum credit risk exposure of the Group's financial assets	The maximum credit risk exposure of the Group’s financial assets at the balance sheet date is as follows: 2017 2016 Note US$m US$m (Adjusted) (a) Cash and cash equivalents 21 10,550 8,201 Trade and other receivables (a) 2,985 3,047 Investments 20 1,152 454 Derivative assets 20 267 532 Loans to equity accounted units 39 39 Total 14,993 12,273
Summary by currency, the Group's net debt, after taking into account relevant cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information Cash and Derivatives Net funds/ Net funds/ cash Other Total borrowings related to net (debt) (debt) equivalents investments in note 22 debt 2017 2016 Net funds/(debt) by currency US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US dollar 9,950 958 (14,359 ) (177 ) (3,628 ) (9,294 ) Australian dollar 332 - (540 ) - (208 ) (313 ) Euro 49 - (107 ) - (58 ) (62 ) South African rand 59 - - - 59 103 Canadian dollar 18 - (166 ) - (148 ) (155 ) Other 142 - (4 ) - 138 134 Total 10,550 958 (15,176 ) (177 ) (3,845 ) (9,587 ) 1
Estimated retranslation effect on financial assets and financial liabilities of a ten per cent strengthening in the closing exchange rate of the US dollar against significant currencies	At 31 December 2017 Gains/(losses) associated with ten per cent strengthening of the US dollar Of which amount Closing Effect on impacting exchange net underlying rate earnings earnings Currency exposure US cents US$m US$m Australian dollar 78 608 47 Canadian dollar 79 (134 ) 3 Euro 120 165 (2) Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 30 Financial instruments and risk management continued At 31 December 2016 Gains/(losses) associated with ten per cent strengthening of the US dollar Of which amount Closing Effect on impacting exchange net underlying rate earnings earnings Currency exposure US cents US$m US$m Australian dollar 72 369 37 Canadian dollar 74 (159 ) 15 Euro 105 172 -
Maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities and derivative financial liabilities	A (c) Financial liability analysis The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities by relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period from the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. As the amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows, these balances will not necessarily agree with the amounts disclosed in the balance sheet. At 31 December 2017 Within 1 Between Between Between Between year or on 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 and 4 4 and 5 After demand years years years years 5 years Total (Outflows) / inflows US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Non-derivative financial liabilities Trade and other payables (5,488 ) (434 ) - - - - (5,922 ) Borrowings before swaps (552 ) (148 ) (1,011 ) (916 ) (1,283 ) (11,387 ) (15,297 ) Expected future interest payments (a) (679 ) (673 ) (670 ) (638 ) (606 ) (4,553 ) (7,819 ) Other financial liabilities (302 ) (43 ) - - - - (345 ) Derivative financial liabilities (b) Derivatives related to net debt - net settled 10 10 14 11 7 36 88 Derivatives related to net debt - gross settled (a) – gross inflows 62 62 958 44 44 1,493 2,663 – gross outflows (82 ) (82 ) (1,051 ) (55 ) (55 ) (1,741 ) (3,066 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled (43 ) (36 ) (33 ) (24 ) (21 ) (138 ) (295 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - gross settled: – gross inflows 795 - - - - - 795 – gross outflows (802 ) - - - - - (802 ) Total (7,081 ) (1,344 ) (1,793 ) (1,578 ) (1,914 ) (16,290 ) (30,000 ) At 31 December 2016 Within 1 Between Between Between Between year or on 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 and 4 4 and 5 After demand years years years years 5 years Total (Outflows) / inflows US$m (Adjusted) (c) US$m (Adjusted) (d) US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m (Adjusted) (c)(d) Non-derivative financial liabilities Trade and other payables (c)(d) (4,814 ) (395 ) - - - - (5,209 ) Borrowings before swaps (704 ) (191 ) (1,330 ) (1,347 ) (1,317 ) (12,806 ) (17,695 ) Expected future interest payments (a) (783 ) (779 ) (722 ) (667 ) (620 ) (5,056 ) (8,627 ) Other financial liabilities (199 ) (41 ) - - - - (240 ) Derivative financial liabilities (b) Derivatives related to net debt - net settled 29 29 27 25 23 25 158 Derivatives related to net debt - gross settled (a) – gross inflows 55 55 55 842 40 1,377 2,424 – gross outflows (73 ) (73 ) (73 ) (1,045 ) (51 ) (1,785 ) (3,100 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled (2 ) - - - - - (2 ) Derivatives not related to net debt - gross settled: – gross inflows 29 - - - - - 29 – gross outflows (29 ) - - - - - (29 ) Total (6,491 ) (1,395 ) (2,043 ) (2,192 ) (1,925 ) (18,245 ) (32,291 ) (a) Interest payments have been projected using interest rates applicable at the end of the applicable financial year. Where debt is subject to variable interest rates, future interest payments are subject to change in line with market rates. (b) The maturity grouping is based on the earliest payment date. (c) The 2016 comparative of trade and other payables due within 1 year or on demand has been reduced by US$111 million to remove other payables, which were incorrectly classified as financial liabilities. (d) The 2016 comparative of trade and other payables due between 1 and 2 years has been reduced by US$66 million to remove other payables, which were incorrectly classified as financial liabilities.
Summary of derivative financial instruments	The Group’s derivatives, including embedded derivatives, as at 31 December 2017, are summarised below: Total fair value 2017 2016 Asset Liability Asset Liability Derivatives designated as hedges US$m US$m US$m US$m Interest rate swaps (a) 99 (127 ) 108 (134 ) Cross currency interest rate swaps (b) - (149 ) - (382 ) Currency forward contracts, options and swaps - - 1 - Total derivatives designated as hedges 99 (276 ) 109 (516 ) Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency forward contracts, options and swaps 7 (2 ) 1 - Aluminium forward contracts (c) 21 (9 ) 6 (2 ) Aluminium embedded derivatives (d) 140 (238 ) 411 (3 ) Other embedded derivatives - (5 ) 5 - Other commodity contracts - (1 ) - (2 ) Total derivatives not designated as hedges 168 (255 ) 423 (7 ) Total derivative instruments 267 (531 ) 532 (523 ) Analysed by maturity: Less than 1 year 29 (50 ) 24 (6 ) Between 1 and 5 years 31 (233 ) 110 (194 ) More than 5 years 207 (248 ) 398 (323 ) Total 267 (531 ) 532 (523 ) Total net derivative instruments (264 ) 9 2017 2016 Reconciliation to balance sheet Note US$m US$m – non-current assets 20 238 508 – current assets 20 29 24 – current liabilities 22 (50 ) (6 ) – non-current liabilities 22 (481 ) (517 ) Total net derivatives instruments, detailed above (264 ) 9 (a) The interest rate swaps are used to convert certain fixed rate borrowings to a floating rate. For further details, see note 22. (b) The cross currency interest rate swaps are used to convert non US dollar denominated borrowings to either fixed or floating US dollar borrowings. For further details see note 22. (c) The aluminium forward contracts are entered into to convert aluminium sales made at a fixed price to market price (LME cash). In 2016 and 2017 these contracts were not designated as hedges. (d) Aluminium embedded derivatives (forward contracts and options) are contained within certain aluminium smelter electricity purchase contracts. These contracts reduce the Group’s margin exposure to movements in the aluminium price.
Summary of fair value of financial instruments	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information The carrying amounts and fair values of all of the Group’s financial instruments which are not carried at an amount which approximates their fair value at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 are shown in the following table. The fair values of the Group’s cash equivalents and loans to equity accounted units approximate their carrying values as a result of their short maturity or because they carry floating rates of interest. 31 December 2017 31 December 2016 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair value value value value Note US$m US$m US$m US$m Short-term borrowings 22 (552 ) (552 ) (717 ) (706 ) Medium and long-term borrowings 22 (14,624 ) (16,385 ) (16,913 ) (18,437 ) C (b) Valuation hierarchy The table below shows the financial instruments carried at fair value by valuation method at 31 December 2017: Not held Total Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) at fair value Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Assets Equity shares and quoted funds 20 136 88 - 3 45 Other investments, including loans (d) 20 1,152 1,037 - 88 27 Trade and other receivables (e) 2,985 - 90 - 2,895 4,273 1,125 90 91 2,967 Derivatives Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (87 ) - 11 (98 ) - Derivatives related to net debt (Section B) (g) (177 ) - (177 ) - - 4,009 1,125 (76 ) (7 ) 2,967 The table below shows the financial instruments carried at fair value by valuation method at 31 December 2016: Not held Total Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) at fair value Note US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Assets Equity shares and quoted funds 20 156 94 - 3 59 Other investments, including loans (d) 20 454 363 - 68 23 Trade and other receivables (e) 3,047 - 143 - 2,904 3,657 457 143 71 2,986 Derivatives Forward contracts: designated as hedges (Section B) 1 - 1 - - Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) 416 - 8 408 - Derivatives related to net debt (Section B) (g) (408 ) - (408 ) - - 3,666 457 (256 ) 479 2,986 (a) Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments. This category includes listed equity shares and other quoted funds. (b) Valuation is based on inputs that are observable for the financial instruments which include quoted prices for similar instruments or identical instruments in markets which are not considered to be active, or inputs, either directly or indirectly based on observable market data. (c) Valuation is based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). (d) Other investments, including loans, comprise: cash deposits in rehabilitation funds, government bonds, managed investment funds and royalty amounts receivable. The royalty receivables are valued based on an estimate of forward sales subject to the royalty agreement. (e) Trade receivables includes provisionally priced receivables relating to sales contracts where selling price is determined after delivery to the customer, based on the market price at the relevant quotation point stipulated in the contract. Revenue is recognised on provisionally priced sales based on the forward selling price for the period stipulated in the contract. At the end of December 2017, US$90 (f) Level 3 derivatives consist of derivatives embedded in electricity purchase contracts linked to the LME with terms expiring between 2018 2030 98) 2,679 2028 2,848 2030 (g) Interest rate and currency interest rate swaps are valued using applicable market quoted swap yield curves adjusted for relevant basis and credit default spreads. Currency interest rate swap valuations also use market quoted foreign exchange rates. A discounted cash flow approach is applied to the cash flows derived from the inputs to determine fair value. 1
Summary of changes in fair value of Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities	The table below shows the summary of changes in the fair value of the Group’s Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities. 2017 2016 Level 3 financial assets Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities and financial liabilities US$m US$m Opening balance 479 456 Currency translation adjustments 8 (2 ) Total realised gains/(losses) included in: – Consolidated sales revenue 1 1 – Net operating costs (5 ) (28 ) Total unrealised (losses)/gains included in: - Consolidated sales revenue 17 - – Net operating costs (a) (508 ) 11 Additions - 43 Impairment - (2 ) Disposals/maturity of financial instruments (5 ) - Transfers 6 - Closing balance (7 ) 479 Total (losses)/gains for the year included in the income statement for assets and liabilities held at year end (491 ) 11

Contingencies and commitments (

Contingencies and commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Summary of capital commitments	2017 2016 US$m US$m Capital commitments excluding the Group's share of joint venture capital commitments Within 1 year 2,052 1,588 Between 1 and 3 years 531 433 Between 3 and 5 years 58 194 After 5 years - 15 Total 2,641 2,230 Group's share of joint venture capital commitments Within 1 year 29 113 Total 29 113
Summary of aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases	The aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: Adjusted (a) 2017 2016 US$m US$m Within 1 year 397 331 Between 1 and 3 years 542 463 Between 3 and 5 years 313 314 After 5 years 593 612 1,845 1,720
Summary of aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	The aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding at 31 December was: Adjusted (a) 2017 2016 US$m US$m Within 1 year 2,818 2,677 Between 1 and 2 years 1,664 1,711 Between 2 and 3 years 1,433 1,327 Between 3 and 4 years 1,318 1,207 Between 4 and 5 years 1,062 1,040 After 5 years 11,494 11,356 19,789 19,318
Summary of subsidiaries and joint operations contingent liabilities	2017 2016 US$m US$m Contingent liabilities (subsidiaries and joint operations) Indemnities and other performance guarantees (a) (b) 552 473 (a) Indemnities and other performance guarantees represent the potential outflow of funds from the Group for the satisfaction of obligations including those under contractual arrangements (for example undertakings related to supplier agreements) not provided for in the balance sheet, where the likelihood of the guarantees or indemnities being called is assessed as possible rather than probable or remote. (b) There were no material contingent liabilities arising in relation to the Group’s joint ventures and associates.

Average number of employees (Ta

Average number of employees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Average Number Of Employees [Abstract]
Summary of average number of employees	Subsidiaries and joint operations Equity accounted units (Rio Tinto share) Group total 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 The principal locations of employment were: Australia and New Zealand 19,041 20,489 22,125 602 849 863 19,643 21,338 22,988 Canada 10,256 10,239 11,113 - - - 10,256 10,239 11,113 UK 309 487 542 - - - 309 487 542 Europe 1,505 1,722 2,312 - - - 1,505 1,722 2,312 Africa 3,461 4,875 5,651 1,269 1,270 1,271 4,730 6,145 6,922 US 3,429 3,196 3,439 - - - 3,429 3,196 3,439 Mongolia 2,861 2,737 2,647 - - - 2,861 2,737 2,647 Indonesia 1,642 2,862 2,871 - - - 1,642 2,862 2,871 South America 197 166 192 1,237 1,388 1,317 1,434 1,554 1,509 Other countries (a) 998 749 595 - - - 998 749 595 43,699 47,522 51,487 3,108 3,507 3,451 46,807 51,029 54,938 (a) “Other countries” primarily includes employees in the Middle East (excluding Oman which is included in Africa), India, Singapore and other countries in Asia which are not shown separately in the table above. For the year ended 31 December 2017, the average number of employees in Singapore was 434 (2016: 262) and the average number of employees in India was 310 (2016: 280).

Principal subsidiaries (Tables)

Principal subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Summary of principal in subsidiaries	At 31 December 2017 Company and country of incorporation/ operation Principal activities Class of shares held Proportion of class held (%) Group interest (%) Non-controlling interest (%) Australia Argyle Diamonds Limited Mining and processing of diamonds Ordinary 100 100 - Dampier Salt Limited Salt and gypsum Ordinary 68.36 68.36 31.64 Energy Resources of Australia Limited Uranium mining Ordinary 68.39 68.39 31.61 Hamersley Iron Pty Limited Iron ore mining Ordinary 100 100 - North Mining Limited (a) Iron ore mining Ordinary 100 100 - Queensland Coal Pty Limited (b) Coal mining Ordinary 100 100 - Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited Bauxite mining; alumina production; primary aluminium smelting Ordinary 100 100 - Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd (a) Iron ore mining Class A 40 60 40 Class B 76.36 Brazil Alcan Alumina Ltda. (c) Alumina production and bauxite mining Quota 100 100 - Canada Iron Ore Company of Canada (d) Iron ore mining; iron ore pellets Common 58.72 58.72 41.28 Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. Titanium dioxide feedstock; high purity iron and steel Common 100 100 - Class B preference 100 100 - CAD 0.01 preferred 100 100 - Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. Bauxite mining; alumina refining; aluminium smelting Common 100 100 - Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. (e) Diamond mining and processing Common 100 100 - Guinea Simfer Jersey Limited (f) Iron ore project Ordinary 53 53 47 Madagascar QIT Madagascar Minerals SA (g) Ilmenite mining Common 80 80 Investment certificates 100 100 15 Voting certificates 80 80 20 Mongolia Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC) (h) Copper and gold mining Common 50.79 50.79 49.21 Namibia Rössing Uranium Limited (i) Uranium mining B N$1 71.22 68.62 31.38 C N10c 70.59 South Africa Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited (j) Titanium dioxide/high purity iron production B Ordinary 100 B preference 100 74 26 Parent Preference 100 Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited (j) Ilmenite, rutile and zircon mining B Ordinary 100 B preference 100 74 26 Parent Preference 100 United States of America Kennecott Holdings Corporation (including Kennecott Utah Copper, Kennecott Land and Kennecott Exploration) Copper and gold mining, smelting and refining, land development and exploration activities Common US$0.01 100 100 - U.S. Borax Inc. Mining, refining and marketing of borates Common US$0.10 100 100 - This list includes only those companies that have a more significant impact on the profit or assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s principal subsidiaries are mostly held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd (which is 60 per cent owned by the Group) holds a 30 per cent interest in Robe River Iron Associates (Robe River). North Mining Ltd (which is wholly owned by the Group) holds a 35 per cent interest in Robe River. Through these companies the Group recognises a 65 per cent share of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of Robe River, with a 12 per cent non-controlling interest. The Group therefore has a 53 per cent beneficial interest in Robe River (b) Queensland Coal Pty Limited is the main legal entity that holds the Group’s interests in Hail Creek (82 per cent) and Kestrel (80 per cent). These are unincorporated arrangements that are not entities; the Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to these arrangements. Queensland Coal forms part of the Rio Tinto Coal Australia business unit. (c) Alcan Alumina Ltda holds the Group’s 10 per cent interest in Consórcio De Alumínio Do Maranhão, a joint operation in which the Group participates but is not a joint operator. The Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to this arrangement. (d) Iron Ore Company of Canada is incorporated in the United States of America, but operates in Canada. (e) Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. is the legal entity that owns the Group’s 60 per cent interest in the Diavik Joint Venture, an unincorporated arrangement that is not an entity. The Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses relating to this arrangement. (f) Simfer Jersey Limited, a company incorporated in Jersey in which the Group has a 53 per cent interest, has an 85 per cent interest in Simfer S.A. the company that operates the Simandou mining project in Guinea. The Group therefore has a 45.05 per cent indirect interest in Simfer S.A. These entities are consolidated as subsidiaries and together referred to as the Simandou iron ore project. (g) The Group’s shareholding in QIT Madagascar Minerals SA carries an 80 per cent economic interest and 80 per cent of the total voting rights; a further 5 per cent economic interest is held through non-voting investment certificates to give an economic interest of 85 per cent. The non-controlling interests have a 15 per cent economic interest and 20 per cent of the total voting rights. (h) The Group has a 50.79 per cent interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, which holds a 66 per cent interest in Oyu Tolgoi LLC (OT) which is subsidiary of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. The Group therefore has a 33.5 per cent indirect interest in OT. Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd is incorporated in Canada but operates principally in Mongolia. (i) The Group’s shareholding in Rössing Uranium Limited entitles it to 35.57 per cent of the total voting rights; the non-controlling interests hold 64.43 per cent of the total voting rights. Rössing is consolidated by virtue of the Group’s board control. The Government of Namibia has the ability to veto matters that are considered not to be in the interest of Namibia; this is considered to be a protective right. Rio Tinto therefore has control of Rössing and consolidates it as a subsidiary. (j) Additional classes of shares issued by Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited representing non-controlling interests are not shown. The Group’s total legal and beneficial interest in Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited is 74 per cent.
Summary of subsidiaries financial information	Summary financial information for subsidiaries that have non-controlling interests that are material to the Group This summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis. It represents the amounts shown in the subsidiaries’ financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under Group accounting policies, including fair value adjustments, and before intercompany eliminations. Iron Ore Company of Canada Iron Ore Company of Canada Energy Resources of Australia Energy Resources of Australia Turquoise Hill (a) Turquoise Hill (a) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Revenue 1,867 1,324 157 193 940 1,203 Profit/(loss) after tax 377 108 (29 ) 7 22 140 – attributable to non-controlling interests 156 44 (9 ) 2 (49 ) 37 – attributable to Rio Tinto 221 64 (20 ) 5 71 103 Other comprehensive income 144 56 - - 4 2 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 521 164 (29 ) 7 26 142 Non-current assets 2,535 2,315 57 58 9,008 7,969 Current assets 714 627 406 383 4,953 5,702 Current liabilities (449 ) (348 ) (128 ) (96 ) (504 ) (316 ) Non-current liabilities (838 ) (755 ) (356 ) (336 ) (4,311 ) (4,257 ) Net assets/(liabilities) 1,962 1,839 (21 ) 9 9,146 9,098 – attributable to non-controlling interests 809 759 (7 ) 2 3,982 4,073 – attributable to Rio Tinto 1,153 1,080 (14 ) 7 5,164 5,025 Cash flow from operations 840 302 (2 ) 18 295 387 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (162 ) (31 ) - - - - (a) Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd holds controlling interests in Oyu Tolgoi. (b) Under the terms of the project finance facility held by Oyu Tolgoi there are certain restrictions on the ability of Oyu Tolgoi to make shareholder distributions. Robe River Mining Co Pty Robe River Mining Co Pty Other companies and eliminations (c) Other companies and eliminations (c) Robe River Robe River 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Revenue 1,164 982 1,351 1,139 2,515 2,121 Profit after tax 617 482 637 517 1,254 999 – attributable to non-controlling interests 242 193 - - 242 193 – attributable to Rio Tinto 375 289 637 517 1,012 806 Other comprehensive income/(loss) 238 (23 ) 158 (20 ) 396 (43 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) 855 459 795 497 1,650 956 Non-current assets 2,927 2,797 4,187 3,976 7,114 6,773 Current assets (d) 1,453 1,122 571 801 2,024 1,923 Current liabilities (d) (186 ) (92 ) (1,357 ) (1,350 ) (1,543 ) (1,442 ) Non-current liabilities (752 ) (666 ) (1,666 ) (1,546 ) (2,418 ) (2,212 ) Net assets 3,442 3,161 1,735 1,881 5,177 5,042 – attributable to non-controlling interests 1,375 1,263 - - 1,375 1,263 – attributable to Rio Tinto 2,067 1,898 1,735 1,881 3,802 3,779 Cash flow from operations (d) 1,048 824 1,207 817 2,255 1,641 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (230 ) (268 ) - - (230 ) (268 ) (c) “Other companies and eliminations” includes North Mining Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group which accounts for its interest in Robe River and goodwill of US$389 million (2016: US$360 million) that arose on acquisition of the Group’s interest in Robe River. (d) The 2016 comparative has been adjusted to more appropriately classify certain balances.

Principal joint operations_jo91

Principal joint operations/joint ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of principle joint operations	Company and country of incorporation/operation Principal activities Group interest (%) Australia Tomago Aluminium Joint Venture Aluminium smelting 51.6 Kestrel (a) Coal mining 80 Gladstone Power Station Power generation 42.1 Hope Downs Joint Venture Iron ore mining 50 Queensland Alumina Limited (b) (c) Alumina production 80 Pilbara Iron arrangement Infrastructure, corporate and mining services (d) New Zealand New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (b) (c) Aluminium smelting 79.36 Canada Aluminerie Alouette Inc. Aluminium production 40 Indonesia Grasberg expansion (e) Copper and gold mining 40 United States of America Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc (c) (f) Aluminium smelting 50.2 This list includes only those joint operations that have a more significant impact on the profit or operating assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s joint operations are held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) Although the Group has an 80 per cent interest in the Kestrel Joint Venture, decisions about activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated require agreement of both parties to the Joint Venture Agreement, giving rise to joint control. (b) Although the Group has a 79.4 per cent interest in New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited and an 80 per cent interest in Queensland Alumina Limited, decisions about activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated require agreement of both parties to the arrangements, giving rise to joint control. (c) Queensland Alumina Limited, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited and Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc. are joint arrangements that are primarily designed for the provision of output to the parties sharing joint control; this indicates that the parties have rights to substantially all the economic benefits of the assets. The liabilities of the arrangements are in substance satisfied by cash flows received from the parties; this dependence indicates that the parties in effect have obligations for the liabilities. It is these facts and circumstances that give rise to the classification of these entities as joint operations. (d) A number of arrangements are in place between the Australian Iron Ore operations managed by Rio Tinto which allow their respective assets to be operated as a single integrated network across the Pilbara region. The arrangements are managed through two wholly owned subsidiaries: Pilbara Iron (Company) Services Pty Ltd and Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd. In assessing the Pilbara Iron arrangements it has been concluded that they collectively constitute a joint operation on the basis that decisions about relevant activities require unanimous consent, the resulting efficiencies are shared between Rio Tinto and Robe River Iron Associates (Robe River), and the parties fund all of the cash flow requirements of Pilbara Iron (Company) Services Pty Ltd and Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd. (e) Under the terms of a contractual agreement, Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of production above specified levels until the end of 2021 and 40 per cent of all production thereafter under the Participation Agreement. This date is subject to extension under certain conditions. (f) Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc. has a 50.1 per cent interest in the Aluminerie de Bécancour, Inc. aluminium smelter, which is located in Canada.
Summary of principal joint ventures	At 31 December 2017 Company and country of incorporation/operation Principal activities Number of Class of Proportion Group Chile Minera Escondida Limitada (a) Copper mining and refining - - 30 30 Oman Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. (b) Aluminium smelting/power generation 37,500 Ordinary 20 20 This list includes only those joint ventures that have a more significant impact on the profit or operating assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s principal joint ventures are held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) Although the Group has a 30 per cent interest in Minera Escondida Limitada, participant and management agreements provide for an Owners’ Council whereby significant commercial and operational decisions about the relevant activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated in effect require the joint approval of both Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton (holders of a 57.5 per cent interest). It is therefore determined that Rio Tinto has joint control. The year-end of Minera Escondida Limitada is 30 June. The amounts included in the consolidated financial statements of Rio Tinto are, however, based on accounts of Minera Escondida Limitada that are coterminous with those of the Group. (b) Although the Group holds a 20 per cent interest in Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C., decisions about relevant activities that significantly affect the returns that are generated require agreement of all parties to the arrangement. It is therefore determined that Rio Tinto has joint control. Summary information for joint ventures that are material to the Group This summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis. It represents the amounts shown in the joint ventures’ financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under Group accounting policies, including fair value adjustments and amounts due to and from Rio Tinto. Minera Minera Sohar Sohar Escondida Escondida Aluminium Aluminium Limitada (a) Limitada (a) Company LLC (b) Company LLC (b) 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m Revenue 6,037 4,883 460 610 Depreciation and amortisation (1,690 ) (1,213 ) (145 ) (130 ) Other operating costs (2,617 ) (2,199 ) (205 ) (425 ) Operating profit 1,730 1,471 110 55 Finance expense (120 ) (47 ) (35 ) (25 ) Income tax (627 ) (517 ) - - Profit after tax 983 907 75 30 Total comprehensive income 983 907 75 30 Non-current assets 13,814 14,947 3,230 3,275 Current assets 2,760 2,257 305 255 Current liabilities (1,727 ) (1,403 ) (205 ) (45 ) Non-current liabilities (4,617 ) (4,112 ) (1,270 ) (1,505 ) Net assets 10,230 11,689 2,060 1,980 Assets and liabilities above include: Cash and cash equivalents 460 443 95 20 Current financial liabilities (c) (330 ) (467 ) (130 ) (100 ) Non-current financial liabilities (c) (2,840 ) (2,643 ) (1,120 ) (1,230 ) Dividends received from joint venture (Rio Tinto share) (c) 780 210 - - Reconciliation of the above amounts to the investment recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Group interest 30 % 30 % 20 % 20 % Net assets 10,230 11,689 2,060 1,980 Group's ownership interest 3,069 3,507 412 396 Other adjustments 4 (3 ) (3 ) (2 ) Carrying value of Group's interest 3,073 3,504 409 394 (a) In addition to its “Investment in equity accounted units”, the Group recognises deferred tax liabilities of US$500 million (2016: US$579 million) relating to tax on unremitted earnings of equity accounted units. (b) Under covenants stipulated in the agreement to Sohar Aluminium’s secured loan facilities, Sohar Aluminium is currently restricted from making any shareholder distributions until 2021 unless a specified amount of the loan facilities is funded. (c) The 2016 comparative has been adjusted to more appropriately classify certain balances.

Principal associates (Tables)

Principal associates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates [Abstract]
Summary of principal associates	At 31 December 2017 Company and country of incorporation/operation Principal activities Number of shares held Class of shares held Proportion of class held (%) Group interest (%) Australia Boyne Smelters Limited (a) Aluminium smelting 153,679,560 Ordinary 59.4 59.4 Brazil Mineração Rio do Norte S.A. (b) Bauxite mining 25,000,000,000 Ordinary 12.5 12 47,000,000,000 Preferred 11.75 United States of America Halco (Mining) Inc (c) 4,500 Common 45 45 This list includes only those associates that have a more significant impact on the profit or operating assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s principal associates are held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) The parties that collectively control Boyne Smelters Limited do so through decisions that are determined on an aggregate voting interest that can be achieved by several combinations of the parties. Although each combination requires Rio Tinto’s approval, this is not joint control as defined under IFRS 11. Rio Tinto is therefore determined to have significant influence over this company. (b) Although the Group holds only 12 per cent of Mineração Rio do Norte S.A., it has representation on its board of directors and a consequent ability to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions. It is therefore determined that Rio Tinto has significant influence. (c) Halco (Mining) Inc has a 51 per cent indirect interest in Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée, a bauxite mine, the core assets of which are located in Guinea. Summary information for associates that are material to the Group This summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis. It represents the amounts shown in the associate’s financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under Group accounting policies, including fair value adjustments and amounts due to and from Rio Tinto. Boyne Boyne Smelters Smelters Limited (a) Limited (a) 2017 2016 US$m US$m Revenue - - Profit after tax 5 12 Other comprehensive income/(loss) (b) 56 (4 ) Total comprehensive income 61 8 Non-current assets 1,468 1,465 Current assets 88 66 Current liabilities (99 ) (121 ) Non-current liabilities (996 ) (987 ) Net assets 461 423 (a) Boyne Smelters Limited is a tolling operation; as such it is dependent on its participants for funding which is provided through cash calls. Rio Tinto Aluminium has made certain prepayments to Boyne for toll processing of alumina. These are charged to Group operating costs as processing takes place. (b) “Other comprehensive income/(loss)” is net of amounts recognised by subsidiaries in relation to quasi equity loans.
Reconciliation of financial information for principal associates by carrying value	Group interest 59.4 % 59.4 % Net assets 461 423 Group's ownership interest 274 251 Loans to equity accounted units 159 163 Carrying value of Group's interest 433 414
Summary information for joint ventures and associates that are not individually material to the group	Summary information for joint ventures and associates that are not individually material to the Group Joint Joint ventures ventures Associates Associates 2017 2016 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m Carrying value of Group's interest - - 571 707 Profit after tax - - 25 36 Other comprehensive income/(loss) - - 14 13 Total comprehensive income - - 39 49

Directors' and key management93

Directors' and key management remuneration (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Information About Key Management Personnel [Abstract]
Summary of aggregate remuneration	Aggregate remuneration, calculated in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006, of the directors of the parent companies was as follows: 2017 US$’000 2016 US$’000 2015 US$’000 Emoluments 8,339 9,186 10,590 Long-term incentive plans 4,685 3,071 2,118 13,024 12,257 12,708 Pension contributions: defined contribution plans 135 69 52 Gains made on exercise of share options - - 1
Summary of aggregate compensation, representing the expense	Aggregate compensation, representing the expense recognised under IFRS, as defined in note 1, of the Group’s key management, including directors, was as follows: 2017 US$’000 2016 US$’000 2015 US$’000 Short-term employee benefits and costs 23,095 22,269 25,616 Post-employment benefits 415 3,461 1,049 Employment termination benefits - 2,682 - Share-based payments 8,033 15,806 17,566 31,543 44,218 44,231

Auditors' remuneration (Tables)

Auditors' remuneration (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Auditors Remuneration [Abstract]
Auditors' remuneration	2017 US$m 2016 US$m 2015 US$m Group Auditors’ remuneration (a) Audit of the company 6.2 4.5 4.3 Audit of subsidiaries 8.1 9.0 10.1 Total audit 14.3 13.5 14.4 Audit related assurance service 1.0 0.9 0.9 Other assurance services (b) 2.3 0.6 0.9 Total assurance services 3.3 1.5 1.8 Tax compliance (c) 0.3 0.5 0.5 Tax advisory services (c) 0.2 0.1 0.4 Services related to corporate finance transactions not covered above – services in connection with bond issues/capital raising - - 0.2 Other non-audit services not covered above 0.7 1.8 1.1 Total non-audit services 4.5 3.9 4.0 Total Group Auditors’ remuneration 18.8 17.4 18.4 Audit fees payable to other accounting firms Audit of the financial statements of the Group’s subsidiaries 2.0 2.1 1.9 Fees in respect of pension scheme audits 0.5 0.3 0.2 Total audit fees payable to other accounting firms 2.5 2.4 2.1 (a) The remuneration payable to PwC, the Group Auditors, is approved by the Audit committee. The committee sets the policy for the award of non-audit work to the auditors and approves the nature and extent of such work, and the amount of the related fees, to ensure that independence is maintained. The fees disclosed above consolidate all payments made to member firms of PwC by the Companies and their subsidiaries, together with the Group’s share of the payments made by joint operations. Non-audit services arise largely from assurance and/or regulation related work. (b) Other assurance services are mainly related to carve-out financial statements and sustainability assurance. (c) “Taxation services” includes tax compliance and advisory services. Tax compliance involves the review of returns for corporation, income, sales and excise taxes. Tax advisory services include advice on non-recurring acquisitions and disposals, advice on transfer pricing and advice on employee global mobility.

Related-party transactions (Tab

Related-party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of transactions and balances with equity accounted units	Transactions and balances with equity accounted units are summarised below. Purchases, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables relate largely to amounts charged by equity accounted units for toll processing of alumina and purchasing of bauxite and aluminium. Sales relate largely to sales of alumina to equity accounted units for smelting into aluminium. 2017 2016 2015 Income statement items Note US$m US$m US$m Purchases from equity accounted units (993 ) (1,216 ) (1,249 ) Sales to equity accounted units 210 248 307 Cash flow statement items US$m US$m US$m Dividends from equity accounted units 817 253 210 Net funding of equity accounted units (3 ) (12 ) 11 Balance sheet items US$m US$m US$m Investments in equity accounted units (a) 15 4,486 5,019 4,941 Loans to equity accounted units 20 39 39 42 Loans from equity accounted units 22 (31 ) (49 ) (37 ) Trade and other receivables: amounts due from equity accounted units (b) 18 299 298 315 Trade and other payables: amounts due to equity accounted units 25 (175 ) (243 ) (231 ) (a) Investments in equity accounted units include quasi equity loans. Further information about investments in equity accounted units is set out in notes 35 and 36. (b) This includes prepayments of tolling charges.

Exchange rates in US$ (Tables)

Exchange rates in US$ (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Foreign Exchange Rates [Abstract]
Summary of principal exchange rate used in preparation of financial statements	Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Production, Reserves Additional Information The principal exchange rates used in the preparation of the 2017 financial statements were: Full-year average Year-end 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Sterling 1.29 1.36 1.53 1.34 1.22 1.48 Australian dollar 0.77 0.74 0.75 0.78 0.72 0.73 Canadian dollar 0.77 0.76 0.78 0.79 0.74 0.72 Euro 1.13 1.11 1.11 1.20 1.05 1.09 South African rand 0.075 0.068 0.079 0.081 0.073 0.064 1

Share-based payments (Tables)

Share-based payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Charge has been recognised in income statement for Rio Tinto's share-based incentive plans, and the related liability (for cash-settled plans)	The charge that has been recognised in the income statement for Rio Tinto’s share-based incentive plans, and the related liability (for cash-settled plans), is set out in the table below. Charge recognised for the year Liability at the end of the year 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Equity-settled plans 88 116 128 - - Cash-settled plans 3 - - 15 1 Total 91 116 128 15 1
Summary of options outstanding and exercisable	A summary of the status of the Companies’ equity-settled share option plans at 31 December 2017 is presented below. Options outstanding and exercisable at 31 December 2017 Number Weighted average exercise price per option £/A$ Weighted average remaining contractual life Years Aggregate intrinsic value 2017 US$m Rio Tinto plc Share Option Plan (exercise price £16 - £43) 164,119 32 2.56 2 Rio Tinto Limited Share Option Plan (exercise price A 24,647 33 1.21 1 188,766 3
Performance share plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Summary of non-vested and vested shares	Performance Share Plans Rio Tinto plc awards Rio Tinto Limited awards 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 Non-vested shares at 1 January 2,883,053 18.27 2,988,454 21.29 1,590,957 37.52 2,048,823 41.13 Awarded 1,198,677 24.64 1,085,974 12.81 529,776 45.84 535,418 28.66 Forfeited (199,435) 16.28 (603,871) 17.22 (36,716) 36.59 (526,212) 36.18 Failed performance conditions (161,966) 16.25 (203,491) 24.61 (113,857) 30.89 (161,937) 44.71 Vested (165,055) 21.51 (384,013) 24.61 (84,284) 40.79 (305,135) 44.71 Transfers from equity to cash-settled (a) - - - - (276,722) 40.11 - - Non-vested shares at 31 December 3,555,274 20.47 2,883,053 18.27 1,609,154 40.13 1,590,957 37.52 2017 Number Weighted average share price 2017 2016 Number Weighted average share price 2016 2017 Number Weighted average share price 2017 2016 Number Weighted average share price 2016 Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) 188,383 31.04 368,623 19.08 73,311 63.09 284,507 42.99 Vested awards settled in cash during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) - - 486 19.00 5,010 62.81 847 43.47 (a) In 2017, an agreement was reached between the Group and a former director to settle any of their future vested awards in cash rather than equity.
Share Incentive Plans
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Summary of non-vested and vested shares	Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 43 Share-based payments continued Management Share Plans, Bonus Deferral Plans, Global Employee Share Plans and UK Share Plan (combined) Rio Tinto plc awards (a) Rio Tinto Limited awards 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 Non-vested awards at 1 January 3,305,966 26.00 3,211,727 29.70 2,986,080 53.32 2,993,396 58.09 Awarded 1,499,374 32.50 1,673,017 20.62 1,156,078 61.05 1,405,348 45.27 Forfeited (159,669) 29.46 (246,806) 23.02 (127,905) 53.61 (164,020) 54.48 Cancelled (51,773) 25.82 - - (95,203) 51.18 - - Vested (1,120,806) 30.41 (1,331,972) 28.72 (985,813) 60.06 (1,248,644) 55.54 Non-vested shares at 31 December 3,473,092 27.23 3,305,966 26.00 2,933,237 54.15 2,986,080 53.32 Comprising: – Management Share Plan 1,897,318 27.99 1,668,590 25.79 1,617,838 55.42 1,530,814 53.88 – Bonus Deferral Plan 281,994 25.53 312,767 23.24 153,966 52.83 148,158 50.25 – Global Employee Share Plan 1,196,937 26.42 1,223,144 26.90 1,161,433 52.54 1,307,108 53.03 – UK Share Plan 96,843 27.14 101,465 27.00 - - 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 2017 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2017 2016 Number Weighted average fair value at grant date 2016 Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) – Management Share Plan 653,776 35.33 758,776 20.07 577,083 67.93 701,965 43.93 – Bonus Deferral Plan 170,036 34.44 112,623 30.36 88,644 69.98 113,407 56.78 – Global Employee Share Plan 382,585 33.56 344,072 24.33 466,308 65.10 332,010 48.69 – UK Share Plan 11,120 34.56 21,082 21.92 - - - - (a) Awards of Rio Tinto American Depository Receipts (ADRs) under the Global Employee Share Plan are included within the totals for Rio Tinto plc awards for the purpose of these tables

Post-retirement benefits (Table

Post-retirement benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Pension And Post Retirement Healthcare Plans [Abstract]
Summary of fair value of plan assets	The proportions of the total fair value of assets in the pension plans for each asset class at the balance sheet date were: 2017 2016 Equities 32.4% 36.8% – Quoted 28.6% 32.5% – Private 3.8% 4.3% Bonds 53.2% 47.9% – Government fixed income 14.3% 11.3% – Government inflation-linked 13.1% 12.0% – Corporate and other publicly quoted 23.5% 22.3% – Private 2.3% 2.3% Property 11.2% 11.0% – Quoted property funds 5.8% 5.8% – Unquoted property funds 5.4% 5.2% Qualifying insurance policies 0.2% 0.6% Cash & other 3.0% 3.7% 100.0% 100.0%
Summary of maturity of defined benefit obligations	An approximate analysis of the maturity of the obligations is given in the table below: Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total % 2016 Total % 2015 Total % Proportion relating to current employees 20% 16% 20% 21% 22% Proportion relating to former employees not yet retired 12% 1% 11 % 12% 11% Proportion relating to retirees 68% 83% 69 % 67% 67% Total 100% 100% 100 % 100% 100% Average duration of obligations (years) 14.0 12.7 13.9 14.3 13.4
Summary of geographical distribution of defined benefit obligations	An approximate analysis of the geographic distribution of the obligations is given in the table below: Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total % 2016 Total % 2015 Total % Canada 49% 41% 49 % 46% 44% UK 29% 2% 27 % 27% 29% US 12% 54% 14 % 16% 15% Switzerland 5% 0% 5 % 5% 6% Eurozone 3% 0% 3 % 4% 4% Other 2% 3% 2 % 2% 2% Total 100% 100% 100 % 100% 100%
Summary of total expense recognised in the income statement	Total expense recognised in the income statement Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total % 2016 Total US$m 2015 Total US$m Current employer service cost for defined benefit plans (146) (9) (155) (158) (184) Past service income 1 3 4 - 144 Curtailment gains 1 - 1 5 13 Settlement gains 1 - 1 - 11 Net interest on net defined benefit liability (45) (34) (79) (90) (113) Non-investment expenses paid from the plans (17) - (17) (22) (21) Total defined benefit expense (205) (40) (245) (265) (150) Current employer service cost for defined contribution and industry-wide plans (253) (2) (255) (257) (289) Total expense recognised in the income statement (458) (42) (500) (522) (439)
Summary of total amount recognised in other comprehensive income before tax	Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income before tax 2017 US$m 2016 US$m 2015 US$m Actuarial (losses)/gains (855) (1,120) 548 Return on assets (net of interest on assets) 894 1,031 79 Loss on application of asset ceiling (33) (1) (8) Total gain/(loss) recognised in other comprehensive income 6 (90) 619
Summary of amount recognised in balance sheet	The following amounts were measured in accordance with IAS 19 at 31 December: Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Total fair value of plan assets 15,257 - 15,257 13,749 Present value of obligations – funded (16,199) - (16,199) (14,504) Present value of obligations – unfunded (448) (998) (1,446) (1,724) Present value of obligations – total (16,647) (998) (17,645) (16,228) Effect of asset ceiling (111) - (111) (63) Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet (1,501) (998) (2,499) (2,542) Comprising: – Deficits (2,372) (998) (3,370) (3,167) – Surpluses 871 - 871 625 Net deficits on pension plans (1,501) - (1,501) (1,616) Unfunded post-retirement healthcare obligation - (998) (998) (926)
Summary of funding policy and contributions to plans	Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m 2015 Total US$m Contributions to defined benefit plans 349 55 404 464 328 Contributions to defined contribution plans 241 2 243 240 272 Contributions to industry-wide plans 12 - 12 17 17 Total 602 57 659 721 617
Summary of movement in net defined benefit liability	Defined contribution plans and industry-wide plans are excluded from the movements below. Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in the net defined benefit liability Net defined benefit liability at the start of the year (1,616) (926) (2,542) (2,530) Amounts recognised in Income (205) (40) (245) (265) Amounts recognised in Other comprehensive income 62 (56) 6 (90) Employer contributions 349 55 404 464 Arrangements divested 13 - 13 (8) Currency exchange rate loss (104) (31) (135) (113) Net defined benefit liability at the end of the year (1,501) (998) (2,499) (2,542) Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in present value of obligation Present value of obligation at the start of the year (15,302) (926) (16,228) (16,123) Current employer service costs (146) (9) (155) (158) Past service income 1 3 4 - Curtailments 1 - 1 5 Settlements 307 - 307 - Interest on obligation (498) (34) (532) (577) Contributions by plan participants (23) - (23) (23) Benefits paid 894 55 949 967 Experience (loss)/gain (2) 9 7 139 Changes in financial assumptions loss (678) (40) (718) (1,187) Changes in demographic assumptions loss (119) (25) (144) (72) Arrangements divested 13 - 13 86 Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain (1,095) (31) (1,126) 715 Present value of obligation at the end of the year (16,647) (998) (17,645) (16,228) Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at the start of the year 13,749 - 13,749 13,642 Settlements (306) - (306) - Interest on assets 459 - 459 492 Contributions by plan participants 23 - 23 23 Contributions by employer 349 55 404 464 Benefits paid (894) (55) (949) (967) Non-investment expenses (17) - (17) (22) Return on plan assets (net of interest on assets) 894 - 894 1,031 Arrangements divested - - - (94) Currency exchange rate gain/(loss) 1,000 - 1,000 (820) Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year 15,257 - 15,257 13,749 Pension benefits Other benefits 2017 Total US$m 2016 Total US$m Change in the effect of the asset ceiling Effect of the asset ceiling at the start of the year (63) - (63) (49) Interest on the effect of the asset ceiling (6) - (6) (5) Movement in the effect of the asset ceiling (33) - (33) (1) Currency exchange rate loss (9) - (9) (8) Effect of the asset ceiling at the end of the year (111) - (111) (63)
Summary of main assumptions rate for valuations of plans and sensitivity analysis	The main assumptions for the valuations of the plans under IAS 19 are set out below. Canada UK US Switzerland Eurozone At 31 December 2017 Discount rate 3.4% 2.3% 3.5% 0.5% 1.5% Inflation (a) 1.8% 3.2% 2.1% 1.2% 1.7% Rate of increase in pensions 0.5% 2.8% 0.0% 0.4% 1.7% Rate of increase in salaries 3.1% 3.6% 3.6% 2.2% 1.9% At 31 December 2016 Discount rate 3.8% 2.6% 3.9% 0.6% 1.4% Inflation (a) 1.9% 3.3% 2.1% 1.0% 1.6% Rate of increase in pensions 0.4% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% Rate of increase in salaries 3.2% 3.7% 3.6% 2.0% 2.4% (a) The inflation assumption shown for the UK is for the Retail Price Index. The assumption for the Consumer Price Index at 31 December 2017 was 2.1 per cent (2016: 2.2 per cent). The results of this sensitivity analysis are summarised in the table below. 2017 2016 Approximate Approximate Assumption Change in assumption Pensions US$m Other US$m Pensions US$m Other US$m Discount rate Increase of 0.5 percentage points 1,091 59 1,031 57 Decrease of 0.5 percentage points (1,169) (63) (1,107) (61) Inflation Increase of 0.5 percentage points (579) (20) (536) (19) Decrease of 0.5 percentage points 550 18 507 17 Salary increases Increase of 0.5 percentage points (74) (1) (77) (3) Decrease of 0.5 percentage points 72 1 75 2 Demographic – allowance for future improvements in longevity Participants assumed to have the mortality rates of individuals who are one year older 509 20 481 20 Participants assumed to have the mortality rates of individuals who are one year younger (509) (20) (481) (20) Medical costs trend rates Increase of 1.0 percentage points - (38) - (37) Decrease of 1.0 percentage points - 33 - 31

Rio Tinto Limited parent comp99

Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Financial Statements Prepared Under Australian Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Summary of financial statements	As at 31 December 2017 A$m 2016 A$m Assets Current assets 11,914 8,041 Non-current assets 7,954 10,758 Total assets 19,868 18,799 Liabilities Current liabilities (7,448) (1,268) Non-current liabilities (35) (4,814) Total liabilities (7,483) (6,082) Net assets 12,385 12,717 Shareholders’ equity Share capital 3,893 4,004 Other reserves 420 413 Retained earnings 8,072 8,300 Total equity 12,385 12,717 Profit of the parent company 9,688 4,452 Total comprehensive income of the parent company 9,688 4,452

Related undertakings (Tables)

Related undertakings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Interests In Other Entities Explanatory [Abstract]
Summary of Group's subsidaries, associated undertakings and joint ventures	Strategic report Governance report Financial statements Production, reserves Additional information In accordance with section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, disclosed below is a full list of related undertakings of the Group. Related undertakings include “subsidiaries”, “associated undertakings”, and “significant holdings in undertakings other than subsidiary companies”. The registered office address, country of incorporation, classes of shares and the effective percentage of equity owned by the Group calculated by reference to voting rights, is disclosed as at 31 December 2017. The definition of a subsidiary undertaking in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 is different from the definition under IFRS. As a result, the related undertakings included within this list may not be the same as the related undertakings consolidated in the Group IFRS financial statements. Unless otherwise disclosed, all undertakings with an effective equity holding of greater than 50% are considered subsidiary undertakings for the purpose of this note. Refer to notes 33-36 for further information on accounting policies, basis of consolidation, principal subsidiaries, joint operations, joint ventures and associates. An explanation of the dual listed companies structure of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited can be found on pages 250 to 251. For completeness, the effective ownership by the Group relates to effective holdings by both entities either together or individually. Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address 10029734 Canada Inc.; Canada CAD$1.00 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD$1.00 100 1043802 Ontario Ltd; Canada CAD 100 100 66 Wellington Street West, Suite 4700, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Toronto ON M5K 1E6, Canada 1109723 B.C. Ltd. CAD 100 100 1800 - 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6B 0M3, Canada 46106 YUKON INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada 46117 YUKON INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada CAD 100 100 535630 YUKON INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 c/o Macdonald & Company, 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada CAD 100 100 7999674 CANADA INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada 9230556 CANADA INC.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD 100 9539549 CANADA INC.; Canada US$ 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Alcan Alumina Ltda.; Brazil BRL1.00 Quota shares 100 100 Avenida Engenheiro Emiliano Macieira, 1—km 18, Pedrinhas, Sao Luis, MA, 65095-603, Brazil Alcan Asia Limited; Hong Kong HKD Ordinary shares 100 100 Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Alcan Betriebs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH; Germany €51.13 100 100 Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany Alcan Chemicals Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Alcan Composites Brasil Ltda; Brazil BRL0.01 100 100 Avenida das Nações Unidas, 10.989, 14th floor, Suite 141, São Paulo, 04578-000, Brazil Alcan Corporation; United States US$ 0.01 100 100 CSC, 211 East 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin TX 78701-3218, United States Alcan Farms Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Alcan Finances USA LLC; United States US$1,000.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Alcan Gove Development Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Gove Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD 100 Alcan Gove Superannuation Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Alcan Holdings Australia Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD 100 100 Alcan Holdings Europe B.V.; Netherlands €455.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands Alcan Holdings Europe B.V.; Netherlands €455.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands Alcan Holdings Nederland B.V.; Netherlands €4,555.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands Alcan Holdings Switzerland AG (SA/Ltd.); Switzerland CHF0.01 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Alcan International Network U.S.A. Inc.; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 80 State Street, Albany NY 12207-2543, United States Alcan Lebensmittelverpackungen GmbH; Germany €51.13 100 100 Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany Alcan Management Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; China US$1.00 100 100 Unit E, 40F Wheelock Square, No. 1717 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, 200040, China Alcan Management Services Canada Limited/Societe de Services de Gestion Alcan Canada Limitee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Alcan Northern Territory Alumina Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Packaging Canada Limited; Canada CAD 100 100 McCarthy Tetrault LLP, c/o Joanne Pierucci, Suite 5300 Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Toronto ON M5K 1E6, Canada Alcan Packaging Mühltal Gmbh & Co. KG; Germany €51.13 100 100 Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany Alcan Primary Metal Australia Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Primary Products Company LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Alcan Primary Products Corporation; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 211 East 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin TX 78701-3218, United States Alcan Realty Limited/Societe Immobiliere Alcan Limitee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Alcan South Pacific Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Alcan Trading AG (SA/Ltd.); Switzerland CHF1000 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Aluminium Dunkerque; France €16.00 100 100 17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France Aluminium Pechiney; France €16.00 100 100 725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France Aluminum Company of Canada Limited/Aluminium du Canada Limitee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada AML Properties Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Anglesey Aluminium Limited (Dissolved); United Kingdom (e) £1.00 Ordinary shares 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Anglesey Aluminium Metal Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom AP Service; France €15.00 100 100 725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France Argyle Diamond Mines Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Argyle Diamonds (2013) Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Argyle Diamonds Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD 100 Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Ashton Canada Pty Limited; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia Ashton Mining Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18, Central Park, 152-158 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Ashton Nominees Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Australian Coal Holdings Pty. Limited; Australia ( a) AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD 100 Australian Mining & Smelting Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Beasley River Management Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Beasley River Mining Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Borax España, S.A.; Spain €150.00 100 100 CN 340, Km 954, 12520 NULES, Castellon, Spain Borax Europe Limited; United Kingdom £0.25 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Borax Francais; France €2.75 100 100 89 Route de Bourbourg, 59210, Coudekerque-Branche, France Borax Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Malaysia MYR1.00 100 100 Level 7, Menara Milenium, Jalan Damanlela, Pusat Bandar Damansara, Damansara Heights 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Borax Rotterdam N.V.; Netherlands €453.78 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197KS, ROTTERDAM –BOTLEK, Netherlands British Alcan Aluminium Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Canning Resources Pty Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Capricorn Diamonds Investments Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Cathjoh Holdings Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Champlain Reinsurance Company Ltd.; Switzerland CHF1.23 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Channar Management Services Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Channar Mining Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia CIA. Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Cosmos S.A.C.; Peru PEN1,000.00 100 100 Av. Santa Maria No. 110 Urb. Miraflores – MIRAFLORES – LIMA, Peru Compagnie Générale D’électrolyse Du Palais; France €0.94 100 100 17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France Compania de Transmision Sierraoriente S.A.C.; Peru PEN1,000.00 100 100 Av. Santa Maria No. 110 Urb. Miraflores – MIRAFLORES – LIMA, Peru CRA Exploration (India) Private Limited; India INR10.00 100 100 Apartment No.100 A/5, Ground Floor, The Capital Court, Olof Palme Marg, Munirka, NEW DELHI 110067, India CRA Investments Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia CRA Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Daybreak Development LLC; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Daybreak Property Holdings LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States Daybreak Secondary Water Distribution Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Daybreak Water Holding LLC; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA DB Medical I LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States DBVC1 LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address East Kalimantan Coal Pte. Ltd; Singapore (a) SGD1.00 100 100 12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore US$1.00 100 Eastland Management Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Electric Power Generation Limited; New Zealand (a) NZD1 100 100 Tiwai Road , Southland via Intercargill, New Zealand Empresa de Mineracao Finesa Ltda.; Brazil BRL 100 100 SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 710/720, Brasilia DF, Brazil Falcon Insurance Ltd; Malta (a) US$1.00 100 100 No 7, 4th Floor, Block C, Skyway Offices, 179 Marina Street, Pieta , PTA 9042, Malta US$1.00 100 Flambeau Mining Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Fundsprops Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD A Class 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Gladstone Infrastructure Pty Ltd; Australia AUD Class G 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD A Class ordinary shares 100 Gove Aluminium Ltd; Australia AUD A Non redeemable preference shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD A 100 AUD 100 GPS Energy Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia GPS Nominee Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia GPS Power Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Hail Creek Coal Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Hamersley Exploration Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley HMS Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley Holdings Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley Iron – Yandi Pty Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD 100 AUD 100 Hamersley Iron Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Hamersley Resources Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD Z Class 100 Hamersley WA Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc.; United States US$100.00 Ordinary shares 100 100 CSC, 80 State Street, Albany NY 12207-2543, United States High Purity Iron Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA HIsmelt Corporation Pty Limited; Australia (a) AUD Class A shares 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Hunter Valley Resources Pty Ltd; Australia AUD A Class shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD B Class shares 100 IEA Coal Research Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 Apsley House, Third Floor, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SH, United Kingdom IEA Environmental Projects Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 IEAGHG, Pure Offices Cheltenham Office Park, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6SH, United Kingdom Industrias Metalicas Castello S.A.; Spain €6.01 100 100 Calle Tuset 10, 08006, Barcelona, Catalogna, Spain Integrity Land and Cattle LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 2338 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite J, Phoenix AZ 85021 Itallumina Srl; Italy (d) €1.00 100 100 Viale Castro Pretorio 122, 00185, Roma, Italy Johcath Holdings Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Juna Station Pty Ltd; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Kalimantan Gold Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Kalteng Pty. Ltd; Australia (a) AUD A Class ordinary shares 100 100 37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia AUD1.00 Class B (Fully paid $1.00 13/01/2003) 100 AUD1.00 Class B (Paid to $0.12 02/09/2005) 100 AUD 100 Kelian Investment Limited; British Virgin Islands (c)(e) — — 100 Woodbourne Hall, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands Kelian Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Kembla Coal & Coke Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Kennecott Barneys Canyon Mining Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Exploration Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Exploration Mexico, S.A. de C.V.; Mexico MXN1,000.00 100 100 Felix Berenguer 125 – 4,Col.Lomas Virreyes, Distrito Federal, 11000, Mexico Kennecott Holdings Corporation; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Land Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Land Investment Company LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Molybdenum Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Nevada Copper Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Ridgeway Mining Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Royalty Company; United States US$100.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Services Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Uranium Company; United States US$0.01 Common shares 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kennecott Utah Copper LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States Kennecott Water Distribution LLC; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Kestrel Coal Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Kestrel Coal Sales Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Kutaibar Holdings Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Lawson Mardon Flexible Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Lawson Mardon Smith Brothers Ltd.; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Metallwerke Refonda AG; Switzerland CHF125 100 100 Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland Metals & Minerals Insurance Pte. Limited; Singapore SGD Redeemable preference shares 100 100 2 Shenton Way, #2601, SGX Centre 1, Singapore 068804, Singapore SGD 100 Mineracao Tabuleiro Ltda; Brazil BRL 100 100 SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 690/720, Brasilia DF, Brazil Minera Kennecott, S.A.de C.V.; Mexico MXN1 100 100 Florencia 57,Piso 3,Col.Juarez, Delegacion Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F., 06600, Mexico Mitchell Plateau Bauxite Co. Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Mount Bruce Mining Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Mount Pleasant Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Mutamba Mineral Sands S.A.; Mozambique MZN100.00 100 100 Avenida 24 de Julho, no. 3412, Bairro da Polana Cimento, Maputo City, Mozambique NBH Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Nhulunbuy Corporation Limited; Australia (c) — — 100 19 Westal Street, Nhulunbuy NT 0880, Australia Norgold Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Redeemable 100 North Gold (W.A.) Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD Redeemable 100 North Insurances Pty. Ltd.; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia North IOC (Bermuda) Holdings Limited; Bermuda US$1.00 100 100 Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda North IOC (Bermuda) Limited; Bermuda US$143.64 Class A 100 100 Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda US$100,000.00 100 US$1.00 100 North IOC Holdings Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia North Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia North Mining Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia AUD 100 Pacific Aluminium (New Zealand) Limited; New Zealand NZD1 100 100 Level 6, 109 Featherston Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand Pacific Aluminium Bell Bay Sales Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Pacific Aluminium Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Pacific Aluminium Services Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Pacific Coast Mines, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Aviatube Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Pechiney Bâtiment; France €15.00 100 100 725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Pechiney Bécancour, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Cast Plate, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Consolidated Australia Pty Limited; Australia US$1.00 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia US$1.00 Preference shares 100 Pechiney Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi; Turkey (d) TRY25.00 100 100 Karakoy Haci Mimi Mah. Vekil Harc Sok. 10 Kat 4, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey Pechiney Holdings, Inc.; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Metals LLC; United States (c) — — 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.; United States US$ 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Pechiney Sales Corporation; United States US$1.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Peko Exploration Pty Ltd.; Australia AUD 100 100 37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia Peko-Wallsend Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Port d’Ehoala S.A.; Madagascar US$100.00 100 100 Immeuble ASSIST, Ivandry , Lot N°35, 5ème étage, 101 Antananarivo , Antananarivo, Madagascar Project Generation Group Pty Ltd; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia PSZ Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia PT Alcan Packaging Flexipack; Indonesia (d) IDR1,000,000.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Consultants; Indonesia (d) US$1.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Exploration; Indonesia (d) US$1.00 100 100 15th Floor, Menara Anugrah, Kantor Taman E3.3, Jalan DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 8.6-8.7, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Indonesia; Indonesia US$1.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia PT Rio Tinto Irja; Indonesia (d) US$1.00 100 100 31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia QIT Madagascar Minerals Ltd; Bermuda US$1.00 100 100 Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda Queensland Coal Pty. Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Química e Metalúrgica Mequital Ltda.; Brazil BRL 100 100 Av. das Nacoes Unida, 12551 19o, andar, CJ 1911, 04578-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Ranges Management Company Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Ranges Mining Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia Resolution Copper Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Richards Bay Mining Holdings (Proprietary) Limited; South Africa ZAR1.00 A 100 100 The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa ZAR1.00 B 100 Richards Bay Titanium Holdings (Proprietary) Limited; South Africa ZAR1.00 A 100 100 The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa ZAR1.00 B 100 Notes to the 2017 financial statements continued 46 Related undertakings continued Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Rio de Contas Desenvolvimentos Minerais Ltda; Brazil BRL 100 100 Rua Coronel Durval Matos, S/N. Centro, Municipio de Jaguaquara, Estado da Bahia, CEP45345-000, Brazil Rio Santa Rita Empreenimentos e-Particiacoes Ltda BRL 100 100 SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 690/720, Brasilia, DF, Brazil Rio Sava Exploration DOO; Serbia (c) — — 100 Resavska 23, 11000 Beograd, Beograd, 11000, Serbia Rio Tinto (Commercial Paper) Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Rio Tinto (Hong Kong) Ltd; Hong Kong HKD 100 100 Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Rio Tinto (Mauritius) Pty Limited; Mauritius (d) US$1.00 100 100 6th Floor, Tower A, 1 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius Rio Tinto Advisory Services Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Rio Tinto Alcan Fund Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltd. / Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltee; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Alcan Middle East DMCC; United Arab Emirates AED1,000 100 100 Gold Tower, Jlt Cluster I, 8th Floor, Unit E, Dubai, PO BOX 340801, United Arab Emirates Rio Tinto Alcan Technology Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Almazpoisk LLC; Russian Federation (c)(d) — — 100 3, Aleksandra Lukyanova, 105066, Moscow, Russian Federation Rio Tinto Aluminium (Bell Bay) Limited; Australia AUD 7.5% Cumulative 100 100 Pacific Aluminium, Level 3, 500 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited; Australia AUD Ordinary shares 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto America Holdings Inc.; United States US$0.01 Class A 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA US$100.00 Series A 100 Rio Tinto America Inc.; United States US$100.00 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Rio Tinto Asia Ltd; Hong Kong HKD 100 100 Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Rio Tinto Asia Pty. Limited.; Australia (a) AUD Class A shares 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia AUD 100 Rio Tinto AuM Company; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Rio Tinto Australian Holdings Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom US$1.00 100 Rio Tinto Bahia Holdings Limited; United Kingdom US$1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Base Metals Pty. Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Rio Tinto Brazilian Holdings Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom US$1.00 100 Rio Tinto Brazilian Investments Limited; United Kingdom £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom US$1.00 100 Rio Tinto Canada Diamond Operation Management Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada Rio Tinto Canada Inc; Canada CAD Class B shares 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD Class C shares 100 CAD Class D shares 100 CAD Class J Shares 100 Class K Shares 100 Wholly owned subsidiary undertakings Name of undertaking and country of incorporation Share class % of share class held by Group companies Effective Group % ownership Registered office address Rio Tinto Canada Management Inc./ Rio Tinto Gestion Canada Inc.; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada CAD 100 Rio Tinto Canada Uranium Corporation; Canada CAD 100 100 400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada Rio Tinto Coal (Clermont) Pty Ltd; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Coal Investments Pty Limited; Australia AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Coal NSW Holdings Limited; Australia (a) AUD 100 100 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia Rio Tinto Desenvolvimentos Minerais LTDA.; Brazil BRL Quotas shares 100 100 SIG Quadra 04, Lote 175, Torre A, Salas 106 a 109, Edificio Capital Financial Center, Brasilia, CEP 70610-440, Brazil Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Canada Holding Inc.; Canada CAD Class A 100 100 300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada CAD Class B shares 100 CAD Class C 100 CAD Class P1 100 Rio Tinto Diamonds Limited; United Kingdom US$1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Diamonds Netherlands B.V.; Netherlands €500.00 100 100 Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Netherlands Rio Tinto Diamonds NV; Belgium € 100 100 Hoveniersstraat 53, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium Rio Tinto Eastern Investments B.V.; Netherlands €13,418,899,730 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Energy America Inc.; United States US$0.01 100 100 CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA Rio Tinto Energy Limited; United Kingdom US$1.00 Ordinary shares 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Escondida Limited; Bermuda US$1.00 100 100 22 Canon’s Court, Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda Rio Tinto European Holdings Limited; United Kingdom (b) £1.00 100 100 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Exploration (Asia) Holdings Pte. Ltd.; Singapore US$1.00 100 100 12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial C

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Investments In Subsidiaries Joint Ventures And Associates [Abstract]
Summary of principal in subsidiaries	At 31 December 2017 Company and country of incorporation/ operation Principal activities Class of shares held Proportion of class held (%) Group interest (%) Non-controlling interest (%) Australia Argyle Diamonds Limited Mining and processing of diamonds Ordinary 100 100 - Dampier Salt Limited Salt and gypsum Ordinary 68.36 68.36 31.64 Energy Resources of Australia Limited Uranium mining Ordinary 68.39 68.39 31.61 Hamersley Iron Pty Limited Iron ore mining Ordinary 100 100 - North Mining Limited (a) Iron ore mining Ordinary 100 100 - Queensland Coal Pty Limited (b) Coal mining Ordinary 100 100 - Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited Bauxite mining; alumina production; primary aluminium smelting Ordinary 100 100 - Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd (a) Iron ore mining Class A 40 60 40 Class B 76.36 Brazil Alcan Alumina Ltda. (c) Alumina production and bauxite mining Quota 100 100 - Canada Iron Ore Company of Canada (d) Iron ore mining; iron ore pellets Common 58.72 58.72 41.28 Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. Titanium dioxide feedstock; high purity iron and steel Common 100 100 - Class B preference 100 100 - CAD 0.01 preferred 100 100 - Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. Bauxite mining; alumina refining; aluminium smelting Common 100 100 - Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. (e) Diamond mining and processing Common 100 100 - Guinea Simfer Jersey Limited (f) Iron ore project Ordinary 53 53 47 Madagascar QIT Madagascar Minerals SA (g) Ilmenite mining Common 80 80 Investment certificates 100 100 15 Voting certificates 80 80 20 Mongolia Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC) (h) Copper and gold mining Common 50.79 50.79 49.21 Namibia Rössing Uranium Limited (i) Uranium mining B N$1 71.22 68.62 31.38 C N10c 70.59 South Africa Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited (j) Titanium dioxide/high purity iron production B Ordinary 100 B preference 100 74 26 Parent Preference 100 Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited (j) Ilmenite, rutile and zircon mining B Ordinary 100 B preference 100 74 26 Parent Preference 100 United States of America Kennecott Holdings Corporation (including Kennecott Utah Copper, Kennecott Land and Kennecott Exploration) Copper and gold mining, smelting and refining, land development and exploration activities Common US$0.01 100 100 - U.S. Borax Inc. Mining, refining and marketing of borates Common US$0.10 100 100 - This list includes only those companies that have a more significant impact on the profit or assets of the Group. Refer to note 46 for a list of related undertakings. The Group’s principal subsidiaries are mostly held by intermediate holding companies and not directly by Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited. (a) Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd (which is 60 per cent owned by the Group) holds a 30 per cent interest in Robe River Iron Associates (Robe River). North Mining Ltd (which is wholly owned by the Group) holds a 35 per cent interest in Robe River. Through these companies the Group recognises a 65 per cent share of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of Robe River, with a 12 per cent non-controlling interest. The Group therefore has a 53 per cent beneficial interest in Robe River (b) Queensland Coal Pty Limited is the main legal entity that holds the Group’s interests in Hail Creek (82 per cent) and Kestrel (80 per cent). These are unincorporated arrangements that are not entities; the Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to these arrangements. Queensland Coal forms part of the Rio Tinto Coal Australia business unit. (c) Alcan Alumina Ltda holds the Group’s 10 per cent interest in Consórcio De Alumínio Do Maranhão, a joint operation in which the Group participates but is not a joint operator. The Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to this arrangement. (d) Iron Ore Company of Canada is incorporated in the United States of America, but operates in Canada. (e) Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. is the legal entity that owns the Group’s 60 per cent interest in the Diavik Joint Venture, an unincorporated arrangement that is not an entity. The Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses relating to this arrangement. (f) Simfer Jersey Limited, a company incorporated in Jersey in which the Group has a 53 per cent interest, has an 85 per cent interest in Simfer S.A. the company that operates the Simandou mining project in Guinea. The Group therefore has a 45.05 per cent indirect interest in Simfer S.A. These entities are consolidated as subsidiaries and together referred to as the Simandou iron ore project. (g) The Group’s shareholding in QIT Madagascar Minerals SA carries an 80 per cent economic interest and 80 per cent of the total voting rights; a further 5 per cent economic interest is held through non-voting investment certificates to give an economic interest of 85 per cent. The non-controlling interests have a 15 per cent economic interest and 20 per cent of the total voting rights. (h) The Group has a 50.79 per cent interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, which holds a 66 per cent interest in Oyu Tolgoi LLC (OT) which is subsidiary of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. The Group therefore has a 33.5 per cent indirect interest in OT. Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd is incorporated in Canada but operates principally in Mongolia. (i) The Group’s shareholding in Rössing Uranium Limited entitles it to 35.57 per cent of the total voting rights; the non-controlling interests hold 64.43 per cent of the total voting rights. Rössing is consolidated by virtue of the Group’s board control. The Government of Namibia has the ability to veto matters that are considered not to be in the interest of Namibia; this is considered to be a protective right. Rio Tinto therefore has control of Rössing and consolidates it as a subsidiary. (j) Additional classes of shares issued by Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited representing non-controlling interests are not shown. The Group’s total legal and beneficial interest in Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited is 74 per cent.
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Investments In Subsidiaries Joint Ventures And Associates [Abstract]
Investments in Group companies	2017 US$m 2016 US$m Investments in Group companies: At 1 January 36,050 36,180 Additions 45 58 Disposals - (160) Other adjustments (2) (28) At 31 December 36,093 36,050
Summary of principal in subsidiaries	At 31 December 2017 the Company had the following principal subsidiaries: Company Principal activity Country of incorporation Percentage shareholding Rio Tinto International Holdings Limited Holding company UK 100 Rio Tinto European Holdings Limited Holding company UK 100

Share capital (Tables)

Share capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Summary of share capital	2017 US$m 2016 US$m Issued and fully paid up share capital of 10p each (a) At 1 January 224 224 Ordinary shares purchased and cancelled (b) (4) - At 31 December 220 224 (a) 26,241 new shares (2016: 33,210 new shares) were issued during the year and 147,126 shares (2016: 743,380 shares) were reissued from treasury pursuant to share plans. (b) During the year 32,937,109 shares (2016: nil shares) were purchased and immediately cancelled.

Rio Tinto financial informat103

Rio Tinto financial information by business unit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Financial Information By Business Unit [Abstract]
Schedule of financial information by business unit	Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Production, Reserves Additional Information Gross revenue (a) EBITDA (b) Net earnings (c) for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December Rio Tinto interest 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 % US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Iron Ore Pilbara (d) 18,143 14,530 13,886 11,383 8,558 7,730 6,576 4,662 4,013 Evaluation projects/other 108 75 66 137 (32 ) (55 ) 116 (51 ) (73 ) Total Iron Ore 18,251 14,605 13,952 11,520 8,526 7,675 6,692 4,611 3,940 Aluminium (e) Bauxite 2,019 1,913 2,057 804 848 937 463 493 542 Alumina 2,661 2,118 2,145 454 27 (47 ) 180 (121 ) (187 ) Intrasegment (790 ) (786 ) (849 ) (25 ) - - (17 ) - - Bauxite & Alumina 3,890 3,245 3,353 1,233 875 890 626 372 355 Primary Metal 5,808 4,913 4,931 1,762 1,258 1,245 778 402 446 Pacific Aluminium 2,305 1,971 2,254 453 264 408 176 62 147 Intersegment & Other (2,321 ) (1,822 ) (1,876 ) (19 ) (50 ) 132 (12 ) (13 ) 92 Integrated Operations 9,682 8,307 8,662 3,429 2,347 2,675 1,568 823 1,040 Other Product Group Items 1,214 1,075 1,374 (132 ) (42 ) (76 ) (100 ) (30 ) (50 ) Product group operations 10,896 9,382 10,036 3,297 2,305 2,599 1,468 793 990 Evaluation projects/other 109 76 81 126 167 143 115 154 128 Total Aluminium 11,005 9,458 10,117 3,423 2,472 2,742 1,583 947 1,118 Copper & Diamonds Rio Tinto Kennecott 100.0 1,352 1,243 1,403 539 126 437 78 (228 ) 44 Escondida 30.0 1,811 1,465 1,855 1,030 793 760 325 270 281 Grasberg joint venture (f) 33 - - (3 ) (17 ) (17 ) (169 ) (64 ) (34 ) Oyu Tolgoi & Turquoise Hill (g) 940 1,203 1,636 256 436 501 36 52 57 Diamonds (h) 706 613 698 287 239 293 92 47 79 Product group operations 4,842 4,524 5,592 2,109 1,577 1,974 362 77 427 Evaluation projects/other - - - (205 ) (190 ) (141 ) (99 ) (95 ) (57 ) Total Copper & Diamonds 4,842 4,524 5,592 1,904 1,387 1,833 263 (18 ) 370 Energy & Minerals Rio Tinto Coal Australia (i) 2,829 2,634 2,757 1,223 893 497 716 382 48 Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7 1,867 1,324 1,353 770 335 197 235 64 12 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (j) 1,763 1,419 1,571 546 370 435 201 86 116 Rio Tinto Borates 100.0 630 620 624 244 213 178 126 117 103 Dampier Salt 68.4 215 259 306 27 74 71 3 25 24 Uranium (k) 417 456 474 15 54 1 (26 ) 10 (42 ) Product group operations 7,721 6,712 7,085 2,825 1,939 1,379 1,255 684 261 Simandou iron ore project (l) - - - (13 ) (102 ) (87 ) (6 ) (47 ) (41 ) Evaluation projects/other 43 22 55 (9 ) (31 ) (55 ) (7 ) (25 ) (43 ) Total Energy & Minerals 7,764 6,734 7,140 2,803 1,806 1,237 1,242 612 177 Other Operations (m) 10 8 18 (116 ) (95 ) (83 ) (138 ) (88 ) (90 ) Intersegment transactions (15 ) (11 ) (34 ) - - - - - - Product group Total 41,857 35,318 36,785 19,534 14,096 13,404 9,642 6,064 5,515 Other items (n) (736 ) (411 ) (546 ) (483 ) (241 ) (375 ) Exploration and evaluation (218 ) (175 ) (237 ) (178 ) (147 ) (211 ) Net interest (354 ) (576 ) (389 ) Underlying EBITDA/earnings 18,580 13,510 12,621 8,627 5,100 4,540 Items excluded from underlying EBITDA/earnings 10 18 (1 ) 1,912 (687 ) (563 ) 135 (483 ) (5,406 ) EBITDA/net earnings 20,492 12,823 12,058 8,762 4,617 (866 ) Reconciliation to Group income statement Share of equity accounted unit sales and intra-subsidiary/equity accounted units sales (1,837 ) (1,555 ) (1,955 ) Depreciation & amortisation in subsidiaries excluding capitalised depreciation (4,302 ) (4,691 ) (4,553 ) Impairment charges, net of reversals (796 ) (249 ) (2,791 ) Depreciation & amortisation in equity accounted units (648 ) (526 ) (462 ) Taxation and finance items in equity accounted units (272 ) (241 ) (276 ) Consolidated sales revenue/profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax 40,030 33,781 34,829 14,474 7,116 3,976 Depreciation & Operating assets (p) Capital expenditure (o) amortisation as at Employees for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December for the year ended 31 December Rio Tinto interest 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 % US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m Number Number Number Iron Ore Pilbara (d) 1,201 868 1,608 1,645 1,645 1,744 16,535 16,357 16,870 10,159 10,424 11,097 Evaluation projects/other - - - - - - 2 2 2 - - - Total Iron Ore 1,201 868 1,608 1,645 1,645 1,744 16,537 16,359 16,872 10,159 10,424 11,097 Aluminium (e) Bauxite 825 343 159 123 110 112 1,897 1,278 1,050 2,534 2,592 2,603 Alumina 108 87 158 209 206 207 2,733 2,588 2,698 2,012 2,139 2,287 Intrasegment - - (18 ) Bauxite & Alumina 933 430 317 332 316 319 4,612 3,866 3,748 4,546 4,731 4,890 Primary Metal 389 394 1,249 665 716 629 9,946 10,701 10,326 6,404 6,799 7,980 Pacific Aluminium 109 91 126 196 193 212 1,016 1,044 1,198 2,173 2,276 2,339 Intersegment and Other 5 1 (10 ) 6 25 12 772 171 677 222 231 210 Total Aluminium 1,436 916 1,682 1,199 1,250 1,172 16,346 15,782 15,949 13,345 14,037 15,419 Copper & Diamonds Rio Tinto Kennecott 100.0 249 333 408 422 530 344 1,936 2,189 2,441 1,734 1,638 1,793 Escondida 30.0 248 517 770 507 364 293 3,369 3,565 3,485 1,079 1,230 1,159 Grasberg joint venture (f) 138 174 179 42 89 43 1,137 1,151 1,016 1,642 2,859 2,868 Oyu Tolgoi & Turquoise Hill (g) 901 322 92 344 450 416 4,725 3,804 3,597 2,835 2,728 2,798 Diamonds (h) 85 97 124 132 164 159 441 655 857 922 907 1,118 Product group operations 1,621 1,443 1,573 1,447 1,597 1,255 11,608 11,364 11,396 8,212 9,362 9,736 Evaluation projects/other 1 (2 ) 3 5 4 6 135 166 155 142 127 160 Total Copper & Diamonds 1,622 1,441 1,576 1,452 1,601 1,261 11,743 11,530 11,551 8,354 9,489 9,896 Energy & Minerals Rio Tinto Coal Australia (i)/(q) 84 (107 ) 108 152 297 336 1,040 1,807 2,137 1,924 3,049 3,157 Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7 202 75 118 157 151 162 988 1,018 1,152 2,382 2,308 2,316 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (j) 119 97 150 219 189 194 3,881 3,662 3,554 4,048 4,094 4,507 Rio Tinto Borates 100.0 28 31 28 65 53 45 523 508 585 936 984 987 Dampier Salt 68.4 13 11 14 22 23 22 150 146 140 232 317 394 Uranium (k) 21 30 39 37 25 65 (327 ) (143 ) (216 ) 1,307 1,303 1,329 Product group operations 467 137 457 652 738 824 6,255 6,998 7,352 10,829 12,055 12,690 Simandou iron ore project (l) - - 91 - - 1 17 13 (10 ) 10 635 912 Evaluation projects/other - 4 4 - 1 5 41 38 39 25 763 855 Total Energy & Minerals 467 141 552 652 739 830 6,313 7,049 7,381 10,864 13,453 14,457 Other Operations (m) (35 ) (11 ) (36 ) 32 34 32 (328 ) 203 (33 ) 203 249 299 Product group Total 4,691 3,355 5,382 4,980 5,269 5,039 50,611 50,923 51,720 42,925 47,652 51,168 Intersegment transactions 206 142 242 Net assets/(liabilities) of disposal groups held for sale (r) 370 (7 ) 182 Other items (n) 70 (46 ) 65 42 51 68 (2,631 ) (2,181 ) (1,012 ) 3,882 3,377 3,770 Less: equity accounted units (417 ) (651 ) (859 ) (647 ) (526 ) (462 ) - - - - Total 4,344 2,658 4,588 4,375 4,794 4,645 48,556 48,877 51,132 46,807 51,029 54,938 Add back: Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 138 354 97 Total capital expenditure per cash flow statement 4,482 3,012 4,685 Less: Net debt (3,845 ) (9,587 ) (13,783 ) Less: EAU funded balances excluded from net debt - - - Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto 44,711 39,290 37,349 Business units are classified according to the Group’s management structure. Certain comparative amounts have been reallocated to appropriately represent changes in management responsibility. a) Gross sales revenue includes the sales revenue of equity accounted units on a proportionately consolidated basis (after adjusting for sales to subsidiaries) in addition to consolidated sales. Consolidated sales revenue includes subsidiary sales to equity accounted units which are not included in gross sales revenue. b) EBITDA of subsidiaries and the Group's share of EBITDA relating to equity accounted units represents profit before: tax, net finance items, depreciation and amortisation charged to the income statement in the period. Underlying EBITDA excludes the same items that are excluded from underlying earnings. c) Represents profit after tax for the period attributable to the owners of the Rio Tinto Group. Business unit earnings are stated before finance items but after the amortisation of discount related to provisions. Earnings attributed to business units do not include amounts that are excluded in arriving at underlying earnings. d) Pilbara represents the Group’s 100 per cent holding in Hamersley, 50 per cent holding of Hope Downs Joint Venture and 65 per cent holding of Robe River Iron Associates. The Group’s net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron Associates is 53 per cent as 30 per cent is held through a 60 per cent owned subsidiary and 35 per cent is held through a 100 per cent owned subsidiary. e) Presented on an integrated operations basis splitting activities between Bauxite & Alumina, Primary Metal, Pacific Aluminium and Other integrated operations (which in total reflect the results of the integrated production of aluminium) and Other product group items which relate to other commercial activities. f) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. g) Rio Tinto’s interest in Oyu Tolgoi is held indirectly through its 50.8 per cent investment in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (TRQ), where TRQ’s principal asset is its 66 per cent investment in Oyu Tolgoi LLC, which owns the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine. h) Includes Rio Tinto’s interests in Argyle (100 per cent) and Diavik (60 per cent). i) On 1 September, 2017, Rio Tinto disposed of its 100 per cent shareholding in Coal & Allied Industries Limited to Yancoal Australia Limited. As at 31 December 2016, this included Rio Tinto’s 100 per cent shareholding in Coal & Allied Industries Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Rio Tinto as a 100 per cent owner of Coal & Allied held a 67.6 per cent, 80 per cent and 55.6 per cent respectively, with management rights, in Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth. On 1 March 2016, Coal & Allied disposed of its 40 per cent interest in Bengalla Joint Venture and on 5 August 2016, Coal & Allied disposed of its 100 per cent interest in the Mount Pleasant project. Both were included up until their respective disposal dates. j) Includes Rio Tinto's interests in Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (100 per cent), QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM, 80 per cent) and Richards Bay Minerals (attributable interest of 74 per cent). k) Includes Rio Tinto’s interests in Energy Resources of Australia (68.4 per cent) and Rössing Uranium Limited (68.6 per cent). l) Simfer Jersey Limited, a company incorporated in Jersey in which the Group has a 53 per cent interest, has an 85 per cent interest in Simfer S.A., the company that manages the Simandou project in Guinea. The Group therefore has a 45.05 per cent indirect interest in Simfer S.A. These entities are consolidated as subsidiaries and together referred to as the Simandou iron ore project. m) Other Operations include Rio Tinto’s 100 per cent interest in the curtailed Gove alumina refinery and Rio Tinto Marine. n) Central office costs, central Growth & Innovation costs and other central items are reported in Other items. The loss in Other items includes restructuring, project and other one off costs of US$177 million (pre-tax) in 2017. The increased loss also reflects an increase in Information Systems & Technology spend and further investment in the Commercial Centre in Singapore and capability to support the Group’s Mine to Market Productivity programme. o) Capital expenditure comprises the net cash outflow on purchases less disposals of property, plant and equipment, capitalised evaluation costs and purchases less disposals of other intangible assets. The details provided include 100 per cent of subsidiaries’ capital expenditure and Rio Tinto’s share of the capital expenditure of joint operations and equity accounted units. p) Operating assets of subsidiaries comprise net assets excluding post-retirement assets and liabilities, net of tax, and are before deducting net debt. Operating assets are stated after deduction of non-controlling interests, which are calculated by reference to the net assets of the relevant companies (ie inclusive of such companies’ debt and amounts due to or from Rio Tinto Group companies). q) Capital expenditure in 2016 for Rio Tinto Coal Australia includes net proceeds of US$192 million for the disposal of 100 per cent interest in the Mount Pleasant thermal coal project to MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd on 5 August 2016. r) Assets and liabilities held for sale at 31 December 2017 comprise of Rio Tinto’s interest in the Dunkerque aluminium smelter and certain other separate assets. Assets and liabilities held for sale at 31 December 2016 comprise Rio Tinto’s interests in the Blair Athol coal project and certain separate assets. Assets and liabilities held for sale at 31 December 2015 comprised Rio Tinto’s interests in the Blair Athol coal project, Carbone Savoie (disposed of on 31 March 2016), Bengalla (disposed of on 1 March 2016), and certain other separate assets. 1

Principal accounting policies -

Principal accounting policies - Additional information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Disclosure of initial application of standards or interpretations [Line Items]
Derecognise a receivable	$ 235,000,000
Derecognise a receivable after tax	164,000,000
Consolidated sales revenue	40,030,000,000	$ 33,781,000,000	$ 34,829,000,000
Investment on money market fund	$ 7,800,000,000
Voting rights of associate to have significant infuluence	20.00%
Cash-generating units assessed for impairment	0
Onerous contracts provision	$ 407,000,000
Operations with remaining lives	10 years
Number of operations | Segment	10
Decreasing provision	$ 700,000,000
Provision for carrying value close-down, restoration and environmental	$ 9,983,000,000	$ 8,722,000,000
Assumption of discount rates	0.50%
Risk free interest rate on provisions	2.00%
Intragroup loans	$ 21,000,000,000
Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of initial application of standards or interpretations [Line Items]
Percent of certainty	50.00%
Assessment period of market prices	three years
Term of impairment review is under taken in relevant functional currency	five years
Risk free interest rate on provisions	0.50%
Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of initial application of standards or interpretations [Line Items]
Percent of certainty	90.00%
Assessment period of market prices	five years
Increase (decrease) due to voluntary changes in accounting policy [member]
Disclosure of initial application of standards or interpretations [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ (15,000,000)

Operating segments - Additional

Operating segments - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Description of factors used to identify entity's reportable segments	Rio Tinto’s management structure is based on the principal product groups in the tables below together with the global functions that support the business, which include Growth & Innovation.
Description of types of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its revenues	Generally, business units are allocated to product groups based on their primary product. The Energy & Minerals product group includes businesses with products such as uranium, borates, salt and titanium dioxide feedstock together with coal operations, Iron Ore Company of Canada and the Simandou iron ore project, which is the responsibility of the Energy & Minerals product group chief executive. The Copper & Diamonds product group also produces gold, silver, molybdenum and other by-products.
Underlying profits of equity accounted units	$ 339	$ 321	$ 361
Subsidiaries [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Share of sales revenue of equity accounted units	$ 22	30	32
Percentage of capital expenditure	100.00%
Percentage of depreciation and amortisation	100.00%
Gross sales revenue [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Share of sales revenue of equity accounted units	$ 1,859	1,585	1,987
Underlying earnings [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying profits of equity accounted units	332	309	390
Underlying earnings [member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying profits of equity accounted units	295	272	307
Underlying earnings [member] | Other operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying profits of equity accounted units	$ 37	$ 37	$ 83

Operating segments - Summary of

Operating segments - Summary of gross sales revenue within the reportable segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Reportable segments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	41,872	35,329	36,819
Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	18,251	14,605	13,952
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	11,005	9,458	10,117
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	4,842	4,524	5,592
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	7,764	6,734	7,140
Reportable segments [Member] | Other operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	10	8	18
Inter-segment transactions [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	(15)	(11)	(34)
Product group [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	41,857	35,318	36,785
Items excluded from underlying earnings [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	10	18	(1)
Gross sales revenue [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	41,867	35,336	36,784
Share of equity accounted units and adjustments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Adjustment for equity accounted units revenue	$ (1,837)	$ (1,555)	$ (1,955)

Operating segments - Summary107

Operating segments - Summary of capital expenditure within the reportable segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	$ 4,344	$ 2,658	$ 4,588
Sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets	138	354	97
Capital expenditure per cash flow statement	4,482	3,012	4,685
Reportable segments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	4,691	3,355	5,382
Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	1,201	868	1,608
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	1,436	916	1,682
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	1,622	1,441	1,576
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	467	141	552
Reportable segments [Member] | Other operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	(35)	(11)	(36)
Other items [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	70	(46)	65
Share of equity accounted units and adjustments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	$ (417)	$ (651)	$ (859)

Operating segments - Summary108

Operating segments - Summary of depreciation and amortisation within the reportable segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	$ 4,375	$ 4,794	$ 4,645
Reportable segments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	4,980	5,269	5,039
Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,645	1,645	1,744
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,199	1,250	1,172
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,452	1,601	1,261
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	652	739	830
Reportable segments [Member] | Other operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	32	34	32
Other items [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	42	51	68
Depreciation and amortisation of equity accounted units [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	$ (647)	$ (526)	$ (462)

Operating segments - Summary109

Operating segments - Summary of tax charge within the reportable segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	$ 3,965	$ 1,567	$ 993
Reportable segments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	4,030	2,114	2,022
Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	2,871	2,005	1,747
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	543	171	303
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	48	(320)	(77)
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	652	331	122
Reportable segments [Member] | Other operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	(84)	(73)	(73)
Other items [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	(261)	(191)	(192)
Exploration and evaluation not attributed to product groups [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	(36)	(27)	(25)
Finance costs [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	(364)	(484)	(245)
Underlying earnings [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	3,369	1,412	1,560
Tax charge/ (credit) excluded from underlying earnings [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Tax charge	$ 596	$ 155	$ (567)

Operating segments - Summary110

Operating segments - Summary of underlying earnings within the reportable segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying earnings	$ 8,627	$ 5,100	$ 4,540
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))	8,762	4,617	(866)
Items excluded from underlying earnings	135	(483)	(5,406)
Reportable segments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying earnings	9,642	6,064	5,515
Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying earnings	6,692	4,611	3,940
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying earnings	1,583	947	1,118
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying earnings	263	(18)	370
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying earnings	1,242	612	177
Reportable segments [Member] | Other operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Underlying earnings	(138)	(88)	(90)
Other items [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))	(483)	(241)	(375)
Exploration and evaluation not attributed to product groups [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))	(178)	(147)	(211)
Finance costs [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))	$ (354)	$ (576)	$ (389)

Operating segments - Reconcilia

Operating segments - Reconciliation of net earnings/(losses) to underlying earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Reconciliation Of Net Earnings Losses To Underlying Earnings [Abstract]
Impairment charges	$ (796)	$ (249)	$ (2,791)
Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses, Pre-tax	2,344
Exchange and derivative (losses)/gains, Pre-tax:
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances, Pre-tax	(613)
– Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Pre-tax	33
– (Losses)/gains on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Pre-tax	(498)
Rio Tinto Kennecott insurance settlement, Pre-tax	73
Total excluded from underlying earnings, Pre-tax	543
Net earnings/(loss), Pre-tax	12,816	6,343	(726)
Underlying earnings, Pre-tax	12,273
Impairment charges, Tax	141
Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses, Tax	(322)
Exchange and derivative (losses)/gains, Tax:
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances, Tax	113
– Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Tax	(5)
– (Losses)/gains on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Tax	146
Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France, Tax	(439)
Rio Tinto Kennecott insurance settlement, Tax	(28)
Tax provision		380
Adjustment to deferred tax assets relating to expected divestments, Tax	(202)
Total excluded from underlying earnings, Tax	(596)
Net earnings/(loss), Tax	(3,965)	(1,567)	(993)
Underlying earnings, Tax	(3,369)
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests	174
Exchange and derivative (losses)/gains:
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances, Non-controlling interests	12
– Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Non-controlling interests	2
Total excluded from underlying earnings, Non-controlling interests	188
Net earnings/(loss), Non-controlling interests	(89)	(159)	853
Underlying earnings, Non-controlling interests	(277)
Impairment charges, Net	(481)	(183)	(1,802)
Net gains on disposal of interests in businesses, Net	2,022	382	48
Exchange and derivative (losses)/gains:
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances, Net	(488)	516	(3,282)
– Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Net	30	(12)	(88)
– (Losses)/gains on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Net	(352)	32	88
Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France, Net	(439)
Onerous port and rail contracts, Net		(329)
Restructuring costs and global headcount reductions, Net		(177)	(258)
Increased closure provision for non-operating and legacy operations, Net		(282)	(233)
Rio Tinto Kennecott insurance settlement, Net	45		18
Tax provision		(380)
Adjustment to deferred tax assets relating to expected divestments, Net	(202)		234
Other exclusions, Net		(50)	(131)
Total excluded from underlying earnings, Net	135	(483)	(5,406)
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))	8,762	4,617	(866)
Underlying earnings, Net	$ 8,627	$ 5,100	$ 4,540

Operating segments - Reconci112

Operating segments - Reconciliation of net earnings/(losses) to underlying earnings (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Post-tax foreign exchange gains	$ 420
Post-tax foreign exchange loss	$ 908
Discount rate used in net present value of expected future cash flows for the port and rail capacity		2.00%
Post-tax onerous contract charge		$ 329
External US Dollar net debt [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Post-tax foreign exchange gains		123
Intragroup Balances [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Post-tax foreign exchange gains		$ 393
Carbone savoie [Member] | Disposal groups [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary		100.00%
Bengalla joint venture [Member] | Disposal groups [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture		40.00%

Operating segments - Consolidat

Operating segments - Consolidated sales revenue by destination (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
China [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	44.20%	43.60%	42.20%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 17,706	$ 14,742	$ 14,701
Asia (excluding China and Japan) [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	12.80%	13.90%	12.90%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 5,108	$ 4,692	$ 4,499
United States [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	14.30%	13.90%	15.30%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 5,716	$ 4,709	$ 5,321
Japan [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	11.70%	11.30%	11.40%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 4,701	$ 3,809	$ 3,974
Europe (excluding UK) [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	7.50%	7.60%	8.40%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 3,015	$ 2,579	$ 2,909
Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	2.80%	3.00%	3.80%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 1,111	$ 1,024	$ 1,322
Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	1.80%	2.00%	2.40%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 710	$ 675	$ 830
United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	1.10%	1.20%	0.90%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 449	$ 391	$ 330
Other countries [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated sales revenue	3.80%	3.50%	2.70%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 1,514	$ 1,160	$ 943

Operating segments - Consoli114

Operating segments - Consolidated sales revenue by destination (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
China [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Allocation of revenue increase (decrease)	$ 337	$ 135
Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Allocation of revenue increase (decrease)		155
Asia (excluding China and Japan) [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Allocation of revenue increase (decrease)	$ (319)	$ (263)

Operating segments - Consoli115

Operating segments - Consolidated sales revenue by product (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	20,010	15,855	15,239
Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	10,864	9,342	9,904
Copper [member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	1,760	1,609	1,577
Coal [member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	2,822	2,567	2,703
Industrial minerals [member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	2,060	1,954	2,155
Gold [member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	378	608	1,063
Diamonds [member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	706	613	698
Other Product [Member]
Disclosure Of Products And Services [Line Items]
Sales revenues	$ 1,430	$ 1,233	$ 1,490

Operating segments - Summary116

Operating segments - Summary of non-current assets other than excluded items (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	$ 71,063	$ 68,451
Deferred tax assets	3,395	3,728
Other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units)	510	822
Tax recoverable	30	38
Trade and other receivables	1,397	975
Total non-current assets	76,554	74,177
Quasi equity loans [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Quasi equity loans to equity accounted units	159	163
Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	32,890	30,602
Deferred tax assets	1,055	1,072
Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	14,640	14,362
Deferred tax assets	546	470
Mongolia [Member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	8,582	7,743
Deferred tax assets	631	441
United States [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	4,812	4,958
Deferred tax assets	877	1,239
Africa [Member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	3,781	3,882
South America [Member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	3,304	3,785
Indonesia [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	1,458	1,482
Europe excluding France and the UK [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	362	429
United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	66	66
France [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	276	251
Deferred tax assets		330
Other countries [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current assets other than excluded items	892	891
Deferred tax assets	$ 286	$ 176

Operating segments - Summary117

Operating segments - Summary of non-current assets other than excluded items (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units	$ 39	$ 39
Quasi equity loans [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Quasi equity loans to equity accounted units	159	163
Non-quasi equity loan [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Non-current non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units	39	39
Non-current assets [member]
Disclosure Of Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Investments in equity accounted units	$ 4,327	$ 4,856

Net operating costs (excludi118

Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) - Summary of net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Expense By Nature [Abstract]
Raw materials, consumables, repairs and maintenance	$ 9,286	$ 8,760	$ 8,966
Amortisation of intangible assets	177	227	207
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	4,198	4,567	4,438
Employment costs	4,765	4,881	5,446
Shipping and other freight costs	2,338	1,454	2,165
(Increase)/decrease in finished goods and work in progress	(82)	87	558
Royalties	2,228	1,889	1,863
Amounts charged by equity accounted units	980	1,184	1,246
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains)	61	38	(263)
Other external costs	3,935	3,472	4,181
Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions)	527	1,404	731
Research and development	58	60	104
Costs included above qualifying for capitalisation	(486)	(521)	(661)
Other operating income	(1,002)	(703)	(1,062)
Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately)	$ 26,983	$ 26,799	$ 27,919

Net operating costs (excludi119

Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) - Summary of net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) (Parenthetical) (Detail) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Disclosure Of Operating Costs [Line Items]
Impact of (Increase)/decrease in finished goods and work in progress			$ 304	$ 143
Purchases of the other investors' share of production	$ 229		383	$ 378
Operating lease expense	555		$ 541
United Kingdoms Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) [Member]
Disclosure Of Operating Costs [Line Items]
Financial penalty	$ 36.4	£ 27.4

Employment costs - Summary of e

Employment costs - Summary of employment costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total employment costs
– Wages and salaries	$ 4,129	$ 4,235	$ 4,670
– Social security costs	337	429	430
– Net post-retirement charge	500	522	439
– Share option charge	91	116	128
Total employment costs	5,057	5,302	5,667
Less: charged within provisions (a)	(292)	(421)	(221)
Employment costs	$ 4,765	$ 4,881	$ 5,446

Impairment charges and rever121

Impairment charges and reversals - Summary of impairment charges and reversals (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	$ (796)	$ (249)	$ (2,791)
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	(796)	(249)	(2,791)
Total impairment charge net of reversals in the financial information by business unit	(796)	(249)	(2,791)
Taxation (including related to EAUs)	141	66	(57)
Non-controlling interests	174		1,046
Total impairment in the income statement	(481)	(183)	(1,802)
Impairment charges, Tax	141
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests	174
Impairment charge net of reversals, net amount	(481)
Goodwill [Member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals			(116)
Intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	(357)	(1)	(1,833)
Property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	(435)	(248)	(652)
Other assets and liabilities [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	(4)		(190)
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Roughrider [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	(357)		(229)
Impairment charges, Tax	100
Impairment charge net of reversals, net amount	(257)
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Rossing [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	(267)
Impairment charges, Tax	7
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests	83
Impairment charge net of reversals, net amount	(177)
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Simandou [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals			(2,039)
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests	91
Impairment charge net of reversals, net amount	91
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Energy Resources of Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals			(260)
Copper & Diamonds [member] | Argyle Diamond Mine [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	(172)	(241)
Impairment charges, Tax	34
Impairment charge net of reversals, net amount	$ (138)
Copper & Diamonds [member] | Molybdenum Autoclave Process [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals			(17)
Aluminium [Member] | Other aluminium businesses [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals			(179)
Other operations [Member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss Recognised Or Reversed [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals		$ (8)	$ (67)

Impairment charges and rever122

Impairment charges and reversals - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	$ 796,000,000	$ 249,000,000	$ 2,791,000,000
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests	174,000,000
Deferred tax assets	3,395,000,000	3,728,000,000
Goodwill [Member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals			116,000,000
Property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	435,000,000	248,000,000	652,000,000
Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	546,000,000	470,000,000
Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	1,055,000,000	1,072,000,000
United States [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	877,000,000	$ 1,239,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Roughrider [member] | Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Recoverable amount of asset or cash-generating unit	0
Pre-tax impairment charge net of reversals	$ 357,000,000
Description of change in valuation technique used to measure fair value less costs of disposal	The recoverable amount for Roughrider was determined by reference to a fair value less cost of disposal (FVLCD) model in line with the accounting policy set out in note 1(i).
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Roughrider [member] | Canada [member] | Exploration and evaluation [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			113,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Roughrider [member] | Canada [member] | Goodwill [Member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			116,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Rossing [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests	$ 83,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Rossing [member] | Namibia, Dollars | Property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge	267,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Simandou [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests	91,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Simandou [member] | Guinea [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests			91,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Simandou [member] | Guinea [member] | Exploration and evaluation [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			1,655,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Simandou [member] | Guinea [member] | Exploration and evaluation [member] | Contractual arrangements [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			183,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Simandou [member] | Guinea [member] | Property, plant and equipment [member] | Exploration and evaluation [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			194,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Simandou [member] | Guinea [member] | Inventories [member] | Exploration and evaluation [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			7,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Energy Resources of Australia [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Write off of deferred tax assets			123,000,000
Energy & Minerals [Member] | Energy Resources of Australia [member] | Australia [member] | Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			260,000,000
Copper & Diamonds [member] | Argyle Diamond Mine [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Recoverable amount of asset or cash-generating unit	191,000,000
Pre-tax impairment charge	$ 241,000,000
Description of impairment trigger assessment	In 2016, an impairment trigger assessment at the Argyle cash-generating unit resulted in the identification of impairment indicators as a result of lower production volumes compared with forecast and lower prices achieved for bulk diamonds. The recoverable amount for Argyle was determined to be US$191 million, resulting in a pre-tax impairment charge of US$241 million to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. In 2017, an impairment trigger assessment at the Argyle cash-generating unit resulted in the identification of impairment indicators because of lower production volumes compared with forecast, a smaller than expected contribution from productivity improvements and lower realised prices. In assessing the recoverable amount of the assets, it was determined that the property, plant and equipment, including an updated closure asset, was fully impaired resulting in a pre-tax impairment charge of US$172 million. The impairment charge resulted in the recognition of deferred tax assets of US$34 million; these will be recovered by other business units in the same tax group.
Deferred tax assets	$ 34,000,000
Copper & Diamonds [member] | Argyle Diamond Mine [member] | Australia [member] | Property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge	$ 172,000,000
Copper & Diamonds [member] | Molybdenum Autoclave Process [member] | United States [member] | Property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			17,000,000
Aluminium [Member] | Carbone savoie [Member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			147,000,000
Aluminium [Member] | Other aluminium businesses [member]
Disclosure Of Impairment Loss And Reversal Of Impairment Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charge			$ 32,000,000

Share of profit after tax of123

Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units - Summary of share of profit after tax of equity accounted units (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Equity Accounted Units [Line Items]
Sales revenues	$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Operating costs	(26,983)	(26,799)	(27,919)
Finance items	(1,658)	(773)	(4,702)
Profit/(loss) before taxation	12,816	6,343	(726)
Taxation	(3,965)	(1,567)	(993)
Rio Tinto [member]
Disclosure Of Equity Accounted Units [Line Items]
Sales revenues	1,960	1,727	2,149
Operating costs	(1,400)	(1,237)	(1,609)
Profit before finance items and taxation	560	490	540
Finance items	(47)	(33)	(37)
Share of profit after tax of equity accounted units	17	20	35
Profit/(loss) before taxation	530	477	538
Taxation	(191)	(156)	(177)
Profit for the year (Rio Tinto share)	$ 339	$ 321	$ 361

Finance income and finance c124

Finance income and finance costs - Summary of finance income and finance costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Material Income And Expense [Abstract]
Finance income from equity accounted units (Rio Tinto share)	$ 4	$ 6	$ 8
Other finance income (including bank deposits and other financial assets)	137	83	44
Total finance income	141	89	52
Interest on:
– Financial liabilities at amortised cost and associated derivatives	(819)	(895)	(972)
– Finance leases	(3)	(3)	(4)
Fair value movements:
– Bonds designated as hedged items in fair value hedges	28	89	(17)
– Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in fair value hedges	(22)	(89)	(11)
Loss on early redemption of bonds	(256)	(324)
Amounts capitalised	224	111	254
Total finance costs	$ (848)	$ (1,111)	$ (750)

Finance income and finance c125

Finance income and finance costs - Summary of finance income and finance costs (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Material Income And Expense [Abstract]
Premium charges for redemption of bonds	$ 238	$ 441
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs and Fees	14	42
Fair value hedge adjustment	$ 4	$ (159)

Taxation - Summary of taxation

Taxation - Summary of taxation charge (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Major Components Of Tax Expense Income [Abstract]
– Current	$ 3,270	$ 2,115	$ 1,132
– Deferred	695	(548)	(139)
Taxation charge	$ 3,965	$ 1,567	$ 993

Taxation - Summary of prima fac

Taxation - Summary of prima facie tax reconciliation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation Of Accounting Profit Multiplied By Applicable Tax Rates [Abstract]
Profit/(loss) before taxation	$ 12,816	$ 6,343	$ (726)
Deduct: share of profit after tax of equity accounted units	(339)	(321)	(361)
Parent companies' and subsidiaries' profit/(loss) before tax	12,477	6,022	(1,087)
Prima facie tax payable/(receivable) at UK rate of 19 per cent (2016: 20 per cent; 2015: 20 per cent)	2,371	1,204	(217)
Higher rate of taxation on Australian underlying earnings	1,069	604	506
Impact of items excluded in arriving at underlying earnings
– Impairment charges net of reversals	10	(16)	615
– Gains and losses on disposal of businesses	(123)	30	(11)
– Exchange and gains/losses on derivatives	(48)	(33)	481
– Onerous port and rail contracts		(46)
– Closure provision for legacy operations		(40)
– Tax provision		380
– Adjustment to deferred tax assets relating to expected divestments	202		(250)
– Other exclusions	14	(48)	(17)
– Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France	439
Impact of changes in tax rates and laws	21	(9)	(3)
Other tax rates applicable outside the UK and Australia on underlying earnings	(92)	(283)	(68)
Resource depletion and other depreciation allowances	(33)	(15)	(15)
Research, development and other investment allowances	(13)	(15)	(21)
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets	(40)	(154)	(40)
Write-down of previously recognised deferred tax assets	160
Unrecognised current year operating losses	26	25	45
Other items	2	(17)	(12)
Taxation charge	$ 3,965	$ 1,567	$ 993

Taxation - Summary of prima 128

Taxation - Summary of prima facie tax reconciliation (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation Of Accounting Profit Multiplied By Applicable Tax Rates [Abstract]
UK tax payable (receivable) rate	19.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Groups share of profit of equity accounted units net of tax	$ 191	$ 156	$ 177

Taxation - Summary of tax relat

Taxation - Summary of tax relating to components of other comprehensive income or loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Relating To Components Of Other Comprehensive Income That Will Be Reclassified To Profit Or Loss [Abstract]
Tax (charge)/credit on actuarial gains and losses on post-retirement benefit plans	$ (12)	$ 29	$ (175)
Adjustments to deferred tax on post-retirement benefit plans due to changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France	(140)
Other	(1)	4	(3)
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	$ (153)	$ 33	$ (178)

Taxation - Summary of tax re130

Taxation - Summary of tax relating to components of other comprehensive income or loss (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Relating To Components Of Other Comprehensive Income That Will Be Reclassified To Profit Or Loss [Abstract]
Deferred tax charge included in other comprehensive income	$ 153	$ 33	$ 174
Current tax charge included in other comprehensive income		$ 0	$ 4

Earnings_(loss) per ordinary131

Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share - Summary of earnings (loss) per ordinary shares (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto	$ 8,762	$ 4,617	$ (866)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto	$ 8,762	$ 4,617	$ (866)
Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto, Weighted average number of shares	1,786.7	1,797.3	1,824.7
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rio Tinto, Weighted average number of shares	1,799.5	1,808.6	1,824.7
Basic earnings/(loss) per share	$ 490.4	$ 256.9	$ (47.5)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share	$ 486.9	$ 255.3	$ (47.5)

Earnings_(loss) per ordinary132

Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share - Summary of earnings (loss) per ordinary shares (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	1,786.7	1,797.3	1,824.7
Effect of dilutive securities shares	12.8	11.3
Description of instruments with potential future dilutive effect not included in calculation of diluted earnings per share	This effect is calculated under the treasury stock method. In accordance with IAS 33 “Earnings per share”, for the purposes of calculating diluted loss per share, the effect of potentially dilutive securities has not been taken into account for the year ended 31 December 2015.
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	1,364.5	1,373.7	1,398.1
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	422.3	423.6	426.6

Dividends - Summary of dividend

Dividends - Summary of dividends paid (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends paid during the year	$ 4,250	$ 2,725	$ 4,076
Dividends per share: paid during the year	$ 2.35	$ 1.525	$ 2.265
Dividends per share: proposed in the announcement of the results for the year	$ 1.80	$ 1.25	$ 1.075
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Previous year final dividend paid	$ 1,725	$ 1,443	$ 1,642
Interim dividend paid	1,530	604	1,476
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Previous year final dividend paid	523	473	520
Interim dividend paid	$ 472	$ 205	$ 438

Dividends - Summary of divid134

Dividends - Summary of dividends per share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017£ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016£ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015£ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Previous year final dividend per share				$ 1.25			$ 1.075			$ 1.19
Interim dividend per share	$ 1.10			$ 0.45			$ 1.075
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Previous year final dividend per share | £ / shares		£ 1.0056			£ 0.7421			£ 0.7798
Interim dividend per share | £ / shares		£ 0.8313			£ 0.3380			£ 0.6892
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Previous year final dividend per share			$ 1.6362			$ 1.5189			$ 1.5298
Interim dividend per share			$ 1.3772			$ 0.5913			$ 1.4491

Dividends - Summary of divid135

Dividends - Summary of dividends per share (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Rio Tinto Limited [member]	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Franked final dividend percentage	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Franked Interim dividend percentage	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%

Dividends - Summary of number o

Dividends - Summary of number of shares dividend distributed (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Previous year final dividend number of shares	1,374.6	1,373.9	1,412.7
Interim dividend number of shares	1,366.1	1,374.4	1,395.2
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Previous year final dividend number of shares	424	423.5	435
Interim dividend number of shares	424	424	423.7

Dividends - Additional informat

Dividends - Additional information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017£ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016£ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015£ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Final dividend per share | $ / shares					$ 1.25			$ 1.075			$ 1.19
Interim dividend per share | $ / shares		$ 1.10			$ 0.45			$ 1.075
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dividends per share: proposed in the announcement of the results for the year | $ / shares		$ 1.80			$ 1.25			$ 1.075
Potential ordinary share transactions [Member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends per share: proposed in the announcement of the results for the year | $ / shares	$ 1.80
Dividends payment proposed in the announcement of the results for the year | $	$ 3,158
Dividends payment date	Apr. 12, 2018
Dividends record date	Mar. 2, 2018
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Final dividend per share | £ / shares			£ 1.0056			£ 0.7421			£ 0.7798
Interim dividend per share | £ / shares			£ 0.8313			£ 0.3380			£ 0.6892
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Potential ordinary share transactions [Member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends payment proposed in the announcement of the results for the year | $	$ 2,416
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Number of share excluded from previous year final dividend calculation		277,946	277,946	277,946	428,529	428,529	428,529	342,902	342,902	342,902
Number of share excluded from interim dividend calculation		173,297	173,297	173,297	217,661	217,661	217,661	237,266	237,266	237,266
Rio Tinto plc [member] | American depository receipts [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Number of share excluded from previous year final dividend calculation		22,021	22,021	22,021	13,881	13,881	13,881	24,582	24,582	24,582
Number of share excluded from interim dividend calculation		24,377	24,377	24,377	31,604	31,604	31,604	27,050	27,050	27,050
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Final dividend per share | $ / shares				$ 1.6362			$ 1.5189			$ 1.5298
Interim dividend per share | $ / shares				$ 1.3772			$ 0.5913			$ 1.4491
Number of share excluded from previous year final dividend calculation		214,278	214,278	214,278	681,818	681,818	681,818	727,676	727,676	727,676
Number of share excluded from interim dividend calculation		274,899	274,899	274,899	152,834	152,834	152,834	474,665	474,665	474,665
Retained profits and reserves distributed as dividends | $		$ 8,542
Rio Tinto Limited [member] | Potential ordinary share transactions [Member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends payment proposed in the announcement of the results for the year | $	$ 742

Goodwill - Summary of goodwill

Goodwill - Summary of goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill at beginning of period	$ 951	$ 892
Adjustment on currency translation	86	59
Goodwill at end of period	1,037	951
Cost [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill at beginning of period	17,144	17,120
Goodwill at end of period	17,942	17,144
Accumulated impairment [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill at beginning of period	(16,193)	(16,228)
Goodwill at end of period	$ (16,905)	$ (16,193)

Goodwill - Summary of Allocated

Goodwill - Summary of Allocated goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,037	$ 951	$ 892
Richards Bay Minerals [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	552	502
Pilbara [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	389	360
Dampier Salt [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 96	$ 89

Goodwill - Additional informati

Goodwill - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Richards Bay Minerals [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value less costs of disposal, post-tax discount rate	8.70%	9.00%
Description of valuation techniques used to measure fair value less costs of disposal	The recoverable amount has been assessed by reference to FVLCD, in line with the policy set out in note 1(i) and classified as level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. FVLCD was determined by estimating cash flows until the end of the life-of-mine plan including anticipated expansions. In arriving at FVLCD, a post-tax discount rate of 8.7 per cent (2016: 9.0 per cent) has been applied to the post-tax cash flows expressed in real terms.
Description of level of fair value hierarchy within which fair value measurement is categorized	level 3
Description of basis on which recoverable amount determined	Other assumptions include the long-term pig iron and zircon prices and operating costs. Future selling prices and operating costs have been estimated in line with the policy set out in note 1(i). The recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit exceeds the carrying value for each of these sensitivities applied in isolation.
Pilbara [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [Line Items]
Fair value less costs of disposal, post-tax discount rate	6.70%	7.00%
Description of valuation techniques used to measure fair value less costs of disposal	The annual impairment review of the Pilbara cash-generating unit has been assessed by reference to FVLCD using discounted cash flows, which is in line with the policy set out in note 1(i) and is classified as level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. In arriving at FVLCD, a post-tax discount rate of 6.7 per cent (2016: 7.0 per cent) has been applied to the post-tax cash flows expressed in real terms. The recoverable amount was determined to be significantly in excess of carrying value, and there are not considered to be any reasonably possible changes in key assumptions that would cause the remaining goodwill to be impaired.
Description of level of fair value hierarchy within which fair value measurement is categorized	level 3

Goodwill - Key assumptions calc

Goodwill - Key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal (Detail) - Richards Bay Minerals [member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
5% decrease in the titanium slag price [member]
Disclosure of key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal [Line Items]
Corresponding decrease in FVLCD	$ 165
1% increase in the discount rate applied to post-tax cash flows [member]
Disclosure of key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal [Line Items]
Corresponding decrease in FVLCD	226
10% strengthening of South African rand [member]
Disclosure of key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal [Line Items]
Corresponding decrease in FVLCD	$ 603

Goodwill - Key assumptions c142

Goodwill - Key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Richards Bay Minerals [member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal [Line Items]
Increase in the discount rate applied to post-tax cash flows	8.70%	9.00%
5% decrease in the titanium slag price [member] | Titanium [member]
Disclosure of key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal [Line Items]
Percentage of decrease in the titanium slag price	5.00%
1% increase in the discount rate applied to post-tax cash flows [member]
Disclosure of key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal [Line Items]
Increase in the discount rate applied to post-tax cash flows	1.00%
10% strengthening of South African rand [member]
Disclosure of key assumptions calculation of fair value less costs of disposal [Line Items]
Strengthening percentage of the South African rand	10.00%

Intangible assets - Summary of

Intangible assets - Summary of intangible assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	$ 3,279	$ 3,336
Adjustment on currency translation	216	58
Expenditure during the year	122	31
Amortisation for the year	(177)	(227)	$ (207)
Impairment charges	(357)	(1)
Disposals, transfers and other movements	36	82
Intangible assets at end of period	3,119	3,279	3,336
Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	8,013
Intangible assets at end of period	7,857	8,013
Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	(4,734)
Intangible assets at end of period	(4,738)	(4,734)
Exploration and evaluation [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	711	706
Adjustment on currency translation	27	14
Expenditure during the year	57	8
Impairment charges	(357)
Disposals, transfers and other movements	(45)	(17)
Intangible assets at end of period	393	711	706
Exploration and evaluation [member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	2,588
Intangible assets at end of period	2,658	2,588
Exploration and evaluation [member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	(1,877)
Intangible assets at end of period	(2,265)	(1,877)
Trademarks, patented and non-patented technology [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	78	94
Adjustment on currency translation	10	(3)
Amortisation for the year	(13)	(13)
Intangible assets at end of period	75	78	94
Trademarks, patented and non-patented technology [member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	199
Intangible assets at end of period	224	199
Trademarks, patented and non-patented technology [member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	(121)
Intangible assets at end of period	(149)	(121)
Contract based intangible assets [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	2,103	2,138
Adjustment on currency translation	150	47
Amortisation for the year	(67)	(87)
Disposals, transfers and other movements	2	5
Intangible assets at end of period	2,188	2,103	2,138
Contract based intangible assets [member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	3,897
Intangible assets at end of period	3,438	3,897
Contract based intangible assets [member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	(1,794)
Intangible assets at end of period	(1,250)	(1,794)
Other intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	387	398
Adjustment on currency translation	29
Expenditure during the year	65	23
Amortisation for the year	(97)	(127)
Impairment charges		(1)
Disposals, transfers and other movements	79	94
Intangible assets at end of period	463	387	$ 398
Other intangible assets [Member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	1,329
Intangible assets at end of period	1,537	1,329
Other intangible assets [Member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets at beginning of period	(942)
Intangible assets at end of period	$ (1,074)	$ (942)

Intangible assets - Summary 144

Intangible assets - Summary of intangible assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 3,119	$ 3,279	$ 3,336
Disposals, transfers and other movements	$ 36	$ 82
Quebec smelters [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Fair value less costs of disposal, post-tax discount rate	6.70%	7.00%
Description of recoverable amount of asset is fair value less costs of disposal or value in use	the Quebec smelters cash-generating unit. The Quebec smelters cash-generating unit was tested for impairment by reference to FVLCD using discounted cash flows, which is in line with the policy set out in note 1(i). The recoverable amount of the Quebec smelters is classified as level 3 under the fair value hierarchy
Description of level of fair value hierarchy within which fair value measurement is categorized	level 3
Water rights [member] | Quebec smelters [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 1,824
Trademarks [member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	14 years
Trademarks [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	20 years
Patented and non-patented technology [member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	ten years
Patented and non-patented technology [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	20 years
Power contracts water rights [member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	two years
Power contracts water rights [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	45 years
Other purchase and customer contracts [member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	five years
Other purchase and customer contracts [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	15 years
Computer software [Member] | Bottom of range [Member] | Internally generated [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	two years
Computer software [Member] | Top of range [Member] | Internally generated [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	five years
Other intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 463	$ 387	398
Disposals, transfers and other movements	$ 79	94
Other intangible assets [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	two years
Other intangible assets [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Finite life intangible assets, useful lives	20 years
Exploration and evaluation [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 393	711	$ 706
Disposals, transfers and other movements	(45)	$ (17)
Exploration and evaluation [member] | Kemano Tunnel Project [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Disposals, transfers and other movements	$ 34

Intangible assets - Summary 145

Intangible assets - Summary of exploration and evaluation expenditure (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Exploration And Evaluation Expenditure [Abstract]
Net expenditure in the year (net of proceeds of US$3 million (2016: US$208 million; 2015: US$nil) on disposal of undeveloped projects)	$ (493)	$ (284)	$ (705)
Non-cash movements and non-cash proceeds on disposal of undeveloped projects	(24)	(177)	(15)
Amount capitalised during the year	57	8	152
Net charge for the year	(460)	(453)	(568)
Reconciliation to income statement
Exploration and evaluation costs	(445)	(497)	(576)
Profit relating to interests in undeveloped projects	(15)	44	8
Net charge for the year	$ (460)	$ (453)	$ (568)

Intangible assets - Summary 146

Intangible assets - Summary of exploration and evaluation expenditure (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Exploration And Evaluation Expenditure [Abstract]
Net proceeds on disposal of undeveloped projects	$ 3	$ 208	$ 0

Intangible assets - Additional

Intangible assets - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Exploration and evaluation costs	$ 445	$ 497	$ 576
Exploration and evaluation assets [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Capitalised related to projects which had not yet been approved to proceed	420	726
Exploration and evaluation costs	393	711
Early works expenditure within property, plant and equipment	$ 27	$ 15

Property, plant and equipment -

Property, plant and equipment - Summary of property, plant and equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	$ 58,855	$ 61,057
Adjustment on currency translation (c)	3,381	353
Adjustments to capitalised closure costs	710	(123)
Amounts capitalised	224	111	$ 254
Additions	4,751	3,128
Depreciation for the year (a) (e)	(4,198)	(4,567)	(4,438)
Impairment charges, net of reversals (f)	(435)	(248)
Disposals	(123)	(258)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (g)	(749)	(359)
Transfers and other movements (h)	(323)	(239)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	62,093	58,855	61,057
Non-current assets held under finance leases (i)	37	38
Non-current assets pledged as security (j)	12,303	11,169
Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	107,837
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	115,889	107,837
Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(48,982)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	(53,796)	(48,982)
Mining properties and leases [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	10,848	11,146
Adjustment on currency translation (c)	495	137
Adjustments to capitalised closure costs	710	(123)
Additions	230	237
Depreciation for the year (a) (e)	(673)	(760)
Impairment charges, net of reversals (f)	(304)	(130)
Disposals		(3)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (g)	(211)	(40)
Transfers and other movements (h)	393	384
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	11,488	10,848	11,146
Non-current assets pledged as security (j)	3,307	3,310
Mining properties and leases [member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	22,989
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	24,691	22,989
Mining properties and leases [member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(12,141)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	(13,203)	(12,141)
Land and buildings [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	7,316	7,571
Adjustment on currency translation (c)	461	62
Additions	41	47
Depreciation for the year (a) (e)	(403)	(429)
Impairment charges, net of reversals (f)	(2)
Disposals	(57)	(169)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (g)	(95)	(88)
Transfers and other movements (h)	115	322
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	7,376	7,316	7,571
Non-current assets pledged as security (j)	410	423
Land and buildings [Member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	11,444
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	12,029	11,444
Land and buildings [Member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(4,128)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	(4,653)	(4,128)
Plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	35,706	37,900
Adjustment on currency translation (c)	2,242	138
Additions	646	537
Depreciation for the year (a) (e)	(3,122)	(3,378)
Impairment charges, net of reversals (f)	(128)	(112)
Disposals	(40)	(86)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (g)	(417)	(217)
Transfers and other movements (h)	1,398	924
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	36,285	35,706	37,900
Non-current assets held under finance leases (i)	37	38
Non-current assets pledged as security (j)	5,308	5,332
Plant and equipment [member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	68,030
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	71,903	68,030
Plant and equipment [member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(32,324)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	(35,618)	(32,324)
Capital works in progress [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	4,985	4,440
Adjustment on currency translation (c)	183	16
Amounts capitalised	224	111
Additions	3,834	2,307
Impairment charges, net of reversals (f)	(1)	(6)
Disposals	(26)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (g)	(26)	(14)
Transfers and other movements (h)	(2,229)	(1,869)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	6,944	4,985	$ 4,440
Non-current assets pledged as security (j)	3,278	2,104
Capital works in progress [member] | Cost [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	5,374
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	7,266	5,374
Capital works in progress [member] | Accumulated amortisation and impairment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	(389)
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	$ (322)	$ (389)

Property, plant and equipmen149

Property, plant and equipment - Summary of property, plant and equipment (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	$ 4,198	$ 4,567	$ 4,438
Average borrowing rate used for capitalisation of interest	4.45%	4.20%
Loans secured by non-current assets collateral	$ 4,677	$ 4,783
Capitalised production phase stripping costs [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Capitalised production phase stripping costs, carrying amount	1,815	1,967
Capitalisation of property, plant and equipment	327
Capitalisation offset by depreciation	299
Capitalised production phase stripping costs [Member] | Property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Capitalised production phase stripping costs, carrying amount	1,374	1,511
Capitalised production phase stripping costs [Member] | Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Capitalised production phase stripping costs, carrying amount	441	456
Capitalised production phase stripping costs [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	194	203	$ 173
Freehold [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Land and buildings carrying amount	7,294	7,276
Long leasehold [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Land and buildings carrying amount	$ 82	40
Land [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	Not depreciated
Buildings [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	5 years
Buildings [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	50 years
Plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	$ 3,122	$ 3,378
Plant and equipment [member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	3 years
Plant and equipment [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	P50Y
Power generating assets [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	P25Y
Power generating assets [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	P50Y
Capital works in progress [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment	Not depreciated

Investments in equity accoun150

Investments in equity accounted units - Summary of Investments in equity accounted units (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Investments in equity accounted units [Line Items]
– Non-current assets	$ 76,554	$ 74,177
– Current assets	18,678	15,055
Total assets	95,726	89,263
– Current liabilities	(11,225)	(9,362)
– Non-current liabilities	(33,262)	(34,133)
Total liabilities	(44,611)	(43,533)
Rio Tinto's share of net assets	4,486	5,019
Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of Investments in equity accounted units [Line Items]
– Non-current assets	5,913	6,686
– Current assets	990	832
Total assets	6,903	7,518
– Current liabilities	(654)	(612)
– Non-current liabilities	(1,763)	(1,887)
Total liabilities	(2,417)	(2,499)
Rio Tinto's share of net assets	$ 4,486	$ 5,019	$ 4,941

Investments in equity accoun151

Investments in equity accounted units - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Investments in equity accounted units [Line Items]
Investments in equity accounted units with shares listed on recognised stock exchanges	$ 0	$ 0
Net debt of the Group	3,845,000,000	9,587,000,000	$ 13,783,000,000
Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of Investments in equity accounted units [Line Items]
Net debt of the Group	$ 1,244,000,000	$ 1,338,000,000

Inventories - Summary of invent

Inventories - Summary of inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Classes Of Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased components	$ 648	$ 470
Consumable stores	875	840
Work in progress	1,082	970
Finished goods and goods for resale	1,027	800
Inventories	3,632	3,080
Expected to be used within one year	3,472	2,937
Expected to be used after more than one year	$ 160	$ 143

Inventories - Additional inform

Inventories - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Classes Of Inventories [Line Items]
Inventory write-downs, net of reversals		$ 51	$ 192
Net inventory write- back	$ 7
Inventory write offs	74
Disclosure - Inventories - Additional information (Detail) [Line Items]
Inventories pledged as security for liabilities	611	$ 564
Previously Stated [Member]
Classes Of Inventories [Line Items]
Net inventory write- back	$ 81

Deferred Taxation - Reconciliat

Deferred Taxation - Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability asset (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation Of Changes In Deferred Tax Liability Asset [Abstract]
At 1 January - deferred tax asset	$ (607)	$ (23)
Adjustment on currency translation	53	58
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	695	(548)
(Charged)/credited to statement of comprehensive income	153	(33)	$ 178
Disposals		(8)
Other movements	(61)	(53)
At 31 December - deferred tax liability/(asset)	233	(607)	$ (23)
– deferred tax liabilities	3,628	3,121
– deferred tax assets	$ (3,395)	$ (3,728)

Deferred Taxation - Deferred ta

Deferred Taxation - Deferred tax liabilities and assets, prior to offsetting of balances (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	$ 6,440	$ 6,340
Deferred tax assets	(6,207)	(6,947)
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	695	(548)
Capital allowances [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	5,208	4,937
Deferred tax assets	(579)	(883)
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	278	(441)
Unremitted earnings [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	588	659
Capitalised interest [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	391	403
Unrealised exchange gains (losses) [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	31	40
Deferred tax assets	(317)	(342)
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	36	156
Other temporary differences [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	222	301
Deferred tax assets	(682)	(548)
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	(235)	150
Tax losses [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	(2,282)	(2,246)
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	12	(122)
Provisions [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	(1,731)	(2,040)
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	451	(279)
Post-retirement benefits [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	(616)	(888)
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	149	(6)
Tax on unremitted earnings [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Charged/(credited) to the income statement	$ 4	$ (6)

Deferred Taxation - Deferred156

Deferred Taxation - Deferred tax liabilities and assets, prior to offsetting of balances (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	$ 3,628	$ 3,121
Deferred tax assets	3,395	3,728
Deferred tax is not recognised on the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures	3,242	2,523
Tax payable on unremitted earnings	$ 131	125
Deferred tax loss recovery period	6 years
Recognised and unrecognised deferred tax assets	$ 7,071	7,170
Unrecognised deferred tax assets	3,676	3,442
Unused tax losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	1,679	1,309
Later than one year [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	3,615	3,109
Deferred tax assets	$ 3,386	$ 3,721

Deferred Taxation - Recognised

Deferred Taxation - Recognised and unrecognised amounts in deferred tax assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Recognised	$ 3,395	$ 3,728
Unrecognised	3,676	3,442
France [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Recognised		330
Unrecognised	1,163	1,077
Canada [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Recognised	546	470
Unrecognised	674	707
United States [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Recognised	877	1,239
Unrecognised	7	6
Australia [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Recognised	1,055	1,072
Unrecognised	257	446
Mongolia [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Recognised	631	441
Unrecognised	61
Other countries [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Recognised	286	176
Unrecognised	$ 1,514	$ 1,206

Deferred Taxation - Recognis158

Deferred Taxation - Recognised and unrecognised amounts in deferred tax assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 3,395	$ 3,728
Deferred tax loss recovery period	6 years
Unrecognised deferred tax assets	$ 3,676	3,442
Realised or unrealised capital losses [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 250	105
Deferred tax loss recovery period	1 year
Unrecognised deferred tax assets	$ 777	964
Mongolia [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	631	441
Unrecognised deferred tax assets	61
Mongolia [Member] | Tax losses [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 432	$ 365
Deferred tax loss recovery period	8 years

Trade and other receivables - S

Trade and other receivables - Summary of trade and other receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Trade And Other Receivables [Abstract]
Non-current trade receivables	$ 1
Other non-current receivables	526	$ 347
Non-current prepayment of tolling charges to jointly controlled entities	269	267
Non-current pension surpluses	871	625
Non-current other prepayments	57	103
Non-current trade and other receivables	1,724	1,342
Current trade receivables	2,314	2,283
Other current receivables	820	880
Current amounts due from equity accounted units	30	31
Current other prepayments	279	266
Current trade and other receivables	3,443	3,460
Trade receivables	2,315	2,283
Other receivables	1,346	1,227
Prepayment of tolling charges to jointly controlled entities	269	267
Pension surpluses	871	625
Amounts due from equity accounted units	30	31
Other prepayments	336	369
Trade and other receivables	$ 5,167	$ 4,802

Trade and other receivables 160

Trade and other receivables - Summary of trade and other receivables (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Trade And Other Receivables [Abstract]
Net of provisions for doubtful debts	$ 55	$ 66
Impairment loss recognised in profit or loss, trade receivables	38
Unused provision reversed, other provisions	$ 11

Trade and other receivables - A

Trade and other receivables - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]
Trade receivables	$ 2,315	$ 2,283
Trade and other receivables	5,167	4,802
Rio Tinto plc [member] | LIBOR [Member]
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables	9,114	6,007
Trade receivables past due but not impaired [Member]
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]
Trade receivables	$ 145	$ 230

Trade and other receivables 162

Trade and other receivables - Summary of ageing receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Aging Of Trade And Other Receivables Past Due But Not Impaired [Line Items]
Trade receivables	$ 2,315	$ 2,283
Trade receivables past due but not impaired [Member]
Disclosure Of Aging Of Trade And Other Receivables Past Due But Not Impaired [Line Items]
Trade receivables	145	230
Trade receivables past due but not impaired [Member] | Less than 30 days overdue [member]
Disclosure Of Aging Of Trade And Other Receivables Past Due But Not Impaired [Line Items]
Trade receivables	122	196
Trade receivables past due but not impaired [Member] | Between 30 and 60 days overdue [member]
Disclosure Of Aging Of Trade And Other Receivables Past Due But Not Impaired [Line Items]
Trade receivables	3	4
Trade receivables past due but not impaired [Member] | Between 60 and 90 days overdue [member]
Disclosure Of Aging Of Trade And Other Receivables Past Due But Not Impaired [Line Items]
Trade receivables	17	7
Trade receivables past due but not impaired [Member] | More than 90 days overdue [member]
Disclosure Of Aging Of Trade And Other Receivables Past Due But Not Impaired [Line Items]
Trade receivables	$ 3	$ 23

Assets and liabilities held 163

Assets and liabilities held for sale - Additional information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [member] | Dunkerque Aluminium Smelter [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in subsidiary	$ 355

Other financial assets (incl164

Other financial assets (including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units) - Summary of other financial assets including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Other Assets [Abstract]
Non-current derivative financial instruments	$ 238	$ 508
Non-current equity shares and quoted funds	45	73
Other non-current investments, including loans	188	202
Non-current non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units	39	39
Non-current other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units)	510	822
Current derivative financial instruments	29	24
Current equity shares and quoted funds	91	83
Other current investments, including loans	964	252
Current other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units)	1,084	359
Derivative financial instruments	267	532
Equity shares and quoted funds	136	156
Other investments, including loans	1,152	454
Loans to equity accounted units	39	39
Other financial assets (including loans to equity accounted units)	$ 1,594	$ 1,181

Other financial assets (incl165

Other financial assets (including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units) - Summary of other financial assets including non-quasi equity loans to equity accounted units (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Other Assets [Abstract]
Highly liquid financial assets held in managed investment funds classified as held for trading	$ 958	$ 250

Cash and cash equivalents - Sum

Cash and cash equivalents - Summary of cash and cash equivalents (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash at bank and in hand	$ 1,035	$ 956
Money market funds and other cash equivalents	9,515	7,245
Balance per Group balance sheet	10,550	8,201
Bank overdrafts repayable on demand (unsecured)	(3)	(12)
Balance per Group cash flow statement	$ 10,547	$ 8,189	$ 9,354	$ 12,400

Cash and cash equivalents - Add

Cash and cash equivalents - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of cash and cash equivalents [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 290	$ 358
Repayment of third party borrowings	158	252
Subsidiaries [Member]
Disclosure of cash and cash equivalents [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,089	1,051
Repayment of third party borrowings	$ 703	$ 766

Borrowings and other financi168

Borrowings and other financial liabilities - Summary of detailed information about borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 14,624	$ 16,913
Current borrowings including overdrafts	552	717
Total borrowings	$ 15,176	17,630
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 9.0% 2019 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing		1,235
Total borrowings		$ 1,235
Borrowings, interest rate	9.00%	9.00%
Borrowing maturity	2,019	2,019
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.5% 2020 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing		$ 464
Total borrowings		$ 464
Borrowings, interest rate	3.50%	3.50%
Borrowing maturity	2,020	2,020
Rio Tinto Finance plc Euro Bonds 2.0% due 2020 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 921	$ 817
Total borrowings	$ 921	$ 817
Borrowings, interest rate	2.00%	2.00%
Borrowing maturity	2,020	2,020
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 4.125% 2021 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 428	$ 573
Total borrowings	$ 428	$ 573
Borrowings, interest rate	4.125%	4.125%
Borrowing maturity	2,021	2,021
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.750% 2021 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 347	$ 621
Total borrowings	$ 347	$ 621
Borrowings, interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
Borrowing maturity	2,021	2,021
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 3.5% 2022 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 227	$ 459
Total borrowings	$ 227	$ 459
Borrowings, interest rate	3.50%	3.50%
Borrowing maturity	2,022	2,022
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 2.875% 2022 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 377	$ 509
Total borrowings	$ 377	$ 509
Borrowings, interest rate	2.875%	2.875%
Borrowing maturity	2,022	2,022
Rio Tinto Finance plc Euro Bonds 2.875% due 2024 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 644	$ 577
Total borrowings	$ 644	$ 577
Borrowings, interest rate	2.875%	2.875%
Borrowing maturity	2,024	2,024
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 3.75% 2025 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 1,192	$ 1,195
Total borrowings	$ 1,192	$ 1,195
Borrowings, interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
Borrowing maturity	2,025	2,025
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 7.125% 2028 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 965	$ 980
Total borrowings	$ 965	$ 980
Borrowings, interest rate	7.125%	7.125%
Borrowing maturity	2,028	2,028
Alcan Inc. Debentures 7.25% due 2028 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 105	$ 105
Total borrowings	$ 105	$ 105
Borrowings, interest rate	7.25%	7.25%
Borrowing maturity	2,028	2,028
Rio Tinto Finance plc Sterling Bonds 4.0% due 2029 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 669	$ 609
Total borrowings	$ 669	$ 609
Borrowings, interest rate	4.00%	4.00%
Borrowing maturity	2,029	2,029
Alcan Inc. Debentures 7.25% due 2031 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 422	$ 425
Total borrowings	$ 422	$ 425
Borrowings, interest rate	7.25%	7.25%
Borrowing maturity	2,031	2,031
Alcan Inc. Global Notes 6.125% due 2033 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 740	$ 741
Total borrowings	$ 740	$ 741
Borrowings, interest rate	6.125%	6.125%
Borrowing maturity	2,033	2,033
Alcan Inc. Global Notes 5.75% due 2035 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 287	$ 287
Total borrowings	$ 287	$ 287
Borrowings, interest rate	5.75%	5.75%
Borrowing maturity	2,035	2,035
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 5.2% 2040 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 1,102	$ 1,103
Total borrowings	$ 1,102	$ 1,103
Borrowings, interest rate	5.20%	5.20%
Borrowing maturity	2,040	2,040
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 4.75% 2042 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 467	$ 466
Total borrowings	$ 467	$ 466
Borrowings, interest rate	4.75%	4.75%
Borrowing maturity	2,042	2,042
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc Bonds 4.125% 2042 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 691	$ 690
Total borrowings	$ 691	$ 690
Borrowings, interest rate	4.125%	4.125%
Borrowing maturity	2,042	2,042
Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2027 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 2,262	$ 2,259
Total borrowings	$ 2,262	$ 2,259
Borrowing maturity	2,027	2,027
Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2028 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 255	$ 247
Total borrowings	$ 255	$ 247
Borrowing maturity	2,028	2,028
Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2029 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 869	$ 866
Total borrowings	$ 869	$ 866
Borrowing maturity	2,029	2,029
Oyu Tolgoi LLC Secured Loan due 2030 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	$ 761	$ 754
Total borrowings	$ 761	$ 754
Borrowing maturity	2,030	2,030
Loans from equity accounting units [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Current borrowings including overdrafts	$ 31	$ 49
Total borrowings	31	49
Other secured loans [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	451	530
Current borrowings including overdrafts	79	127
Total borrowings	530	657
Other unsecured loans [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	393	377
Current borrowings including overdrafts	435	508
Total borrowings	828	885
Finance leases [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Non-current borrowing	49	24
Current borrowings including overdrafts	4	21
Total borrowings	53	45
Bank overdrafts [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Current borrowings including overdrafts	3	12
Total borrowings	$ 3	$ 12

Borrowings and other financi169

Borrowings and other financial liabilities - Summary of detailed information about borrowings (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Cumulative amount utilised from debt issuance	$ 2,200	$ 1,900
Carrying value of bonds	2,200	2,000
Borrowings	15,176	17,630
Subsidiary borrowings	2,700	2,800
Debt instrument restrictive covenants	4,700	4,800
European debt issuance programme [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 10,000	$ 10,000

Borrowings and other financi170

Borrowings and other financial liabilities - Summary of borrowings and other financial liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of borrowings and other financial liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	$ 15,148	$ 17,470
Total non-current borrowings including overdrafts (as above)	14,624	16,913
Total current borrowings including overdrafts (as above)	552	717
Total current borrowings and other financial liabilities	904	922
Total other financial liabilities	345	239
Total borrowings including overdrafts (as above)	15,176	17,630
Total borrowings and other financial liabilities	16,052	18,392
Derivative financial instruments [member]
Disclosure of borrowings and other financial liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	481	517
Total other current financial liabilities	50	6
Total other financial liabilities	531	523
Other financial liability [Member]
Disclosure of borrowings and other financial liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	43	40
Total other current financial liabilities	302	199
Total other financial liabilities	345	239
Total Other financial liabilities [member]
Disclosure of borrowings and other financial liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	524	557
Total other current financial liabilities	352	205
Total other financial liabilities	$ 876	$ 762

Borrowings and other financi171

Borrowings and other financial liabilities - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Derivative financial assets	$ 267,000,000	$ 532,000,000
Interest rate swaps [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Derivative financial liabilities	276,000,000	516,000,000
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited Bonds 7.125% 2028 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowings at amortised cost	75,000,000	75,000,000
Interest rate swaps [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Derivative financial assets	99,000,000	108,000,000
Cross currency interest rate swaps [member] | Rio Tinto Finance plc Sterling Bonds 4.0% due 2029 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowings notional amount	700,000,000	600,000,000
US Dollars [Member] | Interest rate swaps [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowings notional amount	5,700,000,000	7,700,000,000
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Interest rate swaps [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowings notional amount	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 1,300,000,000

Capitalised finance leases - Su

Capitalised finance leases - Summary of capitalised finance leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis Of Finance Lease Payments Payable [Line Items]
Total minimum lease payments undiscounted	$ 57	$ 45
Effect of discounting	(4)
Total minimum lease payments discounted	53	45
Due within 1 year [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis Of Finance Lease Payments Payable [Line Items]
Present value of minimum lease payments	4	21
Between 1 and 3 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis Of Finance Lease Payments Payable [Line Items]
Present value of minimum lease payments	14	8
Between 3 and 5 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis Of Finance Lease Payments Payable [Line Items]
Present value of minimum lease payments	28	6
More than 5 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis Of Finance Lease Payments Payable [Line Items]
Present value of minimum lease payments	$ 11	$ 10

Consolidated net debt - Analysi

Consolidated net debt - Analysis of changes in consolidated net debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Net debt at beginning balance	$ (9,587)	$ (13,783)
Foreign exchange adjustment	(70)	90
Cash movements excluding exchange movements, net debt	5,859	3,915
Other non-cash movements	(47)	191
Net debt at ending balance	(3,845)	(9,587)
Borrowings (including finance leases) Excluding Overdraft [Member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Financial liabilities, beginning balance	(17,618)
Foreign exchange adjustment	(303)
Cash movements excluding exchange movements	2,777
Other non-cash movements	(29)
Financial liabilities, ending balance	(15,173)	(17,618)
Debt-related derivatives (included in "Other financial assets/liabilities) [member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Financial liabilities, beginning balance	(408)
Foreign exchange adjustment	245
Cash movements excluding exchange movements	7
Other non-cash movements	(21)
Financial liabilities, ending balance	(177)	(408)
Cash/Overdraft [Member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Cash and Overdrafts, Beginning balance	8,189
Foreign exchange adjustment	(12)
Cash movements excluding exchange movements	2,370
Cash and Overdrafts, ending balance	10,547	8,189
Other Investments [ Member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Other assts, Beginning balance	250
Cash movements excluding exchange movements	705
Other non-cash movements	3
Other assts, ending balance	$ 958	$ 250

Consolidated net debt - Exchang

Consolidated net debt - Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Exchange Gains And Losses [Abstract]
Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt	$ 554	$ 160	$ (1,578)
Exchange (losses)/gains on intragroup balances	(1,154)	449	(1,961)
Exchange (losses)/gains on settlement of dividends	(1)	2	1
(Charged)/credited to income statement	$ (601)	$ 611	$ (3,538)

Consolidated net debt - Exch175

Consolidated net debt - Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Other current non-financial liabilities	$ 904	$ 922
Disclosure - Consolidated net debt - Exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances (Parenthetical) (Detail) [Line Items]
Highly liquid financial assets held in managed investment funds classified as held for trading	958	250
Borrowings (including finance leases) Excluding Overdraft [Member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Finance lease liabilities	3	12
Total other current financial liabilities	352	205
Other current non-financial liabilities	524	557
Over Draft [Member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Current financial liabilities	$ 3	$ 12

Trade and other payables - Summ

Trade and other payables - Summary of Trade and other payables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Trade And Other Payables [Abstract]
Non-current deferred income	$ 246	$ 234
Non-current accruals	13	1
Non-current other payables	352	309
Non-current royalties and mining taxes	4	3
Non-current amounts owed to equity accounted units	156	151
Non-current government grants deferred	85	91
Non-current trade and other payables	856	789
Current trade payables	3,255	2,787
Current deferred income	246	197
Current accruals	1,347	973
Current other payables	964	1,072
Current employee entitlements	734	720
Current royalties and mining taxes	492	516
Current amounts owed to equity accounted units	19	92
Current government grants deferred	4	4
Current trade and other payables	7,061	6,361
Trade payables	3,255	2,787
Deferred income	492	431
Accruals	1,360	974
Other payables	1,316	1,381
Employee entitlements	734	720
Royalties and mining taxes	496	519
Amounts owed to equity accounted units	175	243
Government grants deferred	89	95
Trade and other payables	$ 7,917	$ 7,150

Provisions, including post-reti

Provisions, including post-retirement benefits - Summary of Provisions, including post-retirement benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at beginning balance	$ 13,794	$ 13,066
Adjustment on currency translation	846	(56)
Adjustments to mining properties
– changes in estimate	710	(123)
Charged/(credited) to profit:
– increases to existing and new provisions	797	1,630
– unused amounts reversed	(187)	(239)
– exchange (gains)/losses on provisions	(83)	13
– amortisation of discount	383	338	$ 378
Utilised in year	(1,053)	(997)
Actuarial losses recognised in equity	121	152
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (d)	(622)	(63)
Transfers to assets held for sale	(64)	(4)
Transfers and other movements		77
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at ending balance	14,642	13,794	13,066
Balance sheet analysis:
Current				$ 1,275	$ 1,315
Non-current				13,367	12,479
Total	13,794	13,794	$ 13,066	14,642	13,794
Pensions and post retirement healthcare [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at beginning balance	3,167
Adjustment on currency translation	200
Charged/(credited) to profit:
– increases to existing and new provisions	233
Utilised in year	(339)
Actuarial losses recognised in equity	121
Transfers to assets held for sale	(13)
Transfers and other movements	1
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at ending balance	3,370	3,167
Balance sheet analysis:
Current				84
Non-current				3,286
Total	3,167	3,167		3,370	3,167
Other employee entitlements [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at beginning balance	450
Adjustment on currency translation	34
Charged/(credited) to profit:
– increases to existing and new provisions	96
– unused amounts reversed	(37)
Utilised in year	(84)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (d)	(69)
Transfers to assets held for sale	(4)
Transfers and other movements	3
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at ending balance	389	450
Balance sheet analysis:
Current				277
Non-current				112
Total	450	450		389	450
Close down and restoration/ environmental [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at beginning balance	8,722
Adjustment on currency translation	502
Adjustments to mining properties
– changes in estimate	710
Charged/(credited) to profit:
– increases to existing and new provisions	230
– unused amounts reversed	(61)
– exchange (gains)/losses on provisions	(40)
– amortisation of discount	348
Utilised in year	(268)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (d)	(102)
Transfers to assets held for sale	(47)
Transfers and other movements	(11)
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at ending balance	9,983	8,722
Balance sheet analysis:
Current				634
Non-current				9,349
Total	8,722	8,722		9,983	8,722
Other [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at beginning balance	1,455
Adjustment on currency translation	110
Charged/(credited) to profit:
– increases to existing and new provisions	238
– unused amounts reversed	(89)
– exchange (gains)/losses on provisions	(43)
– amortisation of discount	35
Utilised in year	(362)
Subsidiaries no longer consolidated (d)	(451)
Transfers and other movements	7
Provisions (including post-retirement benefits) at ending balance	900	1,455
Balance sheet analysis:
Current				280
Non-current				620
Total	$ 1,455	$ 1,455		$ 900	$ 1,455

Provisions, including post-r178

Provisions, including post-retirement benefits - Summary of Provisions, including post-retirement benefits (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Remaining lives of operations and infrastructure present closure obligation	20 years	16 years
Remaining lives of operations and infrastructure	one to over 50 years
Close-down and restoration costs and environmental clean-up obligations	$ 9,983	$ 8,722
Risk free interest rate on provisions	2.00%
Provision	$ 14,642	13,794	$ 13,066
Non-current provisions	$ 13,367	12,479
Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Risk free interest rate on provisions	0.50%
Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision	$ 1,102
Other employee entitlements [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision for long service leave	292	317
Provision for redundancy and severance payments	24	59
Provision	389	450
Non-current provisions	112
Close down and restoration/ environmental [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision	9,983	8,722
Non-current provisions	9,349
Provisions relating to insurance recoveries and other financial assets held	75	110
Close down and restoration/ environmental [member] | Pre 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Non-current provisions	336	366
Close down and restoration/ environmental [member] | More than 5 years [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Non-current provisions	$ 839	$ 727

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc -

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc - Summary of share capital (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc	0	0	0
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Issued and fully paid up share capital at beginning balance	$ 224	$ 224	$ 230
Shares purchased and cancelled	(4)		(6)
Issued and fully paid up share capital at ending balance	$ 220	$ 224	$ 224
Number of issued and fully paid up share capital at beginning balance	1,384,520,000	1,384,487,000	1,425,378,000
Number of shares held by public at beginning balance	1,384,520,000	1,384,487,000
Ordinary shares issued	26,241	33,210	21,709
Shares purchased and cancelled	(32,937,000)		(40,913,000)
Shares purchased and cancelled	(32,937,109)	0	(40,912,881)
Number of issued and fully paid up share capital at ending balance	1,351,609,000	1,384,520,000	1,384,487,000
Number of shares held by public at ending balance	1,351,609,000	1,384,520,000	1,384,487,000
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Shares held by public [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Number of shares held by public at beginning balance	1,374,822,000	1,374,046,000	1,414,147,000
Shares reissued from treasury	147,000	743,000	790,000
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc	9,551,000	9,698,000	10,441,000
Number of shares held by public at ending balance	1,342,058,000	1,374,822,000	1,374,046,000
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Special voting share [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Other share classes	1 only	1 only	1 only
Rio Tinto plc [member] | DLC dividend share [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Other share classes	1 only	1 only	1 only
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Equalisation share [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Other share classes	1 only	1 only	1 only

Share capital - Rio Tinto pl180

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc - Summary of share capital (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Rio Tinto plc [member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)£ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)£ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)£ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Ordinary shares issued	26,241	26,241	33,210	33,210	21,709	21,709
Number of shares bought back	32,937,109		0		40,912,881
Share capital | $	$ 220	$ 220	$ 224	$ 224	$ 224	$ 224	$ 230
Treasury stock reissued | $	$ 2		$ 4		$ 13
Treasury shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Ordinary shares issued	147,126	147,126	743,380	743,380
Rio Tinto Plc employee share based payment plans [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Ordinary shares issued	0	0	0	0	0	0
Exercise prices per share | £ / shares		$ 28.63		$ 16.53		$ 15.09
Market value per share | £ / shares		$ 37.78		$ 32.23		$ 32.37
Rio Tinto Plc employee share based payment plans [member] | Treasury shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Shares reissued from treasury	147,126		743,380		789,887
Global employee share plan [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Share capital | $	$ 1	$ 1	$ 0.9	$ 0.9	$ 0.9	$ 0.9

Share capital - Rio Tinto pl181

Share capital - Rio Tinto plc - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
ADRs held by the Employee share ownership Trust (ESOT)	0	0	0
Share of Rio Tinto plc and American depository receipts [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Value of shares purchased by employee share ownership trusts	$ 38.9	$ 40.1	$ 34.1
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Shares to held in the employee share ownership trusts on behalf of Rio Tinto plc	835,062
Rio Tinto plc [member] | American depository receipts [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
ADRs held by the Employee share ownership Trust (ESOT)	38,849

Share capital - Rio Tinto Li182

Share capital - Rio Tinto Limited - Summary of share capital (Detail) $ in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017shares	Apr. 30, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Adjustment on currency translation | $			$ 908
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Issued and fully paid up share capital at beginning balance			3,915	$ 4,004	$ 3,950		$ 4,535
Adjustment on currency translation | $			310		(35)		(503)
Ordinary shares purchased and cancelled | $			(85)				(82)
Issued and fully paid up share capital at ending balance			$ 4,140	$ 3,893	$ 3,915	$ 4,004	$ 3,950
Number of issued and fully paid up share capital at beginning balance | shares			424,190,000	424,190,000	424,190,000	424,190,000	435,760,000
Ordinary shares purchased and cancelled | shares	(11,778,064)	(11,566,308)	(11,780,000)	(11,780,000)			(11,570,000)
Number of issued and fully paid up share capital at ending balance | shares			412,410,000	412,410,000	424,190,000	424,190,000	424,190,000
Rio Tinto Limited [member] | Special voting share [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Other share classes			1 only	1 only	1 only	1 only	1 only
Rio Tinto Limited [member] | DLC dividend share [member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Other share classes			1 only	1 only	1 only	1 only	1 only

Share capital - Rio Tinto Li183

Share capital - Rio Tinto Limited - Summary of share capital (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Rio Tinto Limited [member] - $ / shares	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Ordinary shares purchased and cancelled	11,778,064	11,566,308	11,780,000	11,570,000
Price per purchased share	$ 63.67	$ 48.44
Top of range [Member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Number of shares bought back	42,400,000	43,500,000

Share capital - Rio Tinto Li184

Share capital - Rio Tinto Limited - Additional Information (Detail) - Rio Tinto Limited [member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Value of shares purchased by employee share ownership trusts	$ 37.5	$ 48.5	$ 37
Shares to held in the employee share ownership trusts on behalf of Rio Tinto Limited	757,450

Other reserves and retained 185

Other reserves and retained earnings - Summary of other reserves and retained earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 9,216
Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto		$ (165)	[1]	$ 3
Companies no longer consolidated	(2)	8		5
Ending balance	12,284	9,216
Parent and subsidiaries currency translation and exchange adjustments	(70)	90
Beginning balance	21,631
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income	(153)	33		(178)
Share buy-back	(2,397)
Dividends (note 11)	(4,653)	(3,077)		(4,391)
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement	98	125		134
Ending balance	23,761	21,631
Capital redemption reserve [Member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	34	34		28
Own shares purchased and cancelled	4			6
Ending balance	38	34		34
Hedging reserves [member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	32			12
Parent and subsidiaries' net cash flow hedge fair value gains/(losses)	62	(88)		(41)
Parent and subsidiaries' net cash flow hedge (gains)/losses transferred to the income statement	(62)	116		32
Tax on the above		4		(3)
Ending balance	32	32
Available for sale revaluation reserves [member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(126)	(139)		(130)
Gains/(losses) on available for sale securities	19	13		(16)
Losses on available for sale securities transferred to the income statement	6			7
Tax on the above	(1)
Transfers and other movements	122
Ending balance	20	(126)		(139)
Other reserves [member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	11,861	11,735		11,704
Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto		108
Own shares purchased from Rio Tinto Limited shareholders to satisfy share options	(64)	(43)		(25)
Employee share options: value of services	31	58		58
Deferred tax on share options	10	3		(2)
Companies no longer consolidated	(124)
Ending balance	11,714	11,861		11,735
Foreign currency translation reserve [member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	9,216	9,139
Ending balance	12,284	9,216		9,139
Beginning balance	(2,585)	(2,491)		(492)
Parent and subsidiaries currency translation and exchange adjustments	2,942	(204)		(1,940)
Equity accounted units currency translation adjustments	34	11		(57)
Currency translation reclassified on disposal	78	99		(2)
Transfers and other movements	11
Ending balance	480	(2,585)		(2,491)
Retained earnings [Member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Change in equity interest held by Rio Tinto	43	40	[1]	20
Own shares purchased from Rio Tinto Limited shareholders to satisfy share options	(133)
Companies no longer consolidated	130
Beginning balance	21,631	19,736		26,110
Parent and subsidiaries' profit/(loss) for the year	8,423	4,298		(1,218)
Equity accounted units' profit after tax for the year	339	319		352
Actuarial gains/(losses)	1	(94)		616
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income	(150)	30		(173)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	8,613	4,553		(423)
Share buy-back	(2,312)			(1,946)
Dividends (note 11)	(4,250)	(2,725)		(4,076)
Companies no longer consolidated	130
Own shares purchased/treasury shares reissued for share options and other movements	(18)	(37)		(27)
Employee share options and other IFRS 2 charges to the income statement	57	64		78
Transfer and other movements	(133)
Ending balance	$ 23,761	$ 21,631		$ 19,736
[1]	The restructure of Coal & Allied Industries Limited completed on 3 February 2016. The restructure involved the exchange of a 32.4 per cent interest in Hunter Valley Operations mine for an additional 20 per cent shareholding in Coal & Allied Industries Limited, increasing Rio Tinto’s shareholding of Coal & Allied Industries Limited from 80 per cent to 100 per cent. Rio Tinto sold its 100 per cent interest in Coal & Allied Industries Limited on 1 September 2017.

Other reserves and retained 186

Other reserves and retained earnings - Summary of other reserves and retained earnings (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Share premium account	$ 4,306,000,000	$ 4,304,000,000
Other reserve, share premium	12,284,000,000	9,216,000,000
Actuarial losses to equity accounted units	(855,000,000)	(1,120,000,000)	$ 548,000,000
Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Actuarial losses to equity accounted units	0	$ 0	$ 0
Share premium [Member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Share premium account	0
Merger reserve [Member]
Disclosure Of Other Reserves And Retained Earnings [Line Items]
Other reserve, share premium	$ 11,936,000,000

Financial instruments and ri187

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of financial assets by categories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,550	$ 8,201
Trade and other receivables	2,985	3,047
Equity shares and quoted funds	136	156
Other investments, including loans	1,152	454
Currency and commodity derivatives: designated as hedges		1
Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt not designated as hedges	168	423
Derivatives related to net debt	99	108
Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans	198	202
Total financial assets	15,288	12,592
Loans and receivables [member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	10,550	8,201
Trade and other receivables	2,895	2,904
Other investments, including loans	15	14
Loans to equity accounted units including quasi equity loans	198	202
Total financial assets	13,658	11,321
Available for sale securities [member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Equity shares and quoted funds	136	156
Total financial assets	136	156
Held at fair value [member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables	90	143
Other investments, including loans	1,125	431
Currency and commodity derivatives: designated as hedges		1
Derivatives and embedded derivatives not related to net debt not designated as hedges	168	423
Derivatives related to net debt	99	108
Total financial assets	1,482	1,106
Held to maturity assets [member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Other investments, including loans	12	9
Total financial assets	$ 12	$ 9

Financial instruments and ri188

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of financial liabilities by categories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	$ (5,922)	$ (5,209)
Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts	(552)	(717)
Medium and long-term borrowings	(14,624)	(16,913)
Derivatives related to net debt	(276)	(516)
Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges	(255)	(7)
Other financial liabilities	(345)	(239)
Total financial liabilities	(21,974)	(23,601)
Held at fair value [member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	(15)	(5)
Derivatives related to net debt	(276)	(516)
Other derivatives and embedded derivatives: not designated as hedges	(255)	(7)
Total financial liabilities	(546)	(528)
Other financial liability [Member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	(5,907)	(5,204)
Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts	(552)	(717)
Medium and long-term borrowings	(14,624)	(16,913)
Other financial liabilities	(345)	(239)
Total financial liabilities	$ (21,428)	$ (23,073)

Financial instruments and ri189

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of financial assets by categories (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Highly liquid financial assets held in managed investment funds classified as held for trading	$ 958	$ 250
Trade and other receivables	$ 2,985	3,047
Increase (decrease) due to corrections of prior period errors [member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables		$ (385)

Financial instruments and ri190

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of financial liabilities by categories (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Trade and other payables	$ 5,922	$ 5,209
Increase (decrease) due to corrections of prior period errors [member]
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract]
Trade and other payables		$ (177)

Financial instruments and ri191

Financial instruments and risk management - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Description of exposure to risk	The key financial risks are capital and liquidity, commodity price, credit, foreign exchange and interest rate
Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2	$ 0	$ 0
Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3	$ 0	$ 0

Financial instruments and ri192

Financial instruments and risk management - Capital and liquidity risk management - Additional information (Detail) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)CreditFacility	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Net debt		$ 3,845	$ 9,587	$ 13,783
Borrowings		15,176	17,630
Level 1 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		9,600	11,900
Borrowings at fair value		10,900	12,900
Level 3 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		4,100	4,100
Borrowings at fair value		$ 4,700	4,600
Percentage of change in London metal exchange		10.00%
Period of London metal exchange curve		Ten year
Decrease in carrying value of forward contract due to long-term metal pricing assumptions		$ 41	38
Increase in carrying value of forward contract due to long-term metal pricing assumptions		22	64
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		4,300	4,300
Additional Borrowings		9
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member] | MIGA Insured Loan due 2027 [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		$ 700
Pre-completion interest rate		2.65%
Post completion interest rate		3.65%
Borrowings, maturity		2,027
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member] | Commercial Banks “B Loan” due 2027 [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		$ 1,600
Pre-completion interest rate		3.40%
Post completion interest rate		4.40%
Borrowings, maturity		2,027
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member] | Export Credit Agencies Loan due 2028 [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		$ 300
Borrowings, maturity		2,028
Borrowings, interest rate		2.30%
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member] | Export Credit Agencies Loan due 2029 [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		$ 900
Pre-completion interest rate		3.65%
Post completion interest rate		4.65%
Borrowings, maturity		2,029
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member] | International Financial Institutions “A Loan” due 2030 [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings		$ 900
Pre-completion interest rate		3.78%
Post completion interest rate		4.78%
Borrowings, maturity		2,030
Capital and liquidity risk management [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Net debt		$ 3,845	$ 9,587
Net debt to total capital percentage		7.00%	17.00%
Description of interest coverage on debt		14 times	seven times
Description of rating agencies used		Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s investor services
Capital and liquidity risk management [member] | Rio Tinto Finance Plc and Rio Tinto Finance Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings, maturity	A US$1.9 billion facility currently matures in November 2020 and a US$5.6 billion facility (including a US$ denominated same day access swing-line facility) matures in November 2022.
Multi-currency revolving credit facilities	$ 7,500
Number of extension options in multi-currency revolving credit facilities | CreditFacility	2
Multi-currency revolving credit facilities period	one-year
Capital and liquidity risk management [member] | Rio Tinto Finance Plc and Rio Tinto Finance Limited [member] | November 2019 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Multi-currency revolving credit facilities	$ 1,900
Capital and liquidity risk management [member] | Rio Tinto Finance Plc and Rio Tinto Finance Limited [member] | November 2021 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Multi-currency revolving credit facilities	$ 5,600
Capital and liquidity risk management [member] | Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc and Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Redemption of bonds		$ 2,500	$ 7,500
Aggregate cash outflow before fees		$ 2,700	7,900
Bottom of range [Member] | Capital and liquidity risk management [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Percentage of underlying earnings		40.00%
Top of range [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Maximum carrying value of borrowings repayable, after impact of swaps		$ 1,700	$ 1,700
Top of range [Member] | Capital and liquidity risk management [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Percentage of underlying earnings		60.00%

Financial instruments and ri193

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of capital and liquidity risk management (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)	$ 44,711	$ 39,290	$ 37,349
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests (see Group balance sheet)	6,404	6,440
Net debt	3,845	9,587	$ 13,783
Capital and liquidity risk management [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)	44,711	39,290
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests (see Group balance sheet)	6,404	6,440
Net debt	3,845	9,587
Total capital	$ 54,960	$ 55,317

Financial instruments and ri194

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of credit ratings (Detail) - Capital and liquidity risk management [member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long term rating [member]
Disclosure of external credit grades [Line Items]
Credit ratings	A-/A3	A-/Baa1
Short term rating [member]
Disclosure of external credit grades [Line Items]
Credit ratings	A-1/P-2	A-1/P-2
Outlook [member]
Disclosure of external credit grades [Line Items]
Credit ratings	(a)Positive/Stable	Stable/ Stable

Financial instruments and ri195

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of credit ratings (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Capital and liquidity risk management [member]	Feb. 12, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long term rating [member]
Disclosure of external credit grades [Line Items]
Credit ratings		A-/A3	A-/Baa1
Long term rating [member] | Change in credit rating [member]
Disclosure of external credit grades [Line Items]
Credit ratings	A
Outlook [member]
Disclosure of external credit grades [Line Items]
Credit ratings		(a)Positive/Stable	Stable/ Stable
Outlook [member] | Change in credit rating [member]
Disclosure of external credit grades [Line Items]
Credit ratings	stable

Financial instruments and ri196

Financial instruments and risk management - Commodity price risk - Additional information (Detail) - Commodity price risk [Member] lb in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)lb	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)lb
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Description of hedging strategy	Rio Tinto’s exposure to commodity prices is diversified by virtue of its broad commodity base and the Group does not generally consider commodity price hedging would provide a long-term benefit to shareholders. The Group may hedge certain commitments with some of its customers or suppliers.
Copper [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Quantity of unsettled copper sales | lb	250	235
Provisionally priced unsettled copper sales per pound	$ 3.04	$ 2.50
Increase (Decrease) in net earnings due to price change	$ 41,000,000	36,000,000
Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Percentage change in market price on commodity derivatives	10.00%
Reduction in net earnings	$ 221,000,000	144,000,000
Increase in net earnings	$ 212,000,000	$ 139,000,000

Financial instruments and ri197

Financial instruments and risk management - Credit risk - Additional information (Detail) - Credit risk [Member] - Customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Description of customers receivable owing	The Group had approximately [XX] customers (2016: 92 customers) that owed the Group more than US$5 million each and these balances accounted for approximately [XX] per cent (2016: 74 per cent) of all receivables owing. There were [XX] customers (2016: 24 customers) with balances greater than US$20 million accounting for just over [XX] per cent (2016: 42 per cent) of total amounts receivable.
More than US dollar 5 million [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers	115	92
Per cent of receivables	78.00%	74.00%
Greater than US dollar 20 million [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers	23	24
Per cent of receivables	35.00%	42.00%

Financial instruments and ri198

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of maximum credit risk exposure of the Group's financial assets (Detail) - Credit risk [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Maximum credit risk exposure	$ 14,993	$ 12,273
Cash and cash equivalents [member]
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Maximum credit risk exposure	10,550	8,201
Trade and other receivables [member]
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Maximum credit risk exposure	2,985	3,047
Derivative assets [member]
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Maximum credit risk exposure	267	532
Loans to equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Maximum credit risk exposure	39	39
Fair value [member] | Loans And Receivables [Member] | Held to maturity assets [member] | Investments [member]
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Maximum credit risk exposure	$ 1,152	$ 454

Financial instruments and ri199

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of maximum credit risk exposure of the Group's financial assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables	$ 2,985	$ 3,047
Increase (decrease) due to corrections of prior period errors [member]
Disclosure Of Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables		$ (385)

Financial instruments and ri200

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary by currency, Group's net debt, after taking into account relevant cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,550	$ 8,201
Total borrowings in note 22	(15,176)	(17,630)
Derivatives related to net debt	(276)	(516)
Net funds/(debt)	(3,845)	(9,587)	$ (13,783)
Foreign exchange risk [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	10,550
Other investments	958
Total borrowings in note 22	(15,176)
Derivatives related to net debt	(177)
Net funds/(debt)	(3,845)	(9,587)
Foreign exchange risk [member] | US Dollars [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	9,950
Other investments	958
Total borrowings in note 22	(14,359)
Derivatives related to net debt	(177)
Net funds/(debt)	(3,628)	(9,294)
Foreign exchange risk [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	332
Total borrowings in note 22	(540)
Net funds/(debt)	(208)	(313)
Foreign exchange risk [member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	49
Total borrowings in note 22	(107)
Net funds/(debt)	(58)	(62)
Foreign exchange risk [member] | South Africa, Rand
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	59
Net funds/(debt)	59	103
Foreign exchange risk [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	18
Total borrowings in note 22	(166)
Net funds/(debt)	(148)	(155)
Foreign exchange risk [member] | Other Currencies [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	142
Total borrowings in note 22	(4)
Net funds/(debt)	$ 138	$ 134

Financial instruments and ri201

Financial instruments and risk management - Foreign exchange risk - Additional information (Detail) - Foreign exchange risk [member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Description of hedging strategy	Under normal market conditions, the Group does not consider that active currency hedging of transactions would provide long-term benefits to shareholders. The Group reviews its exposure on a regular basis and reserves the right to enter into hedges to maintain financial stability. Currency protection measures may be deemed appropriate in specific commercial circumstances, typically hedging of capital expenditures and other significant financial items such as acquisitions, disposals, tax and dividends, and are subject to strict limits laid down by the board. Refer to section B for the details of cross currency interest rate, currency forward and option contracts used to manage the currency risk exposures
Description of sensitivity analysis	Estimated retranslation effect on financial assets and financial liabilities of a ten per cent strengthening in the closing exchange rate of the US dollar against significant currencies. The sensitivity associated with a ten per cent weakening of a particular currency would be broadly equal and opposite to the figures presented. The impact is expressed in terms of the effect on net earnings, underlying earnings and equity, assuming that each exchange rate moves in isolation.
Percentage of change in annual foreign exchange rate	10.00%

Financial instruments and ri202

Financial instruments and risk management - Gains or Losses Associated with Ten Percent Strengthening of US Dollar (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Effect on net earnings	$ (61,000,000)	$ (38,000,000)	$ 263,000,000
Australian Dollars [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Closing exchange rate	0.78	0.72	0.73
Canada, Dollars [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Closing exchange rate	0.79	0.74	0.72
Euro Member Countries, Euro
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Closing exchange rate	1.20	1.05	1.09
Foreign exchange risk [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Closing exchange rate	0.78	0.72
Effect on net earnings	$ 608,000,000	$ 369,000,000
Amount impacting underlying earnings	$ 47,000,000	$ 37,000,000
Foreign exchange risk [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Closing exchange rate	0.79	0.74
Effect on net earnings	$ (134,000,000)	$ (159,000,000)
Amount impacting underlying earnings	$ 3,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Foreign exchange risk [member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Disclosure of detailed information about hedging instruments [Line Items]
Closing exchange rate	1.20	1.05
Effect on net earnings	$ 165,000,000	$ 172,000,000
Amount impacting underlying earnings	$ (2,000,000)

Financial instruments and ri203

Financial instruments and risk management - Interest rate risk - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps [member] | US Dollars [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 5,700,000,000	$ 7,700,000,000
Interest rate risk [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Adjusted total borrowings	$ 12,500,000,000	$ 14,700,000,000
Weighted average maturity period	ten years	ten years
Description of sensitivity to changes in interest rate	the effect on net earnings of a 100 basis point increase in US dollar LIBOR interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would be a charge of US$8 million (2016: US$44 million). The Group has an exposure to interest rate volatility within shareholders’ equity arising from fair value movements on derivatives in the cash flow hedge reserve. These derivatives have an underlying exposure to sterling and US dollar rates. With all factors remaining constant and based on the composition of derivatives impacting the cash flow reserve at 31 December 2017, the sensitivity of a 100 basis point increase in interest rates in each of the currencies in isolation would impact equity, before tax, by a charge of US$84 million (2016: US$84 million charge) for sterling and a credit of US$88 million (2016: US$95 million credit) for US dollar. A 100 basis point decrease would have broadly the same impact in the opposite direction. These balances will not remain constant throughout 2018, and therefore this information should be used with care.
Interest rate risk [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Increase in financial derivative charges on interest rate before tax	$ 84,000,000	$ 84,000,000
Interest rate risk [Member] | US Dollars [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Increase in financial derivative charges on interest rate before tax	$ 88,000,000	$ 95,000,000
Interest rate risk [Member] | Weighted average [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings, interest rate	4.20%	4.00%
Interest rate risk [Member] | Floating interest rate [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Adjusted borrowings, interest rate	82.00%	81.00%
Net debt, interest rate basis	26.00%	65.00%
Interest rate risk [Member] | Fixed interest rate [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Adjusted borrowings, interest rate	18.00%	19.00%
Net debt, interest rate basis	74.00%	35.00%
Interest rate risk [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Borrowings, interest rate basis	100.00%
Borrowing cost recognised	$ 8,000,000	$ 44,000,000
Interest rate risk [Member] | Interest rate swaps [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Description of hedging strategy	The Group hedges its interest rate risk by entering into interest rate derivatives to achieve its policies. The Group reviews the positions on a regular basis. During 2017 in conjunction with its liability management programme
Notional amount	$ 2,000,000,000
Outflows of cash from liability management programme	5,000,000
Accrued interest	$ 2,000,000

Financial instruments and ri204

Financial instruments and risk management - Maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities and derivative financial liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	$ (5,922)	$ (5,209)
Borrowings before swaps	(15,297)	(17,695)
Expected future interest payments	(7,819)	(8,627)
Other financial liabilities	(345)	(240)
Derivatives related to net debt - net settled	88	158
– gross inflows	2,663	2,424
– gross outflows	(3,066)	(3,100)
Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled	(295)	(2)
– gross inflows	795	29
– gross outflows	(802)	(29)
Total	(30,000)	(32,291)
Due within 1 year [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	(5,488)	(4,814)
Borrowings before swaps	(552)	(704)
Expected future interest payments	(679)	(783)
Other financial liabilities	(302)	(199)
Derivatives related to net debt - net settled	10	29
– gross inflows	62	55
– gross outflows	(82)	(73)
Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled	(43)	(2)
– gross inflows	795	29
– gross outflows	(802)	(29)
Total	(7,081)	(6,491)
Between 1 and 2 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	(434)	(395)
Borrowings before swaps	(148)	(191)
Expected future interest payments	(673)	(779)
Other financial liabilities	(43)	(41)
Derivatives related to net debt - net settled	10	29
– gross inflows	62	55
– gross outflows	(82)	(73)
Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled	(36)
Total	(1,344)	(1,395)
Between 2 and 3 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings before swaps	(1,011)	(1,330)
Expected future interest payments	(670)	(722)
Derivatives related to net debt - net settled	14	27
– gross inflows	958	55
– gross outflows	(1,051)	(73)
Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled	(33)
Total	(1,793)	(2,043)
Between 3 and 4 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings before swaps	(916)	(1,347)
Expected future interest payments	(638)	(667)
Derivatives related to net debt - net settled	11	25
– gross inflows	44	842
– gross outflows	(55)	(1,045)
Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled	(24)
Total	(1,578)	(2,192)
Between 4 and 5 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings before swaps	(1,283)	(1,317)
Expected future interest payments	(606)	(620)
Derivatives related to net debt - net settled	7	23
– gross inflows	44	40
– gross outflows	(55)	(51)
Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled	(21)
Total	(1,914)	(1,925)
More than 5 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Borrowings before swaps	(11,387)	(12,806)
Expected future interest payments	(4,553)	(5,056)
Derivatives related to net debt - net settled	36	25
– gross inflows	1,493	1,377
– gross outflows	(1,741)	(1,785)
Derivatives not related to net debt - net settled	(138)
Total	$ (16,290)	$ (18,245)

Financial instruments and ri205

Financial instruments and risk management - Maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities and derivative financial liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Increase (decrease) due to corrections of prior period errors [member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Due within 1 year [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	$ (111)
Between 1 and 2 years [member]
Disclosure Of Maturity Analysis For Derivative Financial Liabilities [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	$ (66)

Financial instruments and ri206

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of derivative financial instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total net derivative instruments	$ (264)	$ 9
Derivative financial instruments	267	532
Non-current derivative financial instruments	238	508
Current derivative financial instruments	29	24
– current liabilities	(50)	(6)
– non-current liabilities	(481)	(517)
Total net derivatives instruments, detailed above	(264)	9
Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	267	532
Derivative financial liabilities	(531)	(523)
Derivatives designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	99	109
Derivative financial liabilities	(276)	(516)
Derivatives not designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	168	423
Derivative financial liabilities	(255)	(7)
Interest rate swaps [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	99	108
Interest rate swaps [member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	99	108
Derivative financial liabilities	(127)	(134)
Cross currency interest rate swaps [member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial liabilities	(149)	(382)
Currency forward contracts, options and swaps [member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments		1
Currency forward contracts, options and swaps [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	7	1
Derivative financial liabilities	(2)
Aluminium forward contracts [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	21	6
Derivative financial liabilities	(9)	(2)
Aluminium embedded derivatives [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	140	411
Derivative financial liabilities	(238)	(3)
Other embedded derivatives [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments		5
Derivative financial liabilities	(5)
Other commodity contracts [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial liabilities	(1)	(2)
Due within 1 year [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	29	24
Derivative financial liabilities	(50)	(6)
Pre 2021 [Member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	31	110
Derivative financial liabilities	(233)	(194)
More than 5 years [member] | Fair value hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	207	398
Derivative financial liabilities	$ (248)	$ (323)

Financial instruments and ri207

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of fair value of financial instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Short term borrowings and bank overdrafts	$ (552)	$ (717)
Medium and long-term borrowings	(14,624)	(16,913)
Short term borrowings, fair value	(552)	(706)
Medium and long term borrowings, fair value	$ (16,385)	$ (18,437)

Financial instruments and ri208

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of financial instruments carried at fair value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Equity shares and quoted funds	$ 136	$ 156
Other investments, including loans	1,152	454
Trade and other receivables	5,167	4,802
Fair value [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Equity shares and quoted funds	136	156
Other investments, including loans	1,152	454
Trade and other receivables	2,985	3,047
Financial assets	4,273	3,657
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	4,009	3,666
Derivatives related to net debt (Section B)	(177)	(408)
Fair value [member] | Level 1 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Equity shares and quoted funds	88	94
Other investments, including loans	1,037	363
Financial assets	1,125	457
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	1,125	457
Fair value [member] | Level 2 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables	90	143
Financial assets	90	143
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	(76)	(256)
Derivatives related to net debt (Section B)	(177)	(408)
Fair value [member] | Level 3 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Equity shares and quoted funds	3	3
Other investments, including loans	88	68
Financial assets	91	71
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	(7)	479
Fair value [member] | Forward contracts and option contracts [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	(87)	416
Fair value [member] | Forward contracts and option contracts [member] | Level 2 [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	11	8
Fair value [member] | Forward contracts and option contracts [member] | Level 3 [member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	(98)	408
Fair value [member] | Forward contract [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)		1
Fair value [member] | Forward contract [Member] | Level 2 [member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)		1
Not held at fair value [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Equity shares and quoted funds	45	59
Other investments, including loans	27	23
Trade and other receivables	2,895	2,904
Financial assets	2,967	2,986
Forward contracts and option contracts, not designated as hedges (f) (Section B)	$ 2,967	$ 2,986

Financial instruments and ri209

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of financial instruments carried at fair value (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Provisionally priced receivables recognised relating to sales contracts	$ 90,000,000	$ 143,000,000
Aluminium forward contracts/options embedded in electricity purchase contracts [member] | Level 3 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term embedded derivatives expiry term	Level 3 derivatives consist of derivatives embedded in electricity purchase contracts linked to the LME with terms expiring between [XX] and [XX] (2016: 2017 and 2030)
Long-term embedded derivatives with fair value	$ 98,000,000	408,000,000
Aluminium forward contracts [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Range of market price	In valuing these derivatives, aluminium prices are flatlined beyond the market forward curve and increased by projected inflation up to the date of expiry of each contract. The range of market prices are US$2,679 per metric tonne in 2028 to US$2,848 in 2030 (2016: US$2,136 per metric tonne in 2027 to US$2,300 in 2030).
Aluminium forward contracts [member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative commodity price per metric tonne	$ 2,679	2,136
Aluminium forward contracts [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative commodity price per metric tonne	$ 2,848	$ 2,300

Financial instruments and ri210

Financial instruments and risk management - Summary of changes in fair value of Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
– Consolidated sales revenue	$ (40,030)	$ (33,781)	$ (34,829)
– Net operating costs	26,983	26,799	27,919
Level 3 [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities at beginning balance	479	456
Currency translation adjustments	8	(2)
– Consolidated sales revenue	1	1
– Net operating costs	(5)	(28)
- Consolidated sales revenue	17
– Net operating costs	(508)	11
Additions		43
Impairment		(2)
Disposals/maturity of financial instruments	(5)
Transfers	6
Financial assets and liabilities at ending balance	(7)	479	$ 456
Total (losses)/gains for the year included in the income statement for assets and liabilities held at year end	$ (491)	$ 11

Contingencies and commitments -

Contingencies and commitments - Summary of capital commitments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Commitments
Capital Commitments	$ 2,641	$ 2,230
Due within 1 year [member]
Capital Commitments
Capital Commitments	2,052	1,588
Between 1 and 3 years [member]
Capital Commitments
Capital Commitments	531	433
Between 3 and 5 years [member]
Capital Commitments
Capital Commitments	58	194
More than 5 years [member]
Capital Commitments
Capital Commitments		15
Joint ventures [Member]
Capital Commitments
Capital Commitments	29	113
Joint ventures [Member] | Due within 1 year [member]
Capital Commitments
Capital Commitments	$ 29	$ 113

Contingencies and commitment212

Contingencies and commitments - Additional information (Detail) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Contractual capital commitments	$ 500		$ 600
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC) [member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd	Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	51.00%	51.00%
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee provided	$ 4,300		4,300
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Third party ownership interest in its associates	66.00%	66.00%
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Oyu Tolgoi LLC	Oyu Tolgoi LLC
Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Third party ownership interest in its associates	34.00%	34.00%
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Oyu Tolgoi LLC	Oyu Tolgoi LLC
United Kingdoms Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) [Member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Financial penalty	$ 36.4	£ 27.4
Minera Escondida Limitada [member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Minera Escondida Limitada undrawn shareholder line of credit Rio Tinto share	225
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited and Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc [member] | Contingent liabilities related to joint ventures [Member] | Financial guarantee contracts [Member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Amounts guaranteed by parent companies	7,500		7,500
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited and Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc [member] | Contingent liabilities related to joint ventures [Member] | Financial guarantee contracts [Member] | Bonds [member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Amounts guaranteed by parent companies	5,800		8,300
Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited and Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc [member] | Contingent liabilities related to joint ventures [Member] | Financial guarantee contracts [Member] | Bonds [member]
Disclosure of commitments and contingencies [Line Items]
Amounts guaranteed by parent companies	$ 2,100		$ 1,900

Contingencies and commitment213

Contingencies and commitments - Summary of aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases	$ 1,845	$ 1,720
Due within 1 year [member]
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases	397	331
Between 1 and 3 years [member]
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases	542	463
Between 3 and 5 years [member]
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases	313	314
More than 5 years [member]
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases	$ 593	$ 612

Contingencies and commitment214

Contingencies and commitments - Summary of aggregate amount of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Disclosure Of Finance Lease And Operating Lease By Lessee [Abstract]
2016 minimum lease payments amended to exclude contractual obligations which do not qualify as leases	$ 125

Contingencies and commitment215

Contingencies and commitments - Summary of aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of future payment commitments under purchase obligations [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	$ 19,789	$ 19,318
Due within 1 year [member]
Disclosure of future payment commitments under purchase obligations [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	2,818	2,677
Between 1 and 2 years [member]
Disclosure of future payment commitments under purchase obligations [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	1,664	1,711
Between 2 and 3 years [member]
Disclosure of future payment commitments under purchase obligations [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	1,433	1,327
Between 3 and 4 years [member]
Disclosure of future payment commitments under purchase obligations [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	1,318	1,207
Between 4 and 5 years [member]
Disclosure of future payment commitments under purchase obligations [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	1,062	1,040
More than 5 years [member]
Disclosure of future payment commitments under purchase obligations [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of future payment commitments under purchase obligations outstanding	$ 11,494	$ 11,356

Contingencies and commitment216

Contingencies and commitments - Summary of subsidiaries and joint operations contingent liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Indemnities and other performance guarantees	$ 552	$ 473

Average number of employees - S

Average number of employees - Summary of average number of employees (Detail) - Employee	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	46,807	51,029	54,938
Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	3,108	3,507	3,451
Australia and New Zealand [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	19,643	21,338	22,988
Australia and New Zealand [member] | Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	602	849	863
Canada [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	10,256	10,239	11,113
United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	309	487	542
Europe [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,505	1,722	2,312
Africa [Member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	4,730	6,145	6,922
Africa [Member] | Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,269	1,270	1,271
United States [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	3,429	3,196	3,439
Mongolia [Member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	2,861	2,737	2,647
Indonesia [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,642	2,862	2,871
South America [Member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,434	1,554	1,509
South America [Member] | Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,237	1,388	1,317
Other countries [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	998	749	595
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	43,699	47,522	51,487
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | Australia and New Zealand [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	19,041	20,489	22,125
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | Canada [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	10,256	10,239	11,113
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	309	487	542
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | Europe [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,505	1,722	2,312
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | Africa [Member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	3,461	4,875	5,651
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | United States [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	3,429	3,196	3,439
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | Mongolia [Member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	2,861	2,737	2,647
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | Indonesia [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,642	2,862	2,871
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | South America [Member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	197	166	192
Subsidiaries and joint operations [member] | Other countries [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	998	749	595

Average number of employees 218

Average number of employees - Summary of average number of employees (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Employee	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	46,807	51,029	54,938
Singapore [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	434	262
India [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	310	280

Average number of employees - A

Average number of employees - Additional information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Number And Average Number Of Employees [Abstract]
Per cent of employees of subsidiary companies	100.00%

Principal subsidiaries - Summar

Principal subsidiaries - Summary of principal in subsidiaries (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Argyle Diamonds Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Argyle Diamonds Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Argyle Diamonds Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Mining and processing of diamonds
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Dampier Salt Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Dampier Salt Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Salt and gypsum
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	68.36%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	68.36%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	31.64%
Energy Resources of Australia Limited [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	68.40%
Energy Resources of Australia Limited [Member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Energy Resources of Australia Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Uranium mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	68.39%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	68.39%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	31.61%
Hamersley Iron Pty Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Hamersley Iron Pty Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Hamersley Iron Pty Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Iron ore mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
North Mining Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	North Mining Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Iron ore mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Queensland Coal Pty Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Queensland Coal Pty Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Coal mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Bauxite mining; alumina production; primary aluminium smelting
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Australia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Iron ore mining
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	60.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	40.00%
Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member] | Class A shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	40.00%
Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member] | Class B shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	76.36%
Alcan Alumina Ltda. [member] | Quota shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Brazil
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Alcan Alumina Ltda.
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Alumina production and bauxite mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Iron Ore Company of Canada [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Canada
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Iron Ore Company of Canada
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Iron ore mining; iron ore pellets
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	58.72%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	58.72%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	41.28%
Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Canada
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc.
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Titanium dioxide feedstock; high purity iron and steel
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member] | Class B preference shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Canada
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc.
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Titanium dioxide feedstock; high purity iron and steel
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member] | Preferred shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Canada
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc.
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Titanium dioxide feedstock; high purity iron and steel
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Canada
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc.
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Diamond mining and processing
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Canada
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Bauxite mining; alumina refining; aluminium smelting
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Simfer Jersey Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	53.00%
Simfer Jersey Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Guinea
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Simfer Jersey Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Iron ore project
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	53.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	53.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	47.00%
Simfer Jersey Limited [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	53.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	80.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Madagascar
Company of operation, Subsidiary	QIT Madagascar Minerals SA
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Ilmenite mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	80.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	80.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member] | Common Shares and Investment Certificates [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	15.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member] | Investment certificates [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Madagascar
Company of operation, Subsidiary	QIT Madagascar Minerals SA
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Ilmenite mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member] | Voting certificates [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Madagascar
Company of operation, Subsidiary	QIT Madagascar Minerals SA
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Ilmenite mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	80.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	80.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	20.00%
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC) [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	51.00%
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC) [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Mongolia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC)
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Copper and gold mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	50.79%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	50.79%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	49.21%
Rossing Uranium Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	68.60%
Rossing Uranium Limited [member] | B class of shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Namibia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rössing Uranium Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Uranium mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	71.22%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	68.62%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	31.38%
Rossing Uranium Limited [member] | C class of shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Namibia
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rössing Uranium Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Uranium mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	70.59%
Rossing Uranium Limited [member] | Class B and Class C of Shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	68.62%
Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B ordinary shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	South Africa
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Titanium dioxide/high purity iron production
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B preference shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	South Africa
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Titanium dioxide/high purity iron production
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member] | Parent preference shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	South Africa
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Titanium dioxide/high purity iron production
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B Ordinary, B Preference and Parent Preference Shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	74.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	26.00%
Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B ordinary shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	South Africa
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Ilmenite, rutile and zircon mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B preference shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	South Africa
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Ilmenite, rutile and zircon mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member] | Parent preference shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	South Africa
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Ilmenite, rutile and zircon mining
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B Ordinary, B Preference and Parent Preference Shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	74.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	26.00%
Kennecott Holdings Corporation (including Kennecott Utah Copper, Kennecott Land and Kennecott Exploration) [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	United States of America
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Kennecott Holdings Corporation (including Kennecott Utah Copper, Kennecott Land and Kennecott Exploration)
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Copper and gold mining, smelting and refining, land development and exploration activities
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
U.S. Borax Inc. [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	United States of America
Company of operation, Subsidiary	U.S. Borax Inc.
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Mining, refining and marketing of borates
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%

Principal subsidiaries - Sum221

Principal subsidiaries - Summary of principal in subsidiaries (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Indirect interest in subsidiary	33.50%
Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	65.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	12.00%
Proportion of net beneficial interest	53.00%
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	65.00%
Hail Creek Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	82.00%
Kestrel Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	80.00%
Consrcio De Alumnio Do Maranho [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	10.00%
Diavik Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	60.00%
Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	60.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	40.00%
Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member] | Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	30.00%
North Mining Limited [member] | Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	35.00%
Simfer Jersey Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	53.00%
Simfer Jersey Limited [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	53.00%
Simfer S.A. [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	85.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	45.05%
Indirect interest in subsidiary	45.05%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	80.00%
Portion of additional economic interest held through non voting investment	5.00%
Portion of economic interest held through non voting investment	85.00%
Non-controlling interest voting rights	20.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	80.00%
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	80.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member] | Common Shares and Investment Certificates [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	15.00%
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	50.79%
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member] | Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	66.00%
Rossing Uranium Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	68.60%
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary	35.57%
Non-controlling interest voting rights	64.43%
Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B Ordinary, B Preference and Parent Preference Shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	74.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary	26.00%

Principal subsidiaries - Sum222

Principal subsidiaries - Summary of subsidiaries financial information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		8,851	4,776	(1,719)
– attributable to non-controlling interests (net earnings/(loss))		89	159	(853)
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))		8,762	4,617	(866)
Other comprehensive income		3,088	(63)	(2,030)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	11,939	4,713	(3,749)
– Non-current assets		76,554	74,177
– Current assets		18,678	15,055
– Current liabilities		(11,225)	(9,362)
– Non-current liabilities		(33,262)	(34,133)
Net assets/(liabilities)		51,115	45,730
Attributable to non-controlling interests		6,404	6,440
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)		44,711	39,290	37,349
Cash flow from operations		13,884	8,465	9,383
Dividends paid to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries		(399)	(341)	$ (310)
Iron Ore Company of Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		1,867	1,324
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		377	108
– attributable to non-controlling interests (net earnings/(loss))		156	44
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))		221	64
Other comprehensive income		144	56
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		521	164
– Non-current assets		2,535	2,315
– Current assets		714	627
– Current liabilities		(449)	(348)
– Non-current liabilities		(838)	(755)
Net assets/(liabilities)		1,962	1,839
Attributable to non-controlling interests		809	759
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)		1,153	1,080
Cash flow from operations		840	302
Dividends paid to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries		(162)	(31)
Energy Resources of Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		157	193
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		(29)	7
– attributable to non-controlling interests (net earnings/(loss))		(9)	2
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))		(20)	5
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		(29)	7
– Non-current assets		57	58
– Current assets		406	383
– Current liabilities		(128)	(96)
– Non-current liabilities		(356)	(336)
Net assets/(liabilities)		(21)	9
Attributable to non-controlling interests		(7)	2
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)		(14)	7
Cash flow from operations		(2)	18
Turquoise Hill [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		940	1,203
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		22	140
– attributable to non-controlling interests (net earnings/(loss))		(49)	37
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))		71	103
Other comprehensive income		4	2
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		26	142
– Non-current assets		9,008	7,969
– Current assets		4,953	5,702
– Current liabilities		(504)	(316)
– Non-current liabilities		(4,311)	(4,257)
Net assets/(liabilities)		9,146	9,098
Attributable to non-controlling interests		3,982	4,073
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)		5,164	5,025
Cash flow from operations		295	387
Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		1,164	982
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		617	482
– attributable to non-controlling interests (net earnings/(loss))		242	193
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))		375	289
Other comprehensive income		238	(23)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		855	459
– Non-current assets		2,927	2,797
– Current assets		1,453	1,122
– Current liabilities		(186)	(92)
– Non-current liabilities		(752)	(666)
Net assets/(liabilities)		3,442	3,161
Attributable to non-controlling interests		1,375	1,263
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)		2,067	1,898
Cash flow from operations		1,048	824
Dividends paid to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries		(230)	(268)
Other companies and eliminations [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		1,351	1,139
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		637	517
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))		637	517
Other comprehensive income		158	(20)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		795	497
– Non-current assets		4,187	3,976
– Current assets		571	801
– Current liabilities		(1,357)	(1,350)
– Non-current liabilities		(1,666)	(1,546)
Net assets/(liabilities)		1,735	1,881
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)		1,735	1,881
Cash flow from operations		1,207	817
Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		2,515	2,121
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		1,254	999
– attributable to non-controlling interests (net earnings/(loss))		242	193
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (net earnings/(loss))		1,012	806
Other comprehensive income		396	(43)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		1,650	956
– Non-current assets		7,114	6,773
– Current assets		2,024	1,923
– Current liabilities		(1,543)	(1,442)
– Non-current liabilities		(2,418)	(2,212)
Net assets/(liabilities)		5,177	5,042
Attributable to non-controlling interests		1,375	1,263
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)		3,802	3,779
Cash flow from operations		2,255	1,641
Dividends paid to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries		$ (230)	$ (268)
[1]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

Principal subsidiaries - Sum223

Principal subsidiaries - Summary of subsidiaries financial information (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,037	$ 951	$ 892
North Mining Limited [member] | Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 389	$ 360

Principal joint operations - Su

Principal joint operations - Summary of principle joint operations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Tomago Aluminium Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Tomago Aluminium Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Australia
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Aluminium smelting
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	51.60%
Kestrel [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Kestrel
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Australia
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Coal mining
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	80.00%
Gladstone Power Station [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Gladstone Power Station
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Australia
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Power generation
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	42.10%
Hope Downs Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Hope Downs Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Australia
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Iron ore mining
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	50.00%
Queensland Alumina Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Queensland Alumina Limited
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Australia
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Alumina production
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	80.00%
Pilbara Iron arrangement [Member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Pilbara Iron arrangement
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Australia
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Infrastructure, corporate and mining services
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	New Zealand
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Aluminium smelting
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	79.36%
Aluminerie Alouette Inc. [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Aluminerie Alouette Inc.
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Canada
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Aluminium production
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	40.00%
Grasberg expansion [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Grasberg expansion
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	Indonesia
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Copper and gold mining
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	40.00%
Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Company of operation, Joint Operation	Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc
Country of incorporation, Joint Operation	United States of America
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Aluminium smelting
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	50.20%

Principal joint operations -225

Principal joint operations - Summary of principle joint operations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Subsidiary
Kestrel [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	80.00%
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Coal mining
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	79.36%
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Aluminium smelting
Queensland Alumina Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	80.00%
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Alumina production
Pilbara Iron arrangement [Member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Number of subsidiary	2
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Pilbara Iron (Company) Services Pty Ltd and Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd.
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Infrastructure, corporate and mining services
Grasberg expansion [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	40.00%
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Copper and gold mining
Grasberg expansion [member] | Pre 2021 [Member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of production limit under participation agreement	40.00%
Grasberg expansion [member] | More than 5 years [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of production limit under participation agreement	40.00%
Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Operation	50.20%
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Aluminium smelting
Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc [member] | Aluminerie De Becancour Inc [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Operations [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Venture	50.10%
Company of operation	Aluminerie de Bécancour, Inc.
Principal activities, Joint Operation	Aluminium smelter
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Canada

Principal joint ventures - Summ

Principal joint ventures - Summary of joint ventures (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C shares held by Rio Tinto	0	0	0
Minera Escondida Limitada [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Minera Escondida Limitada
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Chile
Principal activities, Joint Venture	Copper mining and refining
Proportion of class held (%), Joint Venture	30.00%
Group interest (%), Joint Venture	30.00%	30.00%
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Venture	20.00%	20.00%
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C.
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Oman
Principal activities, Joint Venture	Aluminium smelting/power generation
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C shares held by Rio Tinto	37,500
Proportion of class held (%), Joint Venture	20.00%
Group interest (%), Joint Venture	20.00%

Principal joint ventures - S227

Principal joint ventures - Summary of joint ventures (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Minera Escondida Limitada [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Venture	30.00%	30.00%
Minera Escondida Limitada [member] | BHP Billiton Member
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture held by joint partner	57.50%
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Joint Venture	20.00%	20.00%

Principal joint ventures - Addi

Principal joint ventures - Additional information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Description of basis of preparation of summarized financial information of joint venture	Summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis. It represents the amounts shown in the joint ventures’ financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under Group accounting policies, including fair value adjustments and amounts due to and from Rio Tinto.

Principal joint ventures - S229

Principal joint ventures - Summary financial information for joint ventures that are material to the Group (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Depreciation and amortisation		(4,375)	(4,794)	(4,645)
Finance costs		(848)	(1,111)	(750)
Taxation		(3,965)	(1,567)	(993)
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		8,851	4,776	(1,719)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	11,939	4,713	$ (3,749)
– Non-current assets		76,554	74,177
– Current assets		18,678	15,055
– Current liabilities		(11,225)	(9,362)
– Non-current liabilities		(33,262)	(34,133)
Net assets		51,115	45,730
Cash and cash equivalents		10,550	8,201
Minera Escondida Limitada [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		6,037	4,883
Depreciation and amortisation		(1,690)	(1,213)
Other operating costs		(2,617)	(2,199)
Operating profit		1,730	1,471
Finance costs		(120)	(47)
Taxation		(627)	(517)
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		983	907
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		983	907
– Non-current assets		13,814	14,947
– Current assets		2,760	2,257
– Current liabilities		(1,727)	(1,403)
– Non-current liabilities		(4,617)	(4,112)
Net assets		10,230	11,689
Cash and cash equivalents		460	443
Current financial liabilities		(330)	(467)
Non-current financial liabilities		(2,840)	(2,643)
Dividends received from joint venture (Rio Tinto share)		780	210
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue		460	610
Depreciation and amortisation		(145)	(130)
Other operating costs		(205)	(425)
Operating profit		110	55
Finance costs		(35)	(25)
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		75	30
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		75	30
– Non-current assets		3,230	3,275
– Current assets		305	255
– Current liabilities		(205)	(45)
– Non-current liabilities		(1,270)	(1,505)
Net assets		2,060	1,980
Cash and cash equivalents		95	20
Current financial liabilities		(130)	(100)
Non-current financial liabilities		$ (1,120)	$ (1,230)
[1]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

Principal joint ventures - Reco

Principal joint ventures - Reconciliation of financial information for joint ventures by carrying value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Net assets/(liabilities)	$ 51,115	$ 45,730
Minera Escondida Limitada [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Group interest	30.00%	30.00%
Net assets/(liabilities)	$ 10,230	$ 11,689
Group's ownership interest	3,069	3,507
Other adjustments	4	(3)
Carrying value of Group's interest	$ 3,073	$ 3,504
Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Group interest	20.00%	20.00%
Net assets/(liabilities)	$ 2,060	$ 1,980
Group's ownership interest	412	396
Other adjustments	(3)	(2)
Carrying value of Group's interest	$ 409	$ 394

Principal joint ventures - R231

Principal joint ventures - Reconciliation of financial information for joint ventures by carrying value (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
– deferred tax liabilities	$ 3,628	$ 3,121
Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
– deferred tax liabilities	$ 500	$ 579

Principal associates - Summary

Principal associates - Summary of principal associates (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc	0	0	0
Boyne Smelters Limited [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Associate	59.40%	59.40%
Boyne Smelters Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Company of operation, Associate	Boyne Smelters Limited
Country of incorporation, Associate	Australia
Principal activities, Associate	Aluminium smelting
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc	153,679,560
Proportion of class held (%), Associate	59.40%
Group interest (%), Associate	59.40%
Mineracao Rio do Norte S.A. [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Associate	12.00%
Mineracao Rio do Norte S.A. [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Principal activities, Associate	Bauxite mining
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc	25,000,000,000
Proportion of class held (%), Associate	12.50%
Group interest (%), Associate	12.00%
Mineracao Rio do Norte S.A. [member] | Preferred Shares [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Company of operation, Associate	Mineracao Rio do Norte S.A.
Principal activities, Associate	Bauxite mining
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc	47,000,000,000
Proportion of class held (%), Associate	11.75%
Mineracao Rio do Norte S.A. [member] | Common and preferred shares [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Country of incorporation, Associate	Brazil
Group interest (%), Associate	12.00%
Halco (Mining) Inc [member] | Common shares [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Company of operation, Associate	Halco (Mining) Inc
Country of incorporation, Associate	United States of America
Rio Tinto Limited shares were held by Rio Tinto plc	4,500
Proportion of class held (%), Associate	45.00%
Group interest (%), Associate	45.00%

Principal associates - Summa233

Principal associates - Summary of principal associates (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Mineracao Rio do Norte S.A. [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Group interest (%), Associate	12.00%
Halco (Mining) Inc [member] | Compagnie des Bauxites de Guine [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Indirect interest in associate	51.00%
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	Guinea

Principal associates - Addition

Principal associates - Additional information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates [Abstract]
Description of basis of preparation of summarised financial information of associate	summarised financial information is shown on a 100 per cent basis

Principal associates - Reconcil

Principal associates - Reconciliation of financial information for principal associates by carrying value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Profit after tax		8,851	4,776	(1,719)
Other comprehensive income		3,088	(63)	(2,030)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	11,939	4,713	$ (3,749)
– Non-current assets		76,554	74,177
– Current assets		18,678	15,055
– Current liabilities		(11,225)	(9,362)
– Non-current liabilities		(33,262)	(34,133)
Net assets		51,115	45,730
Net assets/(liabilities)		51,115	45,730
Investments in equity accounted units		4,486	5,019
Boyne Smelters Limited [member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Profit after tax		5	12
Other comprehensive income		56	(4)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		61	8
– Non-current assets		1,468	1,465
– Current assets		88	66
– Current liabilities		(99)	(121)
– Non-current liabilities		(996)	(987)
Net assets		$ 461	$ 423
Group interest (%), Associate		59.40%	59.40%
Net assets/(liabilities)		$ 461	$ 423
Group's ownership interest		274	251
Investments in equity accounted units		159	163
Carrying value of Group's interest		$ 433	$ 414
[1]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

Principal associates - Summa236

Principal associates - Summary information for joint ventures and associates that are not individually material to the group (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Profit after tax		$ 8,851	$ 4,776	$ (1,719)
Other comprehensive income		3,088	(63)	(2,030)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	11,939	4,713	$ (3,749)
Associates [Member]
Disclosure of associates [Line Items]
Carrying value of Group's interest		571	707
Profit after tax		25	36
Other comprehensive income		14	13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		$ 39	$ 49
[1]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

Purchases and sales of subsi237

Purchases and sales of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other interests in businesses - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Millions	Sep. 01, 2017	Nov. 23, 2016	Jul. 20, 2016	Mar. 01, 2016	Jun. 17, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015	May 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Purchased amount							$ 194,000,000
2017 disposals [member] | Yancoal Australia Limited [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture disposed	100.00%
Disposal amount	$ 2,690,000,000
Cash consideration for disposal	2,450,000,000									$ 2,540,000,000
Unconditional guaranteed royalty payments received										110,000,000
Expected unconditional royalty payments to be received	$ 240,000,000									$ 130,000,000
2016 disposals [member] | New hope corporation limited [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture disposed				40.00%
Disposal amount				$ 616,700,000
2016 disposals [member] | SIMEC [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Disposal amount		$ 410,000,000
Cash received											$ 224,000,000
2015 disposals [member] | RZ Murowa Holdings Limited [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Ownership interest in cash generating units disposed					77.80%
Proportion of ownership interest disposed					50.00%
Simfer Jersey Limited [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Percentage of subsidiary							53.00%
Percentage of purchased interest							53.00%
Ownership interest										53.00%
Simfer S.A. [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Percentage of subsidiary							4.25%
Percentage of purchased interest							4.25%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary										45.05%
Ownership interest										85.00%
Simfer S.A. [member] | 2016 disposals [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Percentage of non-contributory shares			7.50%
Percentage of ordinary contributory shares upon second tranche			10.00%
Percentage of ordinary contributory shares			5.00%
Simfer S.A. [member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Percentage of subsidiary							42.80%
Percentage of purchased interest							42.80%
Simfer S.A. [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Percentage of subsidiary							45.05%
Percentage of purchased interest							45.05%
Carbone savoie [Member] | 2016 disposals [member] | Alandia industries [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Ownership interest in cash generating units disposed									100.00%
Bougainville Copper Limited [Member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary											36.40%
Bougainville Copper Limited [Member] | Equity Trustees Limited [Member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Disposal amount								$ 0
Percentage of share holding transferred								53.83%
Bougainville Copper Limited [Member] | Autonomous Bougainville Government [Member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership shares distributed											36.40%
Bougainville Copper Limited [Member] | Independent State of Papua New Guinea [Member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership shares distributed											17.40%
Lochaber [member] | 2016 disposals [member] | SIMEC [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Proportion of ownership interest disposed		100.00%
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Ownership interest										50.79%
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member] | 2015 disposals [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Sale of common shares						48.7
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member] | Top of range [Member] | 2015 disposals [member]
Disclosure of acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Ownership interest						20.00%

Directors' and key managemen238

Directors' and key management remuneration - Summary of aggregate remuneration calculated in accordance with UK companies act 2006 (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Abstract]
Emoluments	$ 8,339	$ 9,186	$ 10,590
Long-term incentive plans	4,685	3,071	2,118
Total	13,024	12,257	12,708
Pension contributions: defined contribution plans	$ 135	$ 69	52
Gains made on exercise of share options			$ 1

Directors' and key managemen239

Directors' and key management remuneration - Additional information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Director	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Director	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Director
Disclosure Of Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Line Items]
Aggregate remuneration incurred	$ 31,543,000	$ 44,218,000	$ 44,231,000
Aggregate pension contribution to defined contribution plans	415,000	3,461,000	1,049,000
Other employment costs	$ 2,122,000	$ 2,295,000	$ 2,320,000
Defined Benefit Plan
Disclosure Of Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Line Items]
Number of directors accrued retirement benefits under defined contribution arrangements | Director	0	1	1
Defined Contribution Plans
Disclosure Of Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Line Items]
Number of directors accrued retirement benefits under defined contribution arrangements | Director	2	2	1
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Line Items]
Aggregate remuneration incurred	$ 12,624,000	$ 10,630,000	$ 6,385,000
Aggregate pension contribution to defined contribution plans	135,000	69,000	52,000
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Line Items]
Aggregate pension contribution to defined contribution plans	0	0	0
Aggregate remuneration including pension contributions and other retirement benefits	$ 535,000	$ 1,696,000	$ 6,375,000

Directors' and key managemen240

Directors' and key management remuneration - Summary of aggregate compensation representing the expense recognised under IFRS (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Directors And Key Management Remuneration [Abstract]
Short-term employee benefits and costs	$ 23,095	$ 22,269	$ 25,616
Post-employment benefits	415	3,461	1,049
Employment termination benefits		2,682
Share-based payments	8,033	15,806	17,566
Aggregate compensation	$ 31,543	$ 44,218	$ 44,231

Auditors' remuneration - Audito

Auditors' remuneration - Auditors' remuneration (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Auditors Remuneration [Line Items]
Audit of subsidiaries	$ 14.3	$ 13.5	$ 14.4
Audit related assurance service	1	0.9	0.9
Other assurance services	2.3	0.6	0.9
Total assurance services	3.3	1.5	1.8
Tax compliance	0.3	0.5	0.5
Tax advisory services	0.2	0.1	0.4
Services related to corporate finance transactions not covered above - services in connection with bond issues/capital raising			0.2
Other non-audit services not covered above	0.7	1.8	1.1
Total non-audit services	4.5	3.9	4
Total Group Auditors’ remuneration	18.8	17.4	18.4
Audit of the financial statements of the Group’s subsidiaries	2	2.1	1.9
Fees in respect of pension scheme audits	0.5	0.3	0.2
Total audit fees payable to other accounting firms	2.5	2.4	2.1
Rio Tinto [member]
Auditors Remuneration [Line Items]
Audit of subsidiaries	6.2	4.5	4.3
Subsidiaries [Member]
Auditors Remuneration [Line Items]
Audit of subsidiaries	$ 8.1	$ 9	$ 10.1

Related-party transactions - Su

Related-party transactions - Summary of transactions and balances with equity accounted units (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [Line Items]
Dividends from equity accounted units	$ 817	$ 253	$ 210
Investments in equity accounted units	4,486	5,019
Investment in equity accounted units [member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [Line Items]
Purchases from equity accounted units	(993)	(1,216)	(1,249)
Sales to equity accounted units	210	248	307
Dividends from equity accounted units	817	253	210
Net funding of equity accounted units	(3)	(12)	11
Investments in equity accounted units	4,486	5,019	4,941
Loans to equity accounted units	39	39	42
Loans from equity accounted units	(31)	(49)	(37)
Trade and other receivables: amounts due from equity accounted units (b)	299	298	315
Trade and other payables: amounts due to equity accounted units	$ (175)	$ (243)	$ (231)

Exchange rates in US$ - Summary

Exchange rates in US$ - Summary of principal exchange rate used in preparation of financial statements (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United Kingdom, Pounds
Disclosure Of Foreign Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Full-year average exchange rate per U.S.$	1.29	1.36	1.53
Year-end exchange rate per U.S.$	1.34	1.22	1.48
Australian Dollars [Member]
Disclosure Of Foreign Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Full-year average exchange rate per U.S.$	0.77	0.74	0.75
Year-end exchange rate per U.S.$	0.78	0.72	0.73
Canada, Dollars [Member]
Disclosure Of Foreign Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Full-year average exchange rate per U.S.$	0.77	0.76	0.78
Year-end exchange rate per U.S.$	0.79	0.74	0.72
Euro Member Countries, Euro
Disclosure Of Foreign Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Full-year average exchange rate per U.S.$	1.13	1.11	1.11
Year-end exchange rate per U.S.$	1.20	1.05	1.09
South Africa, Rand
Disclosure Of Foreign Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Full-year average exchange rate per U.S.$	0.075	0.068	0.079
Year-end exchange rate per U.S.$	0.081	0.073	0.064

Events after the balance she244

Events after the balance sheet date - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 26, 2018	Feb. 07, 2018	Jan. 10, 2018	Sep. 21, 2017
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
On-market share buy-back amount		$ 1,000		$ 2,500
Stock buy-back program during period amount		1,925
Group’s Aluminium Dunkerque Smelter In Northern France [Member}
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
Business acquisition binding offer amount	$ 345
Group’s Aluminium Dunkerque Smelter In Northern France [Member} | Aluminerie Alouette Inc. [member] | NETHERLANDS
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest sold	53.30%
Group’s Aluminium Dunkerque Smelter In Northern France [Member} | Alufluor Ab | SWEDEN
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest sold	50.00%
Group’s Aluminium Dunkerque Smelter In Northern France [Member} | Dunkerque Aluminium Smelter [Member]
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
Business acquisition binding offer amount			$ 500
Share Buy-back Programme [Member]
Disclosure Of Nonadjusting Events After Reporting Period [Line Items]
On-market share buy-back amount		1,000
Stock buy-back program during period amount		$ 1,925

Share-based payments - Charge h

Share-based payments - Charge has been recognised in income statement for Rio Tinto's share-based incentive plans, and the related liability (for cash-settled plans) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Liability at the end of the year	$ 15	$ 1
Charge recognised for the year	91	116	$ 128
Equity-settled plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Charge recognised for the year	88	116	$ 128
Cash-settled plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Liability at the end of the year	15	$ 1
Charge recognised for the year	$ 3

Share-based payments - Addition

Share-based payments - Additional information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)OptionInstrumentshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Optionshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Percentage of cancellations employees electing to withdraw their investment shares before vesting of their matching shares	15.00%
Options outstanding, number of options | Option	188,766	567,598
Options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value		$ 3,000,000
Liability for cash-settled awards	$ 15,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Percentage of share-based payment charge for plan	100.00%	100.00%
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Percentage of share-based payment charge for plan	100.00%	100.00%
Share savings plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Description of method of settlement for share-based payment arrangement	equity
Information on how the fair value of share options granted was measured	lattice-based option valuation model
Share savings plans [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, number of options | Option	0
Share savings plans [member] | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 0
UK share plan [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Description of method of settlement for share-based payment arrangement	equity
Performance share plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Description of method of settlement for share-based payment arrangement	equity-settled
Information on how the fair value of share options granted was measured	Monte Carlo simulation model
Description of award granted for share-based payment arrangement	One-third of the awards granted since 2013 are subject to an earnings performance target relative to ten global mining comparators.
Number of global mining comparators | Instrument	10
Percentage of forfeitures, prior to vesting, on outstanding awards	5.00%	5.00%
Share-based payments, fair value measurement description	As this is a non-market related performance condition, under IFRS 2, the fair value recognised is reviewed at each accounting date based on the directors’ expectations for the proportion vesting.
Vesting requirements for share based awards	Forfeitures prior to vesting are assumed at five per cent per annum of outstanding awards (2016: five per cent per annum).
Performance share plans [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Cash-settled awards outstanding | shares	26,590
Liability for cash-settled awards	$ 9,000,000
Performance share plans [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Cash-settled awards outstanding | shares		22,010
Liability for cash-settled awards		$ 1,000,000
Performance share plans [member] | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Cash-settled awards outstanding | shares	276,722
Management share plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Description of method of settlement for share-based payment arrangement	equity
Percentage of forfeitures, prior to vesting, on outstanding awards	7.00%	7.00%
Vesting requirements for share based awards	The vesting of these awards is dependent on service conditions being met.
Bonus deferral plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Description of method of settlement for share-based payment arrangement	equity
Percentage of forfeitures, prior to vesting, on outstanding awards	3.00%	3.00%
Vesting requirements for share based awards	The vesting of these awards is dependent only on service conditions being met.
Bonus deferral plans [member] | Executive directors and product group executives [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Vesting requirements for share based awards	50 per cent of the bonuses
Bonus deferral plans [member] | Other executives [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Description of method of settlement for share-based payment arrangement	25 per cent of the bonuses
Global employee share plans [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Description of method of settlement for share-based payment arrangement	equity
Percentage of forfeitures, prior to vesting, on outstanding awards	5.00%	5.00%
Vesting requirements for share based awards	The vesting of these matching awards is dependent on service conditions being met.
Share Incentive Plans
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Liability for cash-settled awards	$ 6,000,000
Share Incentive Plans | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Liability for cash-settled awards			$ 1,000,000
Share Incentive Plans | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Cash-settled awards outstanding | shares	33,443	34,517
Share Incentive Plans | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Cash-settled awards outstanding | shares	87,019	15,239

Share-based payments - Summary

Share-based payments - Summary of options outstanding and exercisable (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Option	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)Option	Dec. 31, 2016Option
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, number | Option	188,766	188,766	567,598
Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 3
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Exercise price GBP16 - GBP43 [member] | Share Option Plan [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, number | Option	164,119	164,119
Weighted average exercise price per option | £		£ 32
Weighted average remaining contractual life Years	2.56	2.56
Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 2
Rio Tinto Limited [member] | Exercise price A$33 [member] | Share Option Plan [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, number | Option	24,647	24,647
Weighted average exercise price per option | £		£ 33
Weighted average remaining contractual life Years	1.21	1.21
Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 1

Share-based payments - Summa248

Share-based payments - Summary of options outstanding and exercisable (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Dec. 31, 2017 - Share Option Plan [member]	GBP (£)	AUD ($)
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Bottom of range [Member] | Ranges Of Exercise Prices For Outstanding Share Options Three
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, exercise price	£ 16,000,000
Rio Tinto plc [member] | Top of range [Member] | Ranges Of Exercise Prices For Outstanding Share Options Three
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, exercise price	£ 43,000,000
Rio Tinto Limited [member] | Top of range [Member] | Ranges Of Exercise Prices For Outstanding Share Options Four
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Options outstanding, exercise price | $		$ 33,000,000

Share-based payments -Summary o

Share-based payments -Summary of performance share plans (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)sharesAUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)shares	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)shares
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of transfers from equity to cash settled	(276,722)	(276,722)
Performance share plans [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance | £	£ 18.27		£ 21.29
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, awarded | £	24.64		12.81
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, forfeited | £	16.28		17.22
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, failed performance conditions | £	16.25		24.61
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, vested | £	21.51		24.61
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at ending balance | £	£ 20.47		£ 18.27
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance | £	2,883,053		2,988,454
Number of non-vested shares, awarded | £	1,198,677		1,085,974
Number of non-vested shares, forfeited | £	(199,435)		(603,871)
Number of non-vested shares, failed performance conditions | £	(161,966)		(203,491)
Number of non-vested shares, vested | £	(165,055)		(384,013)
Number of non-vested shares at ending balance | £	3,555,274		2,883,053
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | £	£ 31.04		£ 19.08
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in cash during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | £			£ 19
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | shares	188,383	188,383	368,623	368,623
Number of vested awards settled in cash during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | shares			486	486
Performance share plans [member] | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance		$ 37.52		$ 41.13
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, awarded		45.84		28.66
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, forfeited		36.59		36.18
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, failed performance conditions		30.89		44.71
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, vested		40.79		44.71
Weighted average fair value transfers from equity to cash settled		40.11
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at ending balance		$ 40.13		$ 37.52
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance		1,590,957		2,048,823
Number of non-vested shares, awarded		529,776		535,418
Number of non-vested shares, forfeited		(36,716)		(526,212)
Number of non-vested shares, failed performance conditions		(113,857)		(161,937)
Number of non-vested shares, vested		(84,284)		(305,135)
Number of non-vested shares at ending balance		1,609,154		1,590,957
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)		$ 63.09		$ 42.99
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in cash during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)		$ 62.81		$ 43.47
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | shares	73,311	73,311	284,507	284,507
Number of vested awards settled in cash during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | shares	5,010	5,010	847	847

Share-based payments -Managemen

Share-based payments -Management Share Plans, Bonus Deferral Plans, Global Employee Share Plans and UK Share Plan (combined) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2015AUD ($)
Share Incentive Plans | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	3,473,092		3,305,966		3,473,092	3,305,966	3,211,727	3,211,727
Number of non-vested shares, awarded	1,499,374	1,499,374	1,673,017	1,673,017
Number of non-vested shares, forfeited	159,669	159,669	246,806	246,806
Number of non-vested shares, Cancelled	(51,773)	(51,773)
Number of non-vested shares, vested	1,120,806	1,120,806	1,331,972	1,331,972
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance	£ 27.23		£ 26				£ 29.70
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, awarded	32.50		20.62
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, forfeited	29.46		23.02
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, cancelled	25.82
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, vested	£ 30.41		£ 28.72
Share Incentive Plans | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	2,933,237		2,986,080		2,933,237	2,986,080	2,993,396	2,993,396
Number of non-vested shares, awarded	1,156,078	1,156,078	1,405,348	1,405,348
Number of non-vested shares, forfeited	127,905	127,905	164,020	164,020
Number of non-vested shares, Cancelled	(95,203)	(95,203)
Number of non-vested shares, vested	985,813	985,813	1,248,644	1,248,644
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance | $					$ 54.15	$ 53.32		$ 58.09
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, awarded | $		$ 61.05		$ 45.27
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, forfeited | $		53.61		$ 54.48
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, cancelled | $		$ 51.18
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares, vested | $					$ 60.06	$ 55.54
Management share plans [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	1,897,318		1,668,590		1,897,318	1,668,590
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance	£ 27.99		£ 25.79
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	653,776	653,776	758,776	758,776
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	£ 35.33		£ 20.07
Management share plans [member] | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	1,617,838		1,530,814		1,617,838	1,530,814
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance | $					$ 55.42	$ 53.88
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	577,083	577,083	701,965	701,965
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | $		$ 67.93		$ 43.93
Bonus deferral plans [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	281,994		312,767		281,994	312,767
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance	£ 25.53		£ 23.24
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	170,036	170,036	112,623	112,623
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	£ 34.44		£ 30.36
Bonus deferral plans [member] | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	153,966		148,158		153,966	148,158
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance | $					$ 52.83	$ 50.25
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	88,644	88,644	113,407	113,407
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | $		$ 69.98		$ 56.78
Global employee share plans [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	1,196,937		1,223,144		1,196,937	1,223,144
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance	£ 26.42		£ 26.90
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	382,585	382,585	344,072	344,072
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	£ 33.56		£ 24.33
Global employee share plans [member] | Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	1,161,433		1,307,108		1,161,433	1,307,108
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance | $					$ 52.54	$ 53.03
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	466,308	466,308	332,010	332,010
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting) | $		$ 65.10		$ 48.69
UK share plan [member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Line Items]
Number of non-vested shares at beginning balance	96,843		101,465		96,843	101,465
Weighted average fair value at grant date, non-vested shares at beginning balance	£ 27.14		£ 27
Number of vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	11,120	11,120	21,082	21,082
Weighted average share price, Vested awards settled in shares during the year (including dividend shares applied on vesting)	£ 34.56		£ 21.92

Post-retirement benefits - Summ

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of fair value of plan assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	100.00%	100.00%
Equities [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	32.40%	36.80%
Quoted [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	28.60%	32.50%
Private [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	3.80%	4.30%
Bonds [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	53.20%	47.90%
Government fixed income bonds [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	14.30%	11.30%
Government inflation- linked bonds [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	13.10%	12.00%
Corporate and other publicly quoted bonds [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	23.50%	22.30%
Private bonds [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	2.30%	2.30%
Property [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	11.20%	11.00%
Quoted property funds [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	5.80%	5.80%
Unquoted property funds [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	5.40%	5.20%
Qualifying Insurance policies [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	0.20%	0.60%
Cash & other [member]
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [Line Items]
Proportions of total fair value of assets	3.00%	3.70%

Post-retirement benefits - Addi

Post-retirement benefits - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Securities included in fair value of plan assets	$ 13	$ 16
Defined benefit expenses excluded form unerlying earnings	0	$ 0	$ 0
Estimated contributions to defined benefit pension plans for 2018	$ 210
Defined benefit obligation weighted average expected future life time	27 years	26 years
Defined benefit obligation weighted average expected future life time at man aged 60 in 2036	28 years	28 years
United States [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.50%	3.90%
Canada [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.40%	3.80%
Healthcare plans [member] | United States [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.60%	3.90%
Medical trend rate	9.80%	9.10%
Reduction in medical trend rate	4.70%	5.10%
Healthcare plans [member] | Canada [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.60%	3.90%
Medical trend rate	9.80%	9.10%
Reduction in medical trend rate	4.70%	5.10%

Post-retirement benefits - S253

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of maturity of defined benefit obligations (Detail) - yr	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Proportion relating to current employees	20.00%	21.00%	22.00%
Proportion relating to former employees not yet retired	11.00%	12.00%	11.00%
Proportion relating to retirees	69.00%	67.00%	67.00%
Defined benefit obligation	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Average duration of obligations (years)	13.9	14.3	13.4
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Proportion relating to current employees	20.00%
Proportion relating to former employees not yet retired	12.00%
Proportion relating to retirees	68.00%
Defined benefit obligation	100.00%
Average duration of obligations (years)	14
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Proportion relating to current employees	16.00%
Proportion relating to former employees not yet retired	1.00%
Proportion relating to retirees	83.00%
Defined benefit obligation	100.00%
Average duration of obligations (years)	12.7

Post-retirement benefits - S254

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of geographical distribution of defined benefit obligations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	100.00%
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	100.00%
Canada [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	49.00%	46.00%	44.00%
Canada [member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	49.00%
Canada [member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	41.00%
United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	27.00%	27.00%	29.00%
United Kingdom [member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	29.00%
United Kingdom [member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	2.00%
United States [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	14.00%	16.00%	15.00%
United States [member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	12.00%
United States [member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	54.00%
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	5.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Switzerland [member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	5.00%
Switzerland [member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	0.00%
Europe [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	3.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Europe [Member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	3.00%
Europe [Member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	0.00%
Other countries [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Other countries [member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	2.00%
Other countries [member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit obligation	3.00%

Post-retirement benefits - S255

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of total expense recognised in the income statement (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Current employer service cost for defined benefit plans	$ (155)	$ (158)	$ (184)
Past service income	4		144
Curtailment gains	1	5	13
Settlement gains	1		11
Net interest on net defined benefit liability	(79)	(90)	(113)
Non-investment expenses paid from the plans	(17)	(22)	(21)
Total defined benefit expense	(245)	(265)	(150)
Current employer service cost for defined contribution and industry-wide plans	(255)	(257)	(289)
Total expense recognised in the income statement	(500)	$ (522)	$ (439)
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Current employer service cost for defined benefit plans	(146)
Past service income	1
Curtailment gains	1
Settlement gains	1
Net interest on net defined benefit liability	(45)
Non-investment expenses paid from the plans	(17)
Total defined benefit expense	(205)
Current employer service cost for defined contribution and industry-wide plans	(253)
Total expense recognised in the income statement	(458)
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Current employer service cost for defined benefit plans	(9)
Past service income	3
Net interest on net defined benefit liability	(34)
Total defined benefit expense	(40)
Current employer service cost for defined contribution and industry-wide plans	(2)
Total expense recognised in the income statement	$ (42)

Post-retirement benefits - S256

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of total amount recognised in other comprehensive income before tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Abstract]
Actuarial losses to equity accounted units	$ (855)	$ (1,120)	$ 548
Return on assets (net of interest on assets)	894	1,031	79
Loss on application of asset ceiling	(33)	(1)	(8)
Actuarial gains/(losses) on post-retirement benefit plans	$ 6	$ (90)	$ 619

Post-retirement benefits - S257

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of amount recognised in balance sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	$ (2,499)	$ (2,542)	$ (2,530)
Deficits	(3,370)	(3,167)
Surpluses	871	625
Net deficits on pension plans	(1,501)	(1,616)
Unfunded [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Unfunded post-retirement healthcare obligation	(998)	(926)
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(1,501)	(1,616)
Deficits	(2,372)
Surpluses	871
Net deficits on pension plans	(1,501)
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(998)	(926)
Deficits	(998)
Other Benefits [member] | Unfunded [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Unfunded post-retirement healthcare obligation	(998)
Plan assets [Member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	15,257	13,749	13,642
Plan assets [Member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	15,257	13,749
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(17,645)	(16,228)	(16,123)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Funded [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(16,199)	(14,504)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Unfunded [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(1,446)	(1,724)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(16,647)	(15,302)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Pension benefits [member] | Funded [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(16,199)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Pension benefits [member] | Unfunded [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(448)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(998)	(926)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Other Benefits [member] | Unfunded [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(998)
Effect of asset ceiling [Member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	(111)	(63)	$ (49)
Effect of asset ceiling [Member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of information about amounts recognized in balance sheet [Line Items]
Net deficit to be shown in the balance sheet	$ (111)	$ (63)

Post-retirement benefits - S258

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of funding policy and contributions to plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Contributions to defined benefit plans	$ 404	$ 464	$ 328
Contributions to defined contribution plans	243	240	272
Contributions to industry-wide plans	12	17	17
Total	659	$ 721	$ 617
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Contributions to defined benefit plans	349
Contributions to defined contribution plans	241
Contributions to industry-wide plans	12
Total	602
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Contributions to defined benefit plans	55
Contributions to defined contribution plans	2
Total	$ 57

Post-retirement benefits - S259

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of movement in net defined benefit liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (2,542)	$ (2,530)
Amounts recognised in Income	(245)	(265)	$ (150)
Actuarial gains/(losses) on post-retirement benefit plans	6	(90)	619
Contributions by employer	404	464	328
Arrangements divested	13	(8)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(135)	(113)
Ending balance	(2,499)	(2,542)	$ (2,530)
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,616)
Amounts recognised in Income	(205)
Actuarial gains/(losses) on post-retirement benefit plans	62
Contributions by employer	349
Arrangements divested	13
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(104)
Ending balance	(1,501)	(1,616)
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(926)
Amounts recognised in Income	(40)
Actuarial gains/(losses) on post-retirement benefit plans	(56)
Contributions by employer	55
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(31)
Ending balance	$ (998)	$ (926)

Post-retirement benefits - S260

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of movement in present value of obligation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (2,542)	$ (2,530)
Current employer service costs	155	158	$ 184
Past service income	4		144
Curtailment gains	1	5	13
Settlements	(1)		(11)
Interest	(79)	(90)	(113)
Actuarial losses to equity accounted units	(855)	(1,120)	548
Arrangements divested	13	(8)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(135)	(113)
Ending balance	(2,499)	(2,542)	(2,530)
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,616)
Current employer service costs	146
Past service income	1
Curtailment gains	1
Settlements	(1)
Interest	(45)
Arrangements divested	13
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(104)
Ending balance	(1,501)	(1,616)
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(926)
Current employer service costs	9
Past service income	3
Interest	(34)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(31)
Ending balance	(998)	(926)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(16,228)	(16,123)
Current employer service costs	(155)	(158)
Past service income	4
Curtailment gains	1	5
Settlements	307
Interest	(532)	(577)
Contributions by plan participants	(23)	(23)
Benefits paid	949	967
Experience (loss)/gain	7	139
Actuarial losses to equity accounted units	(718)	(1,187)
Changes in demographic assumptions loss	(144)	(72)
Arrangements divested	13	86
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(1,126)	715
Ending balance	(17,645)	(16,228)	$ (16,123)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(15,302)
Current employer service costs	(146)
Past service income	1
Curtailment gains	1
Settlements	307
Interest	(498)
Contributions by plan participants	(23)
Benefits paid	894
Experience (loss)/gain	(2)
Actuarial losses to equity accounted units	(678)
Changes in demographic assumptions loss	(119)
Arrangements divested	13
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(1,095)
Ending balance	(16,647)	(15,302)
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(926)
Current employer service costs	(9)
Past service income	3
Interest	(34)
Benefits paid	55
Experience (loss)/gain	9
Actuarial losses to equity accounted units	(40)
Changes in demographic assumptions loss	(25)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(31)
Ending balance	$ (998)	$ (926)

Post-retirement benefits - S261

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of movement in plan assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (2,542)	$ (2,530)
Settlements	(1)		$ (11)
Interest	(79)	(90)	(113)
Contributions by employer	404	464	328
Non-investment expenses	(17)	(22)	(21)
Return on plan assets (net of interest on assets)	894	1,031	79
Arrangements divested	13	(8)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(135)	(113)
Ending balance	(2,499)	(2,542)	(2,530)
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,616)
Settlements	(1)
Interest	(45)
Contributions by employer	349
Non-investment expenses	(17)
Arrangements divested	13
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(104)
Ending balance	(1,501)	(1,616)
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(926)
Interest	(34)
Contributions by employer	55
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(31)
Ending balance	(998)	(926)
Plan assets [Member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	13,749	13,642
Settlements	(306)
Interest	459	492
Contributions by plan participants	23	23
Contributions by employer	404	464
Benefits paid	(949)	(967)
Non-investment expenses	(17)	(22)
Return on plan assets (net of interest on assets)	894	1,031
Arrangements divested		(94)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	1,000	(820)
Ending balance	15,257	13,749	$ 13,642
Plan assets [Member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	13,749
Settlements	(306)
Interest	459
Contributions by plan participants	23
Contributions by employer	349
Benefits paid	(894)
Non-investment expenses	(17)
Return on plan assets (net of interest on assets)	894
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	1,000
Ending balance	15,257	$ 13,749
Plan assets [Member] | Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	55
Benefits paid	$ (55)

Post-retirement benefits - S262

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of movement in effect of the asset ceiling (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (2,542)	$ (2,530)
Interest	(79)	(90)	$ (113)
Movement in the effect of the asset ceiling	33	1	8
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(135)	(113)
Ending balance	(2,499)	(2,542)	(2,530)
Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,616)
Interest	(45)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(104)
Ending balance	(1,501)	(1,616)
Other Benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(926)
Interest	(34)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(31)
Ending balance	(998)	(926)
Effect of asset ceiling [Member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(63)	(49)
Interest	(6)	(5)
Movement in the effect of the asset ceiling	(33)	(1)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(9)	(8)
Ending balance	(111)	(63)	$ (49)
Effect of asset ceiling [Member] | Pension benefits [member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(63)
Interest	(6)
Movement in the effect of the asset ceiling	(33)
Currency exchange rate (loss)/gain	(9)
Ending balance	$ (111)	$ (63)

Post-retirement benefits - S263

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of main assumptions rate for valuations of plans (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Canada [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.40%	3.80%
Inflation	1.80%	1.90%
Rate of increase in pensions	0.50%	0.40%
Rate of increase in salaries	3.10%	3.20%
United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.30%	2.60%
Inflation	3.20%	3.30%
Rate of increase in pensions	2.80%	2.90%
Rate of increase in salaries	3.60%	3.70%
United States [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.50%	3.90%
Inflation	2.10%	2.10%
Rate of increase in pensions	0.00%	0.00%
Rate of increase in salaries	3.60%	3.60%
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.50%	0.60%
Inflation	1.20%	1.00%
Rate of increase in pensions	0.40%	0.00%
Rate of increase in salaries	2.20%	2.00%
Europe [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Discount rate	1.50%	1.40%
Inflation	1.70%	1.60%
Rate of increase in pensions	1.70%	1.40%
Rate of increase in salaries	1.90%	2.40%

Post-retirement benefits - S264

Post-retirement benefits - Summary of main assumptions rate for valuations of plans (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Net Defined Benefit Liability Asset [Abstract]
Assumption for the consumer price index	2.10%	2.20%

Post-retirement benefits - Resu

Post-retirement benefits - Results summary of sensitivity analysis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Actuarial assumption of discount rates [Member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	$ 1,091	$ 1,031
Decrease of actuarial assumption	(1,169)	(1,107)
Actuarial assumption of discount rates [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	59	57
Decrease of actuarial assumption	(63)	(61)
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of inflation [Member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	(579)	(536)
Decrease of actuarial assumption	550	507
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of inflation [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	(20)	(19)
Decrease of actuarial assumption	18	17
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of salary increases [Member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	(74)	(77)
Decrease of actuarial assumption	72	75
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of salary increases [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	(1)	(3)
Decrease of actuarial assumption	1	2
Actuarial assumption of allowance for future improvements in longevity [member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	509	481
Decrease of actuarial assumption	(509)	(481)
Actuarial assumption of allowance for future improvements in longevity [member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	20	20
Decrease of actuarial assumption	(20)	(20)
Actuarial assumption of medical cost trend rates [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of actuarial assumption	(38)	(37)
Decrease of actuarial assumption	$ 33	$ 31

Post-retirement benefits - R266

Post-retirement benefits - Results summary of sensitivity analysis (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Actuarial assumption of discount rates [Member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Decrease of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Actuarial assumption of discount rates [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Decrease of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of inflation [Member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Decrease of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of inflation [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Decrease of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of salary increases [Member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Decrease of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of salary increases [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Decrease of percentage points	0.50%	0.50%
Actuarial assumption of allowance for future improvements in longevity [member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase in actuarial assumption of longevity trend	1 year	1 year
Decrease in actuarial assumption of longevity trend	1 year	1 year
Actuarial assumption of allowance for future improvements in longevity [member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase in actuarial assumption of longevity trend	1 year	1 year
Decrease in actuarial assumption of longevity trend	1 year	1 year
Actuarial assumption of medical cost trend rates [Member] | Pensions [member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	1.00%	1.00%
Decrease of percentage points	1.00%	1.00%
Actuarial assumption of medical cost trend rates [Member] | Other retirement benefits [Member]
Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions [Line Items]
Increase of percentage points	1.00%	1.00%
Decrease of percentage points	1.00%	1.00%

Rio Tinto Limited parent com267

Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures - Summary of financial statements (Detail) $ in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Assets
– Current assets		$ 18,678		$ 15,055
– Non-current assets		76,554		74,177
Total assets		95,726		89,263
Liabilities
– Current liabilities		(11,225)		(9,362)
– Non-current liabilities		(33,262)		(34,133)
Total liabilities		(44,611)		(43,533)
Net assets		51,115		45,730
Shareholders’ equity
Other reserves		12,284		9,216
Retained earnings		23,761		21,631
Total equity		51,115		45,730		$ 44,128			$ 54,594
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		8,851		4,776		(1,719)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	11,939		4,713		(3,749)
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Assets
– Current assets							$ 11,914	$ 8,041
– Non-current assets							7,954	10,758
Total assets							19,868	18,799
Liabilities
– Current liabilities							(7,448)	(1,268)
– Non-current liabilities							(35)	(4,814)
Total liabilities							(7,483)	(6,082)
Net assets							12,385	12,717
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital		$ 4,140		$ 3,915		$ 3,950	3,893	4,004	$ 4,535
Other reserves							420	413
Retained earnings							8,072	8,300
Total equity							$ 12,385	$ 12,717
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year			$ 9,688		$ 4,452
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year			$ 9,688		$ 4,452
[1]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

Rio Tinto Limited parent com268

Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures - Additional information (Detail) - Guarantees [Member] $ in Millions, $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)
Statement Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Guaranteed amount of external debt		$ 10,200		$ 14,100
Minera Escondida Limitada undrawn shareholder line of credit Rio Tinto share	$ 7.5	9,600	$ 7.5	10,400
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Statement Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Guaranteed amount of other external debt		100		100
Derivative financial liabilities		$ 48		$ 1

Related undertakings - Addition

Related undertakings - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Effective equity holding percentage	50.00%

Related undertakings - Summary

Related undertakings - Summary of Group's subsidiaries (Detail) - 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2017

$ / shares

£ / shares

$ / shares

$ / shares

R$ / shares

€ / shares

SFr / shares

د.إ / shares

RM / shares

S/ / shares

₨ / shares

$ / shares

$ / shares

$ / shares

MT / shares

₺ / shares

Rp / shares

R / shares

K / shares

/ shares

ZK / shares

FG / shares

₮ / shares

kr / shares

¥ / shares

₩ / shares

$ / shares

د.م. / shares

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.00%

One Zero Zero Two Nine Seven Three Four Canada Inc | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

10029734 Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

One Zero Zero Two Nine Seven Three Four Canada Inc | Canada [member] | Preference shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

10029734 Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal Quebec H3B 0E3, Canada

46117 YUKON INC [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

46117 YUKON INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada

46117 YUKON INC [member] | Canada [member] | Preference shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

46117 YUKON INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada

535630 YUKON INC [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

535630 YUKON INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

c/o Macdonald & Company, 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada

535630 YUKON INC [member] | Canada [member] | Preference shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

535630 YUKON INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

c/o Macdonald & Company, 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada

9230556 CANADA INC [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

9230556 CANADA INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

9230556 CANADA INC [member] | Canada [member] | Preference shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

9230556 CANADA INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

1043802 Ontario Ltd [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

1043802 Ontario Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

66 Wellington Street West, Suite 4700, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Toronto ON M5K 1E6, Canada

Alcan Gove Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class B shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Gove Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Alcan Gove Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Gove Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

1109723 B.C. Ltd [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

1109723 B.C. Ltd.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

1800 - 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6B 0M3, Canada

Four Six One Zero Six Yukon Inc | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

46106 YUKON INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 3T2, Canada

7999674 CANADA INC [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

7999674 CANADA INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

9539549 CANADA INC [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

9539549 CANADA INC.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Alcan Alumina Ltda. [member] | Quota shares [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Alumina Ltda.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

Alcan Alumina Ltda. [member] | Brazil [member] | Quota shares [member] | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Alumina Ltda.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

Share class | R$ / shares

R$ 1.00

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Avenida Engenheiro Emiliano Macieira, 1—km 18, Pedrinhas, Sao Luis, MA, 65095-603, Brazil

Alcan Asia Limited [member] | Hong Kong [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Hong Kong, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Asia Limited.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Hong Kong

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Alcan Betriebs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH [member] | Germany [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Betriebs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Germany

Share class | € / shares

€ 51.13

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany

Alcan Chemicals Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Chemicals Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

£ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Alcan Composites Brasil Ltda [member] | Brazil [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Composites Brasil Ltda

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

Share class | R$ / shares

0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Avenida das Nações Unidas, 10.989, 14th floor, Suite 141, São Paulo, 04578-000, Brazil

Alcan Corporation [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Corporation

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 211 East 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin TX 78701-3218, United States

Alcan Farms Limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Farms Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Alcan Finances USA LLC [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Finances USA LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Alcan Gove Development Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Gove Development Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Alcan Gove Superannuation Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Gove Superannuation Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Argyle Diamonds Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Argyle Diamonds Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Argyle Diamonds Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class B shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Argyle Diamonds Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Argyle Diamonds Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Argyle Diamonds Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Alcan Holdings Australia Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Holdings Australia Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Alcan Holdings Australia Pty Limited | Australia [member] | A Class Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Holdings Australia Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Alcan Lebensmittelverpackungen GmbH [member] | Germany [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Lebensmittelverpackungen GmbH

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Germany

Share class | € / shares

51.13

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany

Alcan Management Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. [member] | China [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Management Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

China

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Unit E, 40F Wheelock Square, No. 1717 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, 200040, China

Alcan Holdings Europe B.V | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Holdings Europe B.V.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

455

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands

Alcan Management Services Canada Limited/Societe de Services de Gestion Alcan Canada Limitee [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Management Services Canada Limited/Societe de Services de Gestion Alcan Canada Limitee

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Alcan Northern Territory Alumina Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Northern Territory Alumina Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Alcan Holdings Nederland B.V. | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Holdings Nederland B.V.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

4,555

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, Netherlands

Alcan Packaging Canada Limited [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Packaging Canada Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

McCarthy Tetrault LLP, c/o Joanne Pierucci, Suite 5300 Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Toronto ON M5K 1E6, Canada

Alcan Holdings Switzerland AG (SA/Ltd.) | Switzerland [member] | Registered Shares | Switzerland, Francs

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Holdings Switzerland AG (SA/Ltd.)

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Switzerland

Share class | SFr / shares

SFr 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland

Alcan International Network U.S.A. Inc. | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan International Network U.S.A. Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 80 State Street, Albany NY 12207-2543, United States

Alcan Primary Metal Australia Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Primary Metal Australia Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Alcan Primary Products Company LLC [member] | United States [member] | Units Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Primary Products Company LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Alcan Primary Products Corporation [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Primary Products Corporation

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 211 East 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin TX 78701-3218, United States

Alcan Realty Limited/Societe Immobiliere Alcan Limitee [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Realty Limited/Societe Immobiliere Alcan Limitee

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Alcan South Pacific Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan South Pacific Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Alcan Trading AG (SA/Ltd.) [member] | Switzerland [member] | Registered Shares | Switzerland, Francs

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Trading AG (SA/Ltd.)

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Switzerland

Share class | SFr / shares

1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland

Alcan Packaging Mhltal Gmbh Co Kg | Germany [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alcan Packaging Mühltal Gmbh & Co. KG; Germany

Share class | € / shares

51.13

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany

Aluminium Dunkerque [member] | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Aluminium Dunkerque

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

16

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France

Aluminium Pechiney [member] | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Aluminium Pechiney

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

16

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France

Aluminum Company of Canada Limited Aluminium du Canada Limitee [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Aluminum Company of Canada Limited/Aluminium du Canada Limitee

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

AML Properties Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

AML Properties Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Anglesey Aluminium Limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Anglesey Aluminium Limited (Dissolved)

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Anglesey Aluminium Metal Limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Anglesey Aluminium Metal Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

AP Service [member] | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

AP Service

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

15

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France

Argyle Diamond Mines Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Argyle Diamond Mines Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Argyle Diamonds 2013 Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Argyle Diamonds (2013) Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Australian Coal Holdings Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Australian Coal Holdings Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Australian Coal Holdings Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Class A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Australian Coal Holdings Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Ashton Canada Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Ashton Canada Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia

Borax Rotterdam N.V. [member] | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Borax Rotterdam N.V.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

453.78

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Welplaatweg 104, 3197KS, ROTTERDAM –BOTLEK, Netherlands

Ashton Mining Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Ashton Mining Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18, Central Park, 152-158 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

British Alcan Aluminium Limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

British Alcan Aluminium Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Ashton Nominees Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Ashton Nominees Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Canning Resources Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Canning Resources Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Capricorn Diamonds Investments Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Capricorn Diamonds Investments Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Cathjoh Holdings Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Cathjoh Holdings Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Australian Mining & Smelting Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Australian Mining & Smelting Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Champlain Reinsurance Company Ltd [member] | Switzerland [member] | Registered Shares | Switzerland, Francs

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Champlain Reinsurance Company Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Switzerland

Share class | SFr / shares

1.23

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland

Beasley River Management Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Beasley River Management Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Channar Management Services Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Channar Management Services Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Beasley River Mining Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Beasley River Mining Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Channar Mining Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Channar Mining Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Borax Espaa S A | SPAIN | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Borax Espana, S.A

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Spain

Share class | € / shares

150

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CN 340, Km 954, 12520 NULES, Castellon, Spain

CIA Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Cosmos S.A.C. [member] | PERU | Ordinary shares [Member] | Peru, Nuevos Soles

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

CIA. Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Cosmos S.A.C.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Peru

Share class | S/ / shares

S/ 1,000.00

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Av. Santa Maria No. 110 Urb. Miraflores – MIRAFLORES – LIMA, Peru

Borax Europe Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Borax Europe Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

0.25

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Borax Francais | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Borax Francais

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

2.75

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

89 Route de Bourbourg, 59210, Coudekerque-Branche, France

Compania de Transmision Sierraoriente S.A.C [member] | PERU | Ordinary shares [Member] | Peru, Nuevos Soles

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Compania de Transmision Sierraoriente S.A.C.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Peru

Share class | S/ / shares

1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Av. Santa Maria No. 110 Urb. Miraflores – MIRAFLORES – LIMA, Peru

Borax Malaysia Sdn Bhd | MALAYSIA | Ordinary shares [Member] | Malaysia, Ringgits

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Borax Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Malaysia

Share class | RM / shares

RM 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 7, Menara Milenium, Jalan Damanlela, Pusat Bandar Damansara, Damansara Heights 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

CRA Exploration (India) Private Limited [member] | India [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | India, Rupees

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

CRA Exploration (India) Private Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

India

Share class | ₨ / shares

₨ 10

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Apartment No.100 A/5, Ground Floor, The Capital Court, Olof Palme Marg, Munirka, NEW DELHI 110067, India

CRA Investments Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

CRA Investments Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

CRA Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

CRA Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Daybreak Development LLC [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Daybreak Development LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Daybreak Property Holdings LLC [member] | United States [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Daybreak Property Holdings LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States

Daybreak Secondary Water Distribution Company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Daybreak Secondary Water Distribution Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Daybreak Water Holding LLC [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Daybreak Water Holding LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

DB Medical I LLC [member] | United States [member] | Units Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

DB Medical I LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States

DBVC1 LLC [member] | United States [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

DBVC1 LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States

Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. [Member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada

Compagnie Generale Delectrolyse Du Palais [member] | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Compagnie Generale D'electrolyse Du Palais

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

0.94

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France

East Kalimantan Coal Pte. Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

East Kalimantan Coal Pte. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

East Kalimantan Coal Pte. Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

East Kalimantan Coal Pte. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Hail Creek Coal Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hail Creek Coal Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Hamersley Exploration Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Exploration Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Eastland Management Inc. | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Eastland Management Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Hamersley HMS Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley HMS Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Electric Power Generation Limited | NEW ZEALAND | Ordinary shares [Member] | New Zealand, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Electric Power Generation Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

New Zealand

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Tiwai Road , Southland via Intercargill, New Zealand

Hamersley Holdings Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Empresa de Mineracao Finesa Ltda | Brazil [member] | Quotas Shares | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Empresa de Mineracao Finesa Ltda.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 710/720, Brasilia DF, Brazil

Hamersley Iron Yandi Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley IronYandi Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Hamersley Iron Yandi Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class B Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Iron Yandi Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Hamersley Iron Yandi Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class C Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Iron Yandi Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Falcon Insurance Ltd | MALTA | Class B Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Falcon Insurance Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Malta

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

No 7, 4th Floor, Block C, Skyway Offices,179 Marina Street, Pieta , PTA 9042, Malta

Falcon Insurance Ltd | MALTA | A Ordinary Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Falcon Insurance Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Malta

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

No 7, 4th Floor, Block C, Skyway Offices, 179 Marina Street, Pieta , PTA 9042, Malta

Flambeau Mining Company | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Flambeau Mining Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Hamersley Iron Pty Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Iron Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Hamersley Iron Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Iron Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Fundsprops Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Fundsprops Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Hamersley Resources Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Resources Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Hamersley Resources Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Z Class Ordinary Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley Resources Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Gladstone Infrastructure Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Class G Redeemable Preference Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Gladstone Infrastructure Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Gladstone Infrastructure Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | A Class Ordinary Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Gladstone Infrastructure Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Hamersley WA Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hamersley WA Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Gove Aluminium Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Gove Aluminium Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Gove Aluminium Ltd | Australia [member] | A Non Redeemable Preference Share | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Gove Aluminium Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Gove Aluminium Ltd | Australia [member] | A Redeemable Preference Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Gove Aluminium Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Henlopen Manufacturing Co Inc [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 80 State Street, Albany NY 12207-2543, United States

High Purity Iron Inc [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

High Purity Iron Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

G P S Energy Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

GPS Energy Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

G P S Nominee Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

GPS Nominee Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

G P S Power Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

GPS Power Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

HIsmelt Corporation Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

HIsmelt Corporation Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Hunter Valley Resources Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | A Class Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hunter Valley Resources Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Hunter Valley Resources Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | B Class Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hunter Valley Resources Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Kennecott Royalty Company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Royalty Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Services Company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Services Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

I E A Coal Research Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

IEA Coal Research Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Apsley House, Third Floor, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SH, United Kingdom

Kennecott Uranium Company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Uranium Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

I E A Environmental Projects Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

IEA Environmental Projects Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

IEAGHG, Pure Offices Cheltenham Office Park, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6SH, United Kingdom

Kennecott Utah Copper LLC [member] | United States [member] | Units Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Utah Copper LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States

Industrias Metalicas Castello S A | SPAIN | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Industrias Metalicas Castello S.A

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Spain

Share class | € / shares

6.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Calle Tuset 10, 08006, Barcelona, Catalogna, Spain

Kennecott Water Distribution LLC [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Water Distribution LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Integrity Land And Cattle L L C | United States [member] | Units Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Integrity Land and Cattle LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 2338 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite J, Phoenix AZ 85021

Kestrel Coal Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kestrel Coal Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Itallumina Srl | ITALY | Quotas Shares | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Itallumina Srl

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Italy

Share class | € / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Viale Castro Pretorio 122, 00185, Roma, Italy

Kestrel Coal Sales Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kestrel Coal Sales Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Johcath Holdings Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Johcath Holdings Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Kutaibar Holdings Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kutaibar Holdings Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Juna Station Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Juna Station Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Kalimantan Gold Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kalimantan Gold Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Kalteng Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kalteng Pty. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Kalteng Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Class B Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kalteng Pty. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Kalteng Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | A Class Ordinary Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kalteng Pty. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia

Kelian Investment Limited [member] | Virgin Islands, British [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kelian Investment Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

British Virgin Islands

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Woodbourne Hall, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Kelian Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kelian Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Kembla Coal And Coke Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kembla Coal & Coke Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Kennecott Barneys Canyon Mining Company | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Barneys Canyon Mining Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Exploration Company | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Exploration Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Exploration Mexico, S.A. de C.V | MEXICO | Ordinary shares [Member] | Mexico, Pesos

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Exploration Mexico, S.A. de C.V

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mexico

Share class

$ 1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Felix Berenguer 125 – 4,Col.Lomas Virreyes, Distrito Federal, 11000, Mexico

Kennecott Holdings Corporation | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Holdings Corporation

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Land Company | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Land Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Land Investment Company L L C | United States [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Land Investment Company LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Molybdenum Company | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Molybdenum Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Nevada Copper Company | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Nevada Copper Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Kennecott Ridgeway Mining Company | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Kennecott Ridgeway Mining Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Lawson Mardon Flexible Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Lawson Mardon Flexible Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Lawson Mardon Smith Brothers Ltd | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Lawson Mardon Smith Brothers Ltd.;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Metallwerke Refonda A G | Switzerland [member] | Bearer Shares | Switzerland, Francs

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Metallwerke Refonda AG;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Switzerland

Share class | SFr / shares

SFr 125

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Herostrasse 9, P.O. Box 1954, CH-8048 Zürich, Switzerland

Metals And Minerals Insurance Pte Limited | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Metals & Minerals Insurance Pte. Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Metals And Minerals Insurance Pte Limited | Singapore [member] | Redeemable Preference Shares | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Metals & Minerals Insurance Pte. Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 125

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

2 Shenton Way, #2601, SGX Centre 1, Singapore 068804, Singapore

Mineracao Tabuleiro Ltda | Brazil [member] | Quota shares [member] | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Mineracao Tabuleiro Ltda;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 690/720, Brasilia DF, Brazil

Norgold Pty Limited One | Australia [member] | Redeemable Preference Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Norgold Pty Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Minera Kennecott, S.A.de C.V. | MEXICO | Series B Share [member] | Mexico, Pesos

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Minera Kennecott, S.A.de C.V.;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mexico

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Florencia 57,Piso 3,Col.Juarez, Delegacion Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F., 06600, Mexico

Mitchell Plateau Bauxite Co Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Mitchell Plateau Bauxite Co. Pty. Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Mount Bruce Mining Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Mount Bruce Mining Pty Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Mount Pleasant Project [Member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Mount Pleasant Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Mutamba Mineral Sands S.A. [member] | MOZAMBIQUE | Ordinary shares [Member] | Mozambique, Meticais

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Mutamba Mineral Sands S.A.;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mozambique

Share class | MT / shares

MT 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Avenida 24 de Julho, no. 3412, Bairro da Polana Cimento, Maputo City, Mozambique

Nbh Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

NBH Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Norgold Pty Limited Three | Australia [member] | Redeemable Preference Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North Gold (W.A.) Pty Ltd; Australia

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Nhulunbuy Corporation Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Nhulunbuy Corporation Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

19 Westal Street, Nhulunbuy NT 0880, Australia

North Ioc Bermuda Limited | BERMUDA | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North IOC (Bermuda) Holdings Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bermuda

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda

North Ioc Bermuda Limited | BERMUDA | Class A Ordinary Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North IOC (Bermuda) Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bermuda

Share class

$ 143.64

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda

North Ioc Bermuda Limited | BERMUDA | Preference shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North IOC (Bermuda) Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bermuda

Share class

$ 100,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Norgold Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Norgold Pty Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

North I O C Bermuda Limited One | BERMUDA | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North IOC (Bermuda) Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bermuda

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Norgold Pty Limited Two | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North Gold (W.A.) Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

North Insurances Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North Insurances Pty. Ltd.;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

North Ioc Holdings Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North IOC Holdings Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

North Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

North Mining Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North Mining Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

North Mining Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North Mining Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

North Mining Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Redeemable Preference Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

North Mining Limited; Australia

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Pacific Aluminium New Zealand Limited | NEW ZEALAND | Ordinary shares [Member] | New Zealand, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pacific Aluminium (New Zealand) Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

New Zealand

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 6, 109 Featherston Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand

Pacific Aluminium Bell Bay Sales Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pacific Aluminium Bell Bay Sales Pty Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Pacific Aluminium Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pacific Aluminium Pty. Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Pacific Aluminium Services Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pacific Aluminium Services Pty Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, 123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Pacific Coast Mines Inc | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pacific Coast Mines, Inc.;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Pechiney Aviatube Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Aviatube Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Pechiney Batiment | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Bâtiment;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

15

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

725 rue Aristide Bergès, 38341 Voreppe Cedex, France

Pechiney Becancour Inc | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Becancour, Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Pechiney Cast Plate, Inc. [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Cast Plate, Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Pechiney Consolidated Australia Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Consolidated Australia Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Pechiney Consolidated Australia Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Preference shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Consolidated Australia Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Pechiney Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi [member] | TURKEY | Ordinary shares [Member] | Turkey, New Lira

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Turkey

Share class | ₺ / shares

₺ 25

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Karakoy Haci Mimi Mah. Vekil Harc Sok. 10 Kat 4, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

Pechiney Holdings, Inc. [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Holdings, Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Pechiney Metals LLC [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Metals LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc. [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Richards Bay Mining Holdings (Proprietary) Limited [member] | SOUTH AFRICA | A Ordinary Shares | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Richards Bay Mining Holdings (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

R 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Richards Bay Mining Holdings (Proprietary) Limited [member] | SOUTH AFRICA | B ordinary shares [member] | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Richards Bay Mining Holdings (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Pechiney Sales Corporation [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pechiney Sales Corporation

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Peko Exploration Pty Ltd. [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Peko Exploration Pty Ltd.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia

Peko Wallsend Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Peko-Wallsend Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member] | B ordinary shares [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member] | SOUTH AFRICA | A Ordinary Shares | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Richards Bay Titanium Holdings (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member] | SOUTH AFRICA | B ordinary shares [member] | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Richards Bay Titanium Holdings (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Port d'Ehoala S.A. [Member] | Madagascar [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Port d’Ehoala S.A.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Madagascar

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Immeuble ASSIST, Ivandry , Lot N°35, 5ème étage, 101 Antananarivo , Antananarivo, Madagascar

Project Generation Group Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Project Generation Group Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

PSZ Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PSZ Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

PT Alcan Packaging Flexipack [member] | Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Indonesia, Rupiahs

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Alcan Packaging Flexipack

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Indonesia

Share class | Rp / shares

Rp 1,000,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

PT Rio Tinto Consultants [member] | Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Rio Tinto Consultants

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Indonesia

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

PT Rio Tinto Exploration [member] | Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Rio Tinto Exploration

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Indonesia

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

15th Floor, Menara Anugrah, Kantor Taman E3.3, Jalan DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 8.6-8.7, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

PT Rio Tinto Indonesia | Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Rio Tinto Indonesia

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Indonesia

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

PT Rio Tinto Irja [member] | Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Rio Tinto Irja

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Indonesia

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

QIT Madagascar Minerals Ltd [member] | BERMUDA | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

QIT Madagascar Minerals Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bermuda

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda

Queensland Coal Pty Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Queensland Coal Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Queensland Coal Pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Queensland Coal Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Quimicae Metalurgica Mequital Ltda | Brazil [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Quimica e Metalurgica Mequital Ltda

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Av. das Nacoes Unida, 12551 19o, andar, CJ 1911, 04578-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

Ranges Management Company Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Ranges Management Company Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Ranges Mining Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Ranges Mining Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Resolution Copper Company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Resolution Copper Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio de Contas Desenvolvimentos Minerais Ltda [member] | Brazil [member] | Quota shares [member] | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio de Contas Desenvolvimentos Minerais Ltda

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Rua Coronel Durval Matos, S/N. Centro, Municipio de Jaguaquara, Estado da Bahia, CEP45345-000, Brazil

Rio tinto (commercial paper) limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto (Commercial Paper) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio Santa Rita Empreenimentos Particiacoes Ltda | Brazil [member] | Quota shares [member] | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Santa Rita Empreenimentos e-Particiacoes Ltda

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

SIA, Trecho 2, Lotes 690/720, Brasilia, DF, Brazil

Rio tinto (hong kong) ltd [member] | Hong Kong [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Hong Kong, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto (Hong Kong) Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Hong Kong

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Rio Sava Exploration DOO [member] | Serbia

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Sava Exploration DOO

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Serbia

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Resavska 23, 11000 Beograd, Beograd, 11000, Serbia

Rio tinto mauritius pty limited [member] | MAURITIUS | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto (Mauritius) Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mauritius

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6th Floor, Tower A, 1 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius

Rio tinto advisory services pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Advisory Services Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio tinto alcan fund inc [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Alcan Fund Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto alcan international ltd or rio tinto alcan international ltee [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltd. / Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltee

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto alcan middle east dmcc [member] | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Arab Emirates, Dirhams

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Alcan Middle East DMCC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Arab Emirates

Share class | د.إ / shares

د.إ 1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Gold Tower, Jlt Cluster I, 8th Floor, Unit E, Dubai, PO BOX 340801, United Arab Emirates

Rio tinto alcan technology pty ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Alcan Technology Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio tinto aluminium (bell bay) limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Aluminium (Bell Bay) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, Level 3, 500 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio tinto aluminium (bell bay) limited [member] | Australia [member] | Seven Point Five Percentage Cumulative Preference Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Aluminium (Bell Bay) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, Level 3, 500 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio Tinto Almazpoisk LLC [member] | Russian Federation [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Almazpoisk LLC

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

3, Aleksandra Lukyanova, 105066, Moscow, Russian Federation

Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Aluminium (Holdings) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio tinto aluminium limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio tinto america holdings inc [member] | United States [member] | Class A common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto America Holdings Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio tinto america holdings inc [member] | United States [member] | Series A Preference Stock | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto America Holdings Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio tinto america inc [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto America Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio tinto asia ltd [member] | Hong Kong [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Hong Kong, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Asia Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Hong Kong

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Suite 2802, 28/F, Lippo Centre Tower 2, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Rio tinto asia pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Asia Pty. Limited.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio tinto asia pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Asia Pty. Limited.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio tinto aum company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto AuM Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio tinto australian holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Australian Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto australian holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Australian Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto bahia holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Bahia Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto base metals pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Base Metals Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio tinto brazilian holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Brazilian Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto brazilian holdings limited [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Brazilian Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto brazilian Investments Limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Brazilian Investments Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto brazilian Investments Limited [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Brazilian Investments Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto canada diamond operation management inc [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Diamond Operation Management Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada

Rio tinto canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class B Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class C Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal Quebec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class D Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal Quebec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class J Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal Quebec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class K Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal Quebec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio Tinto Canada Management Inc Or Rio Tinto Gestion Canada Inc | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Management Inc./ Rio Tinto Gestion Canada Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto desenvolvimentos minerais ltda [member] | Brazil [member] | Quotas Shares | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Desenvolvimentos Minerais LTDA.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

SIG Quadra 04, Lote 175, Torre A, Salas 106 a 109, Edificio Capital Financial Center, Brasilia, CEP 70610-440, Brazil

Rio tinto diamonds and minerals canada holding inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class B Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Canada Holding Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada

Rio tinto diamonds and minerals canada holding inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class A dividend rights [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Canada Holding Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada

Rio tinto diamonds and minerals canada holding inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class C voting rights [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Canada Holding Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada

Rio tinto diamonds and minerals canada holding inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class P one preferred shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Canada Holding Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

300-5201 50th Avenue, PO Box 2498, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada

Rio Tinto Canada Uranium Corporation | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Canada Uranium Corporation

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio Tinto Coal Clermont Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Coal (Clermont) Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio Tinto Coal Investments Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Coal Investments Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio tinto diamonds limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Diamonds Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Coal Nsw Holdings Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Coal NSW Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio tinto diamonds netherlands b v [member] | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Diamonds Netherlands B.V.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

500

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Netherlands

Rio tinto diamonds nv [member] | BELGIUM | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Diamonds NV

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Belgium

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Hoveniersstraat 53, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium

Rio tinto eastern investments b v [member] | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Eastern Investments B.V.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

13,418,899,730

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto energy america inc [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Energy America Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio tinto energy limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Energy Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto escondida limited [member] | BERMUDA | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Escondida Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bermuda

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

22 Canon’s Court, Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda

Rio tinto european holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto European Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto exploration (asia) holdings pte. ltd [member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration (Asia) Holdings Pte. Ltd.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio tinto exploration (png) limited [member] | Papua New Guinea [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Papua New Guinea, Kina

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration (PNG) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Papua New Guinea

Share class | K / shares

K 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

c/o BDO Accountants, Section 15, Lot 15, Bernal Street, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea

Rio tinto exploration and mining (india) private limited [member] | India [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | India, Rupees

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration and Mining (India) Private Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

India

Share class | ₨ / shares

10

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

21st Floor, DLF Building No.5, Tower A, DLF Cyber City, Phase –III, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122002, India

Rio tinto exploration canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class B shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto exploration canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class A shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto exploration canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class C Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto exploration canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class D Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto exploration canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Class E Preferred Shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto exploration gabon sa [member] | Gabon [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Communaute Financiere Africaine BEAC, Francs

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Gabon SA

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Gabon

Share class | / shares

10,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

C/O NEW ACE Baker Tilly, Quartier Louis – Quaben,Libreville,B.P :3981 ,Gabon

Rio tinto exploration india private limited [member] | India [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | India, Rupees

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration India Private Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

India

Share class | ₨ / shares

10

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Apartment No.100 A/5, Ground Floor, The Capital Court, Olof Palme Marg, Munirka, NEW DELHI 110067, India

Rio tinto exploration kazakhstan llp [member] | Kazakhstan [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Kazakhstan LLP

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Kazakhstan

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Dostyk 310/G, Almaty, 050020, Kazakhstan

Rio tinto exploration pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia

Rio tinto exploration pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class B shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia

Rio tinto exploration pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Class C Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

37 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104, Australia

Rio tinto exploration zambia limited [member] | Zambia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Zambia, Kwacha

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Exploration Zambia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Zambia

Share class | ZK / shares

ZK 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Plot 3827, Parliament Road, Olympia, Lusaka,Zambia

Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member] | Common shares [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

1625 Route Marie-Victorin, Sorel-Tracy QC J3R 1M6, Canada

Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member] | Canada [member] | Preference shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

1625 Route Marie-Victorin, Sorel-Tracy QC J3R 1M6, Canada

Rio tinto holdings llc [member] | Mongolia [Member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Mongolia, Tugriks

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Holdings LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mongolia

Share class | ₮ / shares

₮ 20,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Monnis Tower 13th floor, Chinggis Avenue-15, SBD, Ulaanbaatar-14240, Mongolia

Rio tinto hydrogen energy australia pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Hydrogen Energy Australia Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000,Australia

Rio Tinto FH Limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto FH Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto hydrogen energy llc [member] | United States [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Hydrogen Energy LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Finance (USA) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio tinto iceland ltd [member] | Iceland [member] | Registered Shares | Iceland, Kronur

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iceland Ltd.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Iceland

Share class | kr / shares

kr 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

P.O. Box 244, IS-222, Hafnarfjördur, Iceland

Rio Tinto Finance USA plc [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Finance (USA) plc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto india private limited [member] | India [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | India, Rupees

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto India Private Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

India

Share class | ₨ / shares

₨ 10

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Apartment No.100 A/5, Ground Floor, The Capital Court, Olof Palme Marg, Munirka, NEW DELHI 110067, India

Rio Tinto PACE Canada Inc./Gestion Rio Tinto PACE Canada Inc.[member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto PACE Canada Inc./Gestion Rio Tinto PACE Canada Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio Tinto Indonesian Holdings Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Indonesian Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Indonesian Holdings Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Indonesian Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Finance Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Finance Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000,Australia

Rio Tinto Finance plc [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Finance plc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Rio Tinto Finance plc [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Finance plc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto international holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto International Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto international trading shanghai co ltd [member] | China [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

China

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Room 1615-3, No. 1 Jilong Road, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200031, China

Rio Tinto France S.A.S [member] | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto France S.A.S

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

15.25

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400,Courbevoie, France

Rio tinto investments one pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Investments One Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Rio Tinto Global Employment Company Pte. Ltd. [member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Global Employment Company Pte. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio tinto investments two pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Investments Two Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Rio Tinto Guinee S.A [Member] | Guinea [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Guinea, Francs

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Guinee S.A

Share class | FG / shares

FG 100,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Route de la Corniche Nord, Cité Ministérielle—Rue DI 256 Quartier Landréah, Commune de Dixinn—BP 99,Conakry, Guinea

Rio tinto iron and titanium suzhou co ltd [member] | China [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (Suzhou) Co., Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

China

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

418 Nanshi Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou,215021, China

Rio tinto iron and titanium gmbh [member] | Germany [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium GmbH

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Germany

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Mergenthalerallee 77, D-65760, Eschborn, (Frankfurt am Main), Germany

Rio tinto iron and titanium holdings gmbh [member] | Germany [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Holdings GmbH

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Germany

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Mergenthalerallee 77, D-65760, Eschborn, (Frankfurt am Main), Germany

Rio tinto iron and titanium limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto iron and titanium canada inc and rio tinto fer et titane canada inc [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Canada Inc./Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Canada Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

1625 Route Marie-Victorin, Sorel-Tracy QC J3R 1M6, Canada

Rio tinto iron ore asia pte ltd [member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Asia Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio tinto iron ore atlantic limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Atlantic Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto iron ore europe sas [member] | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Europe S.A.S.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400,Courbevoie, France

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Trading China Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Trading China Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Jersey Holdings Two Thousand And Ten Limited | JERSEY | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Jersey Holdings 2010 Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

22 Grenville Street, St Helier, JE4 8PX, Jersey

Rio Tinto Minerals Exploration Beijing Co Ltd | China [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Minerals Exploration (Beijing) Co., Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

China

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Units 15 - 16, 18/F, China World Office Building 2, No. 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

Rio Tinto Japan Ltd | Japan [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Japan, Yen

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Japan Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Japan

Share class | ¥ / shares

¥ 500

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

8th Floor, Kojimachi Diamond Building, 1 Kojimachi 4-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan

Rio tinto minerals inc [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Minerals Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 15 West South Temple, Suite 1701, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States

Rio Tinto Logistic Services Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Logistic Services Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000,Australia

Rio tinto mining and exploration inc [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio Tinto Korea Ltd | KOREA, REPUBLIC OF | Ordinary shares [Member] | Korea (South), Won

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Korea Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Republic of Korea

Share class | ₩ / shares

₩ 10,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

2nd Floor, JS Tower, 6 Teheran-ro 79-gil,Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 135-877, Republic of Korea

Rio Tinto London Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto London Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Mining And Exploration Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Mining And Exploration Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Management Services South Africa Proprietary Ltd | SOUTH AFRICA | Ordinary shares [Member] | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Management Services South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

2

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

1 Harries Road, Illovo, Sandton, 2196, Sandton,South Africa, 2196, South Africa

Rio Tinto Marketing Pte Limited [Member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio Tinto Marketing Pte Limited [Member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Marketing Pte. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio tinto mining and exploration sac [member] | PERU | Ordinary shares [Member] | Peru, Nuevos Soles

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration S.A.C.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Peru

Share class | S/ / shares

0.5

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Calle General Borgono N 1034, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru

Rio tinto namibian holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Namibian Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Marketing Services Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Marketing Services Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto nickel company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Nickel Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio Tinto Medical Plan Trustees Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Medical Plan Trustees Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto nominees limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Nominees Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Metals Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Metals Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Metals Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Metals Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto ot management limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto OT Management Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto overseas holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Overseas Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto overseas holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Overseas Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Minera Peru Limitada Sac | PERU | Ordinary shares [Member] | Peru, Nuevos Soles

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Minera Peru Limitada SAC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Peru

Share class | S/ / shares

S/ 100.00

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Av. La Paz 1049, Oficina 501, Lima 18, Peru

Rio Tinto Mineracao Do Brasil Ltda | Brazil [member] | Quotas Shares | Brazil, Brazil Real

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Mineracao do Brasil Ltda

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Brazil

Share class | R$ / shares

R$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

SIG Quadra 04, Lote 175, Torre A, Salas 106 a 109,Edificio Capital Financial Center, Brasilia, Brasilia,CEP 70610-440, Brazil

Rio tinto pension investments limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Pension Investments Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Minerals Asia Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Minerals Asia Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio Tinto Minerals Asia Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Minerals Asia Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio tinto peru limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Peru Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto potash management inc and rio tinto potasse management inc [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Potash Management Inc./Rio Tinto Potasse Management Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

0.25

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto procurement singapore pte ltd [member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Procurement (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio Tinto Pte Ltd [Member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio Tinto Pte Ltd [Member] | Singapore [member] | Preference shares [member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio tinto vostok limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Vostok Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Saskatchewan Management Inc | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Saskatchewan Management Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Rio tinto western holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Western Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio tinto western holdings limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Western Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Saskatchewan Potash Holdings General Partner Inc | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Saskatchewan Potash Holdings General Partner Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

McCarthy Tetrault LLP, Suite 5300, TD Bank Tower 66 Wellington Street West, Toronto ON M5K 1E6, Canada

Rio Tinto Saskatchewan Potash Holdings Limited Partnership | Canada [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Saskatchewan Potash Holdings Limited Partnership

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

McCarthy Tetrault LLP, Suite 5300, TD Bank Tower 66 Wellington Street West, Toronto ON M5K Canada 1E6, Canada

Riversdale connections (proprietary) ltd [member] | SOUTH AFRICA | Ordinary shares [Member] | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Riversdale Connections (Proprietary) Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

R 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Ground Floor – Cypress Place North, Woodmead Business Park140/142 Western Service Road, Woodmead, 2191, South Africa

Rio Tinto Secretariat Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Secretariat Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Robe river limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Robe River Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Rio Tinto Services Inc | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Services Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rocklea station pty ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rocklea Station Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Rio Tinto Services Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Services Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio Tinto Services Limited | Australia [member] | Class Z Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Services Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio Tinto Services Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Class A Preference Shares | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco 7 Limited; United Kingdom

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rta aal australia limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA AAL Australia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta boyne limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Boyne Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Pacific Aluminium, Level 3, 500 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rio Tinto Shared Services Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Shared Services Pty Limited Australia

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rta holdco 1 limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco 1 Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 0.0001

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Shipping Asia Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Shipping (Asia) Pte. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio Tinto Shipping Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Shipping Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio Tinto Simfer U K Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Simfer UK Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio Tinto Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rio Tinto South East Asia Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto South East Asia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto South East Asia Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto South East Asia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Staff Fund Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Staff Fund Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rio Tinto Sulawesi Holdings Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Sulawesi Holdings Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Technological Resources Inc | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Technological Resources Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rio Tinto Technological Resources Uk Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Technological Resources UK Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Trading Shanghai Co Ltd | China [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

China

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

41/F Wheelock Square, No. 1717 West Nanjing Road, Jing’ an District, Shanghai, 200040, China

Rio Tinto Uranium Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Uranium Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rta Holdco Seven Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco 7 Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rtalcan One Llc | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTAlcan 1 LLC;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rtalcan One Llc | United States [member] | Class A Preference Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTAlcan 1 LLC;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rta Holdco Eight Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Class A Preference Shares | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco 8 Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rta Holdco Australia One Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco Australia 1 Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta Holdco Australia Third Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco Australia 3 Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta Holdco Australia Five Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco Australia 5 Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta holdco 4 limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco 4 Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rta holdco 4 limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares one [member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco 4 Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

0.73

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rta Holdco Australia Six Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco Australia 6 Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

R T A Holdco France2017 S A S | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco France 2017 S.A.S.;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

10

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France

Rta Pacific Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Pacific Pty Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta Sales Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Class A Preference Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Sales Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta Sales Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Class B Paid Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Sales Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

R T A Holdco8 Limited One | United Kingdom [member] | Class A Preference Shares | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Holdco 8 Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Rta Smelter Development Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Smelter Development Pty Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta Weipa Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Weipa Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rta Yarwun Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTA Yarwun Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Rtalcan Two Llc | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTAlcan 2 LLC;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Rtalcan Three Llc | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTAlcan 3 LLC;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington DE 19808

Rtlds Aus Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTLDS Aus Pty. Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rtlds Uk Limited | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTLDS UK Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Rtmdc Llc | Mongolia [Member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Mongolia, Tugriks

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTMDC LLC;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mongolia

Share class | ₮ / shares

₮ 1,240

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

7 floor, Seoul Business Centre, Zaluuchuud avenue – 26, 1st khoroo, Bayanzurkh district, Ulaanbaatar, 13381, Mongolia

Rtpds Aus Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

RTPDS Aus Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Savoie Services Y K | Japan [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Japan, Yen

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Savoie Services Y.K.;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Japan

Share class | ¥ / shares

¥ 50,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Harumi, 3 Nagahama-cho, Ozu-city, Ehime-ken, 799-3412, Japan

Scheuch Unterstuetzungskasse Gmbh | Germany [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Scheuch Unterstuetzungskasse GmbH;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Germany

Share class | € / shares

51.13

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Alusingenplatz 1, D-78221, Singen, Germany

Skeleton Coast Diamonds Limited | Namibia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Namibia, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Skeleton Coast Diamonds Limited;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Namibia

Share class

$ 2

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

360 Sam Nujoma Drive, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia

Skymont Corporation | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Skymont Corporation;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Societe De Financement Des Risques Industriels | LUXEMBOURG | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Société De Financement Des Risques Industriels;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Luxembourg

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

534, rue de Neudorf, B.P. 593, Luxembourg, L-2015, Luxembourg

Societe D Entreprises Carrieres Et Mines De L Esterel | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Société D’entreprises, Carriéres Et Mines De L’Esterel;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

9.33

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France

Societe Generale De Recherches Et D Exploitations Minires | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Société Générale de Recherches et d’exploitations Minières;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

0.22

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France

Societe Immobiliere Alpes Provence | France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Société Immobilière Alpes Provence;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

France

Share class | € / shares

€ 15

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

17 Place des Reflets, La Defense 2, 92400, Courbevoie, France

Sohio Western Mining Company | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Sohio Western Mining Company;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Southern copper pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Southern Copper Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Southern copper pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Southern Copper Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Southern copper pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | B shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Southern Copper Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Southern copper pty Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Non cumulative redeemable preference shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Southern Copper Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Swift current land and cattle llc [member] | United States [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Swift Current Land & Cattle LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 2338 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite J, Phoenix AZ 85021

Swiss aluminium australia limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Swiss Aluminium Australia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Swiss aluminium australia limited [member] | Australia [member] | Stock unit shares A [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Swiss Aluminium Australia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Swiss aluminium australia limited [member] | Australia [member] | Stock unit shares B [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Swiss Aluminium Australia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Tbac limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

TBAC Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Technological resources pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | A Ordinary Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Technological Resources Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Technological resources pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | B ordinary shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Technological Resources Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The barrier corporation vic pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

The Barrier Corporation (Vic.) Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The kelian community and forest protection trust [member] | Singapore [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

The Kelian Community and Forest Protection Trust

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

10 Collyer Quay, #10-01 Ocean Financial Centre, 049315, Singapore

The pyrites company inc [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

The Pyrites Company, Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

The roberval and saguenay railway company la compagnie du chemin de fer roberval saguenay [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

The Roberval and Saguenay Railway Company/La Compagnie du Chemin de Fer Roberval Saguenay

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

The roberval and saguenay railway company la compagnie du chemin de fer roberval saguenay [member] | Canada [member] | Preference shares 6% non cumulative [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

The Roberval and Saguenay Railway Company/La Compagnie du Chemin de Fer Roberval Saguenay

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

The zinc corporation pty ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

The Zinc Corporation Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The zinc corporation pty ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Z Class Ordinary Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

The Zinc Corporation Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Thos w ward limited [member] | United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Thos. W. Ward Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United Kingdom

Share class | £ / shares

0.25

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Three crowns insurance company limited [member] | BERMUDA | Common shares [member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Three Crowns Insurance Company Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bermuda

Share class | £ / shares

£ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda

Tinto holdings australia pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Tinto Holdings Australia Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Tinto holdings australia pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Tinto Holdings Australia Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Union Gnrale Industrielle Africaine | MOROCCO | Ordinary shares [Member] | Morocco, Dirhams

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Union Generale Industrielle Africaine

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Morocco

Share class | د.م. / shares

د.م. 100.00

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

52 bld Zerktouni – 1er étage – Appartement N° 3–, Espace Erreda—Casablanca–Maroc, Maroc, Morocco

Trans territory pipeline pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Trans Territory Pipeline Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

U.S. Borax Inc. [member] | Common shares [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

U.S. Borax Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States of America

U.S. Borax Inc. [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

U.S. Borax Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.10

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Victoria technology inc [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Victoria Technology Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Waste solutions and recycling llc [member] | United States [member] | Units Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Waste Solutions and Recycling LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

West kutai foundation limited [member] | Singapore [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

West Kutai Foundation Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

10 Collyer Quay, #10-01 Ocean Financial Centre, 049315, Singapore

Wimmera industrial minerals pty limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Wimmera Industrial Minerals Pty. Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 33, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Two Zero One Logistics Center L L C | United States [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

201 Logistics Center, LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Effective Group % ownership

50.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Winchester south development company proprietary limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Winchester South Development Company Proprietary Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

A G M Holding Company Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

AGM Holding Company Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Registered office address

77 Robinson Road, #13-00, Robinson 77, 068896, Singapore

Wyoming coal resources company [member] | United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Subsidiaries [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Wyoming Coal Resources Company

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 0.01

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Effective Group % ownership

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, USA

Related undertakings - Summa271

Related undertakings - Summary of Other Group Entities having Effective Ownership Less than 100% (Detail)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017£ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017€ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017₨ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017Rp / shares

Dec. 31, 2017R / shares

Dec. 31, 2017FG / shares

Dec. 31, 2017₮ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017kr / shares

Dec. 31, 2017¥ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017 / shares

Dec. 31, 2017₱ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017ر.ع. / shares

Jan. 31, 2013$ / shares

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.00%

Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member] | Northern Land Company Ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

58.70%

Share class

1

Company of operation, Associate

Northern Land Company Ltd

Country of incorporation, Associate

Canada

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

50.00%

Registered office address

235 Water Street, Ste 1000 Scotia Ctr, St-John’s Newfoundland A1C 1B6

Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member] | Quebec North Shore And Labrador Railway Company Compagnie De Chemin De Fer Du Littoral Nord De Quebec Et Du Labrador Inc

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

27.59

Effective Group % ownership

58.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway Company/ Compagnie de Chemin de Fer du Littoral Nord de Quebec et du Labrador Inc

Share class

27.59

Country of incorporation, Associate

Canada

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member] | Thr mines bc ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR MINES (BC) LTD.

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

354-200 Granville Street, Vancouver BC V6C 1S4, Canada

Country of incorporation, Associate

Canada

Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | Thr mines bc ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR MINES (BC) LTD.

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

354-200 Granville Street, Vancouver BC V6C 1S4, Canada

Country of incorporation, Associate

Canada

NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro | Oyu Tolgoi Netherlands Bv

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | € / shares

€ 100

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Oyu Tolgoi Netherlands BV

Share class | € / shares

100

Country of incorporation, Associate

Netherlands

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

Prins Bernhardplein 200 , Amsterdam, 1097 JB, The Netherlands

NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro | Saryarka b v [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | € / shares

200

Effective Group % ownership

75.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Saryarka B.V.

Share class | € / shares

200

% of share class held by Group companies

75.00%

Registered office address

Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Netherlands

Country of incorporation, Associate

Netherlands

Mongolia [Member] | Common shares [member] | Mongolia, Tugriks | Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₮ / shares

₮ 10,000

Effective Group % ownership

33.50%

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mongolia

Share class | ₮ / shares

10,000

Company of operation, Associate

Oyu Tolgoi LLC

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

66.00%

Registered office address

Level 12 Monnis Tower, Chinggis Avenue-15, 1st khoroo, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, 14240, Mongolia

Mongolia [Member] | Common shares [member] | Mongolia, Tugriks | Sgls llc [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₮ / shares

10,000

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

SGLS LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mongolia

Share class | ₮ / shares

10,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Suite 1302, F13, Monnis Tower, Chingis Avenue-15, 1st Khoroo, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, 14240, Mongolia

Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member] | Leichhardt Coal Pty Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

44.70%

Company of operation, Associate

Leichhardt Coal Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

Australia

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

44.70%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member] | Rightship pty ltd[member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

33.30%

Company of operation, Associate

Rightship Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Associate

Australia

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

33.30%

Registered office address

Level 20, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member] | Robe River Ore Sales Pty Ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

57.10%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Robe River Ore Sales Pty. Ltd.

% of share class held by Group companies

65.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Country of incorporation, Associate

Australia

Australia [member] | Class D Shares | Australian Dollars [Member] | Queensland Alumina Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

80.00%

Company of operation, Associate

Queensland Alumina Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

Australia

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

Plant Operations Building, Parsons Point, Gladstone QLD 4680, Australia

Australia [member] | Class B shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member] | Queensland Alumina Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

80.00%

Company of operation, Associate

Queensland Alumina Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

United States

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

Plant Operations Building, Parsons Point, Gladstone QLD 4680, Australia

Australia [member] | Class B shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member] | Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

73.60%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Robe River Mining Co. Pty. Ltd.

% of share class held by Group companies

76.40%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Country of incorporation, Associate

Australia

Australia [member] | Class C Shares | Australian Dollars [Member] | Queensland Alumina Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

80.00%

Company of operation, Associate

Queensland Alumina Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

United States

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

Plant Operations Building, Parsons Point, Gladstone QLD 4680, Australia

Australia [member] | Class A shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member] | Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

73.60%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Robe River Mining Co. Pty. Ltd.

% of share class held by Group companies

40.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Country of incorporation, Associate

Australia

Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | Singapore metals pte ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Singapore Metals Pte. Ltd.

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

77 Robinson Road, #13-00, Robinson 77, 068896, Singapore

Country of incorporation, Associate

Singapore

Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | Thr kharmagtai pte ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR Kharmagtai Pte Ltd.

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

77 Robinson Road, #13-00, Robinson 77, 068896, Singapore

Country of incorporation, Associate

Singapore

JERSEY | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | Simfer jersey finance one ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

53.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Simfer Jersey Finance 1 Ltd

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

22 Grenville Street, St Helier, JE4 8PX, Jersey

Country of incorporation, Associate

Jersey

JERSEY | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | Simfer jersey finance two ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

53.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Simfer Jersey Finance 2 Ltd

% of share class held by Group companies

53.00%

Registered office address

22 Grenville Street, St Helier, JE4 8PX, Jersey

Country of incorporation, Associate

Jersey

JERSEY | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | Simfer Jersey Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

53.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Simfer Jersey Limited

% of share class held by Group companies

53.00%

Registered office address

22 Grenville Street, St Helier, JE4 8PX, Jersey

Country of incorporation, Associate

Jersey

United States [member] | Resolution Copper Mining LLC [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

55.00%

Company of operation, Associate

Resolution Copper Mining LLC

Country of incorporation, Associate

United States

Registered office address

CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, U.S.A.

United States [member] | Thr delaware holdings llc [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR Delaware Holdings, LLC

Registered office address

National Corporate Research, Ltd., 850 New Burton Road, Suite 201, Dover DE 19904, United States

Country of incorporation, Associate

United States

United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | Magma Arizona Railroad Company [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 100

Effective Group % ownership

54.90%

Share class

$ 100

Company of operation, Associate

Magma Arizona Railroad Company

Country of incorporation, Associate

United States

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

99.90%

Registered office address

CSC, 2338 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite J, Phoenix AZ 85021

United States [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 10

Effective Group % ownership

50.20%

Share class

$ 10

Company of operation, Associate

Pechiney Reynolds Quebec, Inc.

Country of incorporation, Associate

United States

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

50.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln NE 68508, U.S.A.

United States [member] | Preferred Shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | Pechiney Reynolds Quebec Inc [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 100

Effective Group % ownership

50.20%

Share class

$ 100

Company of operation, Associate

Pechiney Reynolds Quebec, Inc.

Country of incorporation, Associate

United States

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

CSC, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln NE 68508, U.S.A.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | Lao Sanxai Minerals Company Limited

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

70.00%

Share class

$ 1

Company of operation, Associate

Lao Sanxai Minerals Company Limited

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

70.00%

Registered office address

5th Floor, ANZ Bank Building, 33 Lane Xang Avenue, Hatsady Village, Chanthaboury District, Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

CHILE | Minera Escondida Ltda [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

30.00%

Company of operation, Associate

Minera Escondida Ltda

Country of incorporation, Associate

Chile

Registered office address

Av.Cerro Plomo, Piso 18,Las Condes, Santiago, 7580154, Chile

LUXEMBOURG | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | Movele [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Associate

Movele

Country of incorporation, Associate

Luxembourg

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

22 rue Jean-Pierre Brasseur, L-1258, Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG | Preferred Shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | Movele [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Associate

Movele

Country of incorporation, Associate

Luxembourg

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

22 rue Jean-Pierre Brasseur, L-1258, Luxembourg

NEW ZEALAND | Ordinary shares [Member] | New Zealand, Dollars | N Z A S Retirement Fund Trustee Limited

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

79.40%

Company of operation, Associate

NZAS Retirement Fund Trustee Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

New Zealand

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

Mercer (NZ) Limiited, Level 8, 113-119 The Terrace, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND | A Ordinary Shares | New Zealand, Dollars | New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

79.40%

Share class

$ 1

Company of operation, Associate

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd

Country of incorporation, Associate

New Zealand

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

79.40%

Registered office address

Tiwai Road , Southland via Intercargill, New Zealand

SOUTH AFRICA | Ordinary shares [Member] | South Africa, Rand | Nozalela Mineral Sands (Pty) Ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

R 1

Effective Group % ownership

74.00%

Share class | R / shares

1

Company of operation, Associate

Nozalela Mineral Sands (Pty) Ltd

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | Ordinary shares [Member] | South Africa, Rand | Riversdale anthracite colliery proprietary ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

2

Effective Group % ownership

74.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Riversdale Anthracite Colliery (Proprietary) Ltd

Share class | R / shares

2

% of share class held by Group companies

74.00%

Registered office address

Ground Floor – Cypress Place North, Woodmead Business Park, 140-142 Western Service Road, Woodmead, 2151, South Africa

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | Preferred Shares [member] | South Africa, Rand | Richards Bay Prefco (Pty) Ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Effective Group % ownership

99.90%

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Company of operation, Associate

Richards Bay Prefco (Pty) Ltd

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | BHP Billiton Preference Shares [member] | South Africa, Rand | Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Effective Group % ownership

73.90%

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Company of operation, Associate

Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | BHP Billiton Preference Shares [member] | South Africa, Rand | Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Effective Group % ownership

73.90%

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Company of operation, Associate

Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | B ordinary shares [member] | South Africa, Rand | Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Effective Group % ownership

73.90%

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Company of operation, Associate

Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | B ordinary shares [member] | South Africa, Rand | Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Effective Group % ownership

73.90%

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Company of operation, Associate

Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

99.90%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | B preference shares [member] | South Africa, Rand | Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Effective Group % ownership

73.90%

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Company of operation, Associate

Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | B preference shares [member] | South Africa, Rand | Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Effective Group % ownership

73.90%

Share class | R / shares

0.01

Company of operation, Associate

Richards Bay Mining (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Associate

South Africa

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Virgin Islands, British [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | Orian Holding Corp

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Associate

Orian Holding Corp

Country of incorporation, Associate

British Virgin Islands

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

Midocean Cambers-Management and Trust Services (BVI) Limited, PO Box 805, Pelican Drive, Road Town, Tortola,VG 110, British Virgin Islands

PHILIPPINES | Ordinary shares [Member] | Philippines, Pesos | Pechiney Philippines Inc

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₱ / shares

₱ 10

Effective Group % ownership

99.90%

Share class | ₱ / shares

10

Company of operation, Associate

Pechiney Philippines Inc.

Country of incorporation, Associate

Philippines

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

99.90%

Registered office address

Room 306, ITC Building, 337 Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Markati, Metro Manila, Philippines

France [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro | Procivis savoie [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | € / shares

19

Effective Group % ownership

22.10%

Share class | € / shares

19

Company of operation, Associate

Procivis Savoie

Country of incorporation, Associate

France

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

22.10%

Registered office address

116 Quai Charles Roissard, 73000, Chambéry, France

Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | PT Mitra Sumbawa Minerals [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

90.00%

Share class

$ 1

Company of operation, Associate

PT Mitra Sumbawa Minerals

Country of incorporation, Associate

Indonesia

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

90.00%

Registered office address

15th Floor, Menara Anugrah, Kantor Taman E3.3, Jalan DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 8.6-8.7, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | PT Rikit Alas Minerals [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

90.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Rikit Alas Minerals

Share class

$ 1

Country of incorporation, Associate

Indonesia

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

90.00%

Registered office address

15th Floor, Menara Anugrah, Kantor Taman E3.3, Jalan DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 8.6-8.7, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Indonesia, Rupiahs | PT Hutan Lindung Kelian Lestari [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | Rp / shares

Rp 9,803

Effective Group % ownership

99.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Hutan Lindung Kelian Lestari

Share class | Rp / shares

9,803

Country of incorporation, Associate

Indonesia

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

99.00%

Registered office address

Kelian Mine Site, West Kutai, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Indonesia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Indonesia, Rupiahs | PT Kelian Equatorial Mining [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | Rp / shares

1,080

Effective Group % ownership

90.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

PT Kelian Equatorial Mining

Share class | Rp / shares

Rp 1,080

Country of incorporation, Associate

Indonesia

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

90.00%

Registered office address

31st Floor, Menara BTPN, Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 5.5-5.6, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

Madagascar [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 10

Effective Group % ownership

80.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

QIT Madagascar Minerals SA

Share class

$ 10

Country of incorporation, Associate

Madagascar

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

80.00%

Registered office address

Immeuble ASSIST, Ivandry , Lot N°35, 5ème étage, 101 Antananarivo , Antananarivo, Madagascar

Madagascar [member] | Certicats d'investissemant [Member] | US Dollars [Member] | QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 10

Effective Group % ownership

80.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

QIT Madagascar Minerals SA

Share class

$ 10

Country of incorporation, Associate

Madagascar

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

100.00%

Registered office address

Immeuble ASSIST, Ivandry , Lot N°35, 5ème étage, 101 Antananarivo , Antananarivo, Madagascar

India [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | India, Rupees | Rio tinto orissa mining private ltd [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₨ / shares

₨ 100

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Orissa Mining Private Ltd

Share class | ₨ / shares

₨ 100

Country of incorporation, Associate

India

Proportion of class held (%), Associate

51.00%

Effective subsidiary group % ownership

51.00%

Registered office address

N-3 / 356, IRC Village, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, 751015, India

Oman [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Oman, Rials | Rio Tinto Sohar Logistics LLC [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ر.ع. / shares

ر.ع. 1.00

Effective Group % ownership

70.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rio Tinto Sohar Logistics LLC

Share class | ر.ع. / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

70.00%

Registered office address

P.O. Box 686, Ruwi, 112, Oman

Country of incorporation, Associate

Oman

Oman [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Oman, Rials | Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C. [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ر.ع. / shares

1

Effective Group % ownership

20.00%

Share class | ر.ع. / shares

ر.ع. 1.00

% of share class held by Group companies

20.00%

Registered office address

Sohar Industrial Estate, P.O. Box 80, PC 327, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman

Company of operation, Associate

Sohar Aluminium Co. L.L.C.

Country of incorporation, Associate

Oman

Namibia [member] | B Shares Shares | Namibia, Dollars | Rossing Uranium Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

35.60%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rossing Uranium Limited

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

71.20%

Registered office address

360 Sam Nujoma Drive, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia

Country of incorporation, Associate

Namibia

Namibia [member] | C shares [member] | Namibia, Dollars | Rossing Uranium Limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

0.1

Effective Group % ownership

35.60%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Rossing Uranium Limited

Share class

$ 0.1

% of share class held by Group companies

70.60%

Registered office address

360 Sam Nujoma Drive, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia

Country of incorporation, Associate

Namibia

United Kingdom [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds | Simfer jersey nominee limited [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | £ / shares

£ 1

Effective Group % ownership

53.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Simfer Jersey Nominee Limited

Share class | £ / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom

Country of incorporation, Associate

United Kingdom

Guinea [member] | Societe Miniere Et De Participations

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Societe Miniere Et De Participations

Registered office address

Tougue, Guinea

Country of incorporation, Associate

Guinea

Guinea [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Guinea, Francs | Simfer S.A. [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | FG / shares

FG 100,000

Effective Group % ownership

45.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

SIMFER S.A.

Share class | FG / shares

FG 100,000

% of share class held by Group companies

85.00%

Registered office address

Résidence Dolphine1 – Coleah Corniche Sud, Commune de Matam, BP 848, Conakry, BP 848, Guinea

Country of incorporation, Associate

Guinea

Aruba [member] | Common shares [member] | US Dollars [Member] | THR Aruba Holdings LLC A.V.V [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR Aruba Holdings LLC A.V.V.

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

IMC International Management Trust Company N.V.,L.G.Smith Blvd. 62, Miramar Building, Oranjestad, Aruba

Country of incorporation, Associate

Aruba

Alufluor Ab | SWEDEN | Ordinary shares [Member] | Sweden, Kronor

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | kr / shares

kr 1,000

Effective Group % ownership

50.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Alufluor AB

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Sweden

Share class | kr / shares

kr 1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

50.00%

Registered office address

Industrigatan 70, Box 902, S-25109, Helsingborg, Sweden

Aluminerie De Becancour Inc [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

1

Effective Group % ownership

25.20%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Aluminerie De Becancour, Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

50.10%

Registered office address

5555 Pierre Thibault Street, PO 30, Becancour, Quebec G0X 1B, Canada

Aluminerie Alouette Inc. [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

40.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Aluminerie Alouette Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

40.00%

Registered office address

400, Chemin de la Pointe-Noire, C.P. 1650, Sept-Îles Québec G4R 5M9, Canada

Aluminium and chemie rotterdam b v [member] | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | € / shares

4,555

Effective Group % ownership

65.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Aluminium & Chemie Rotterdam B.V.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

4,555

% of share class held by Group companies

65.80%

Registered office address

Oude Maasweg 80, NL-3197 KJ, Botlek, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Asia Gold Mongolia LLC [member] | Mongolia [Member] | Common shares [member] | Mongolia, Tugriks

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₮ / shares

1,250

Effective Group % ownership

50.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Asia Gold Mongolia LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mongolia

Share class | ₮ / shares

1,250

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Suite 1302, F13, Monnis Tower, Chingis Avenue-15, 1st Khoroo, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, 14240, Mongolia

Asia Naran Bulag LLC [member] | Mongolia [Member] | Common shares [member] | Mongolia, Tugriks

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₮ / shares

1,000

Effective Group % ownership

50.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Asia Naran Bulag LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mongolia

Share class | ₮ / shares

1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Suite 1302, F13, Monnis Tower, Chingis Avenue-15, 1st Khoroo, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, 14240, Mongolia

Beasley River Marketing Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | A Class Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

53.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Beasley River Marketing Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Beasley River Marketing Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Class B Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

53.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Beasley River Marketing Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Balkhash Saryshagan LLP [member] | Kazakhstan [member] | Kazakhstan, Tenge

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

75.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Balkhash Saryshagan LLP

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Kazakhstan

Registered office address

Dostyk 310/G, Almaty, 050020, Kazakhstan

Bektau B V | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | € / shares

200

Effective Group % ownership

75.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Bektau B.V.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

200

% of share class held by Group companies

75.00%

Registered office address

Welplaatweg 104, 3197 KS , Botlek-Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Netherlands

Blair athol coal pty ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

71.20%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Blair Athol Coal Pty. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

57.20%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Boyne Smelters Limited [member] | Australia [member] | A one class shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

59.40%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Boyne Smelters Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Boyne Smelters Limited [member] | Australia [member] | A two class shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

59.40%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Boyne Smelters Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Boyne Smelters Limited [member] | Australia [member] | B one class shares [member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

59.40%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Boyne Smelters Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Canpacific potash inc [member] | Canada [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

32.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

CanPacific Potash Inc.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Registered office address

c/o McKercher LLP, 374 Third Avenue South, Saskatoon SK S7K1M5, Canada

Carol Lake Company Ltd [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

100

Effective Group % ownership

58.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Carol Lake Company Ltd.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Chinalco rio tinto exploration co Ltd [member] | China [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | China, Yuan Renminbi

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ¥ / shares

¥ 1

Effective Group % ownership

49.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Chinalco Rio Tinto Exploration Co. Ltd (in liquidation)

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

China

Share class | ¥ / shares

¥ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

49.00%

Registered office address

Unit 402, China Resources Building, No. 8 Jianguomenbei Avenue, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100005 P.R., China

Chlor Alkali Unit Pte Ltd [member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

68.40%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Chlor Alkali Unit Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Chlor Alkali Unit Pte Ltd [member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

1

Effective Group % ownership

68.40%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Chlor Alkali Unit Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

68.40%

Registered office address

12 Marina Boulevard, #20-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore, 018982, Singapore

Corporation De Peche Ste Marguerite Inc | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

10

Effective Group % ownership

96.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Corporation De Peche Ste-Marguerite Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

10

% of share class held by Group companies

96.80%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

22.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

32.10%

Registered office address

Martin Armstrong Drive, Hay Point via Mackay QLD 4740, Australia

Dampier Salt Limited [member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Dampier Salt Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Dampier Salt Limited [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1.00257

$ 1.88

Effective Group % ownership

68.40%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Dampier Salt Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Share class

$ 1.00257

$ 1.88

% of share class held by Group companies

68.40%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Enarotali gold project limited [member] | JERSEY | Ordinary shares [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | £ / shares

0.001

Effective Group % ownership

25.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Enarotali Gold Project Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Jersey

Share class | £ / shares

£ 0.001

% of share class held by Group companies

25.00%

Registered office address

13 Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey JE4 5UT, Jersey

Energy Resources of Australia Limited [Member] | Ordinary shares [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Energy Resources of Australia Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

Energy Resources of Australia Limited [Member] | Australia [member] | A Class Ordinary Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

68.40%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

68.40%

Registered office address

C/- Mallesons Stephen Jacques, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT, Australia

Fabrica de plasticos mycsa sa [member] | VENEZUELA | Common shares [member] | Venezuelan bol?var fuerte

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | / shares

1

Effective Group % ownership

49.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Fabrica De Plasticos Mycsa, S.A.

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Share class | / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

49.00%

Registered office address

Urbanización Industrial San Ignacio, parcela 2-A, vía San Pedro, Los Teques, Estado Miranda, Venezuela

Global hubco bv [member] | NETHERLANDS | Ordinary shares [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | € / shares

1

Effective Group % ownership

33.30%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Global Hubco BV

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

Share class | € / shares

€ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

33.30%

Registered office address

c/o TMF Netherlands B.V., Luna Arena, Herikerbergweg 238, 1101, CM Amsterdam Zuidoost, Netherlands

Gulf Power Company La Compagnie Gulf Power [member] | Canada [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

100

Effective Group % ownership

58.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Gulf Power Company/La Compagnie Gulf Power

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

400-1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal Québec H3B 0E3, Canada

Hail Creek Marketing Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

82.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hail Creek Marketing Pty Ltd;

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

82.00%

Registered office address

123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

Half Tide Marine Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

34.60%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Half-Tide Marine Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

48.60%

Registered office address

DBCT MS F283, Martin Armstrong Drive, Hay Point, QLD 4740, Australia

Halco (Mining) Inc [member] | United States [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 100

Effective Group % ownership

45.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Halco (Mining) Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

45.00%

Registered office address

The Prentice-Hall Corporation System, Inc., 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Willmington DE 19808, United States

Heruga Exploration L L C | Mongolia [Member] | Common shares [member] | Mongolia, Tugriks

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₮ / shares

12,500

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Heruga Exploration LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Mongolia

Share class | ₮ / shares

₮ 12,500

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Suite 1302, F13, Monnis Tower, Chingis Avenue-15, 1st Khoroo, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, 14240, Mongolia

Hope Downs Marketing Company Pty Ltd [member] | Australia [member] | A Class Shares | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hope Downs Marketing Company Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Hydrogen energy international llc [member] | United States [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Hydrogen Energy International LLC

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Registered office address

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, U.S.A.

IAL Holdings Singapore Pte Ltd [member] | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

57.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

IAL Holdings Singapore Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

77 Robinson Road, #13-00, Robinson 77, 068896, Singapore

Iron Ore Company of Canada [member] | Common shares [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Iron Ore Company of Canada

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

Iron Ore Company of Canada [member] | United States [member] | Series B Share [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1,000

Effective Group % ownership

58.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Iron Ore Company of Canada

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

91.40%

Registered office address

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, U.S.A.

Iron Ore Company of Canada [member] | United States [member] | Series G Share [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1,000

Effective Group % ownership

58.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Iron Ore Company of Canada

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, U.S.A.

Iron Ore Company of Canada [member] | United States [member] | Series F Shares [member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1,000

Effective Group % ownership

58.70%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Iron Ore Company of Canada

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

United States

Share class

$ 1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, U.S.A.

Korgantas LLP [member] | Kazakhstan [member] | Subsidiaries [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

75.00%

Company of operation, Associate

Korgantas LLP

Country of incorporation, Associate

Kazakhstan

Registered office address

Dostyk 310/G, Almaty, 050020, Kazakhstan

Thr Mines Services Co Ltd | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR Mines Services Co. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Lackowicz Shier & Hoffman Barristers & Solicitors, 300-204 Black Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A 2M9, Canada

Thr Oyu Tolgoi Ltd | Virgin Islands, British [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR OYU TOLGOI LTD

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

British Virgin Islands

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Midocean Chambers, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British

Thr Ulaan Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

THR Ulaan Pte. Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

77 Robinson Road, #13-00, Robinson 77, 068896, Singapore

Tisand Proprietary Limited | SOUTH AFRICA | A Ordinary Shares | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

1

Effective Group % ownership

74.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Tisand (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Tisand Proprietary Limited | SOUTH AFRICA | B ordinary shares [member] | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

1

Effective Group % ownership

74.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Tisand (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Tisand Proprietary Limited | SOUTH AFRICA | Cumulative Preference Shares | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

1,000

Effective Group % ownership

74.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Tisand (Proprietary) Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

1,000

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Tomago Aluminium Company Pty Limited | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

51.60%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Tomago Aluminium Company Pty Limited

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

638 Tomago Road, Tomago, NSW 2322, Australia

Turquoise Hill Beijing Services Company Ltd | China [member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Turquoise Hill (Beijing) Services Company Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

China

Registered office address

Room 2913, Cameo Center, No.16 GuangShun South Street, WangJing ChaoYang District, Beijing China. 100102

Turquoise Hill Netherlands Cooperatief U A | NETHERLANDS | C O O P Shares | US Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Turquoise Hill Netherlands Cooperatief U.A

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Netherlands

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

Prins Bernhardplein 200, 1097 JB Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member] | Canada [member] | Common shares [member] | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

50.80%

Registered office address

300-204 Black Street, Whitehorse Yukon Territories Y1A 2M9, Canada

Turquoise Hill Resources Philippines Inc | PHILIPPINES | Common shares [member] | Philippines, Pesos

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | ₱ / shares

100

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Turquoise Hill Resources Philippines Inc

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Philippines

Share class | ₱ / shares

₱ 100

% of share class held by Group companies

99.90%

Registered office address

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles, 21st Floor, Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paswode Roxas, Makati City, 1226, Philippines

Turquoise Hill Resources Singapore Pte Ltd | Singapore [member] | Common shares [member] | Singapore, Dollars

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class

$ 1

Effective Group % ownership

50.80%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Turquoise Hill Resources Singapore Pte Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Singapore

Share class

$ 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

1A International Business Park, 609933, Singapore

Twin Falls Power Corporation Ltd | Canada [member] | Class B Shares | Canada, Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

34.253%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Twin Falls Power Corporation Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Canada

% of share class held by Group companies

74.40%

Registered office address

Hydro Place, P.O. Box 12500, St-John’s Newfoundand and Labrador A1B 3T5, Canada

Yalleen Pastoral Co Pty Ltd | Australia [member] | Ordinary shares [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Effective Group % ownership

56.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Yalleen Pastoral Co Pty Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

Australia

% of share class held by Group companies

63.70%

Registered office address

Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Zululand Titanium Pty Ltd | SOUTH AFRICA | Ordinary shares [Member] | South Africa, Rand

Disclosure Of Significant Investments In Associates Subsidiaries And Join Ventures [Line Items]

Share class | R / shares

1

Effective Group % ownership

74.00%

Company of operation, Subsidiary

Zululand Titanium (Pty) Ltd

Country of incorporation, Subsidiary

South Africa

Share class | R / shares

R 1

% of share class held by Group companies

100.00%

Registered office address

The Farm RBM, Number 16317, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Related undertakings - Summa272

Related undertakings - Summary of joint ventures (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Bao Hi Ranges Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Bao-HI Ranges Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	54.00%
Blair Athol Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Blair Athol Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	71.20%
Cape Bougainville Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Cape Bougainville Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	53.80%
Channar Mining Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Channar Mining Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	60.00%
Diavik Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	60.00%
Diavik Joint Venture [member] | Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Diavik Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Canada
Address of principal place of business	300-5201 50th Avenue, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P9, Canada
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	60.00%
Gladstone Power Station Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Gladstone Power Station Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	NRG Gladstone Operating Service, Gladstone Power Station, Gladstone QLD 4680, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	42.10%
Grasberg Joint Operation [member] | Indonesia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Grasberg joint operation
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Indonesia
Address of principal place of business	JI Mandala Raya Selatan, No. 1 Kuala Kencana, Timika, Irian Jaya, 98663, Indonesia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	40.00%
Green Mountain Mining Venture [member] | United States [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Green Mountain Mining Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	United States
Address of principal place of business	4700 Daybreak Parkway, South Jordan UT 84009, United States
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	100.00%
Hail Creek Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	82.00%
Hail Creek Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Hail Creek Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	82.00%
Hope Downs Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	50.00%
Hope Downs Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Hope Downs Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	50.00%
Kestrel Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	80.00%
Kestrel Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Kestrel Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	80.00%
Mitchell Plateau Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Mitchell Plateau Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	52.30%
Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	50.00%
Robe River Iron Associates Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Robe River Iron Associates Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	Level 27,Central Park, 152-158 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	57.10%
Tomago Aluminium Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Tomago Aluminium Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	638 Tomago Road, NSW 2322, Tomago, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	51.60%
Winchester South Joint Venture [member] | Australia [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Winchester South Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Australia
Address of principal place of business	123 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	75.00%
Winter Road Joint Venture [member] | Canada [member]
Disclosure Of Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Company of operation	Winter Road Joint Venture
Country of incorporation, Joint Venture	Canada
Address of principal place of business	300-5201 50th Avenue, Yellowknife NT X1A 2P9, Canada
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture	33.30%

Company balance sheet

Company balance sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables	$ 1,724	$ 1,342
Total non-current assets	76,554	74,177
Current assets
Trade and other receivables	3,443	3,460
Cash and cash equivalents	10,550	8,201
Total current assets	18,678	15,055
Total assets	95,726	89,263
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	(7,061)	(6,361)
Total current liabilities	(11,225)	(9,362)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	(15,148)	(17,470)
Total liabilities	(44,611)	(43,533)
Net assets	51,115	45,730
Capital and reserves
Share premium account	4,306	4,304
Other reserves	12,284	9,216
Retained earnings	23,761	21,631
Total equity	51,115	45,730	$ 44,128	$ 54,594
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Non-current assets
Carrying value of Group's interest	36,093	36,050	36,180
Trade and other receivables	396	392
Total non-current assets	36,489	36,442
Current assets
Trade and other receivables	9,242	6,070
Cash and cash equivalents	5	4
Total current assets	9,247	6,074
Total assets	45,736	42,516
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	(12,388)	(12,223)
Dividends payable	(18)	(16)
Other financial liabilities	(347)	(23)
Total current liabilities	(12,753)	(12,262)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and other financial liabilities	(341)	(392)
Total liabilities	(13,094)	(12,654)
Net assets	32,642	29,862
Capital and reserves
Share capital	220	224	224	$ 230
Share premium account	4,306	4,304
Other reserves	11,992	11,988
Retained earnings	16,124	13,346
Total equity	$ 32,642	$ 29,862	$ 24,970

Company balance sheet (Parenthe

Company balance sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Company Balance Sheet Line Item
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	[1]	$ 11,939	$ 4,713	$ (3,749)
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		8,851	4,776	$ (1,719)
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Company Balance Sheet Line Item
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year		7,816	6,875
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year		$ 7,816	$ 6,875
[1]	Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

Investments - Investments in Gr

Investments - Investments in Group companies (Detail) - Rio Tinto plc [member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Investments In Subsidiaries Joint Ventures And Associates [Abstract]
Investments in Group companies, beginning balance	$ 36,050	$ 36,180
Additions	45	58
Disposals		(160)
Other adjustments	(2)	(28)
Investments in Group companies, ending balance	$ 36,093	$ 36,050

Investments - Investments in su

Investments - Investments in subsidiaries (Detail) - Rio Tinto plc [member] - United Kingdom [member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rio tinto international holdings limited [member]
Disclosure Of Investments In Subsidiaries Joint Ventures And Associates [Abstract]
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rio Tinto International Holdings Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Holding company
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	UK
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Rio tinto european holdings limited [member]
Disclosure Of Investments In Subsidiaries Joint Ventures And Associates [Abstract]
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Rio Tinto European Holdings Limited
Principal activities, Subsidiary	Holding company
Country of incorporation, Subsidiary	UK
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%

Trade and other payables - Addi

Trade and other payables - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Payables [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	$ 7,917	$ 7,150
Rio Tinto plc [member] | LIBOR [Member]
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Payables [Line Items]
Trade and other payables	$ 12,265	$ 12,079

Share capital - Summary of shar

Share capital - Summary of share capital (Detail) - Rio Tinto plc [member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Issued and fully paid up share capital at beginning balance	$ 224	$ 230
Shares purchased and cancelled	(4)	(6)
Issued and fully paid up share capital at ending balance	$ 220	$ 224

Share capital - Summary of s279

Share capital - Summary of share capital (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Rio Tinto plc [member] - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Ordinary shares issued	26,241	33,210	21,709
Number of shares bought back	32,937,109	0	40,912,881
Treasury shares [Member]
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Line Items]
Ordinary shares issued	147,126	743,380

Other reserves - Additional inf

Other reserves - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Reserves Within Equity [Line Items]
Other reserves	$ 12,284	$ 9,216
Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Reserves Within Equity [Line Items]
Other reserves	11,992	11,988
Merger reserve [Member]
Disclosure Of Reserves Within Equity [Line Items]
Other reserves	11,936
Merger reserve [Member] | Rio Tinto plc [member]
Disclosure Of Reserves Within Equity [Line Items]
Other reserves	$ 11,936	$ 11,936

Rio Tinto plc guarantees - Addi

Rio Tinto plc guarantees - Additional information (Detail) $ in Millions, $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016AUD ($)
Disclosure Of Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Derivative contracts liability	$ 481	$ 517
Borrowings	15,176	17,630
Company contributions to pension plans	51	94
Guarantees issued by Rio Tinto plc in relation to Rio Tinto Group entities	338	337
Guarantees issued to non wholly owned subsidiaries	60	60
Liability recognised for financial guarantees	$ 21,974	23,601
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC) [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	51.00%
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Borrowings	$ 4,300	4,300
Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture	34.00%
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Oyu Tolgoi LLC
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member]
Disclosure Of Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Company of operation, Subsidiary	Oyu Tolgoi LLC
Ownership interest in joint venture	66.00%
Guarantees [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Guaranteed amount of external debt	$ 7,900	10,200
Undrawn credit facility	7,500	7,500	$ 9.6	$ 10.4
Derivative contracts liability	231	458
Liability recognised for financial guarantees	389	415
CSU [Member]
Disclosure Of Financial Guarantees [Line Items]
Fees received as consideration for provision	44	13
Provision due from related parties, current	$ 12	$ 13

Rio Tinto financial informat282

Rio Tinto financial information by business unit - Schedule of financial information by business unit (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Employee	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Employee	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Employee
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 40,030	$ 33,781	$ 34,829
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	14,474	7,116	3,976
Depreciation & amortisation in subsidiaries excluding capitalised depreciation	(4,302)	(4,691)	(4,553)
Impairment charges, net of reversals	(796)	(249)	(2,791)
Net earnings	8,762	4,617	(866)
Capital expenditure	4,344	2,658	4,588
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	4,375	4,794	4,645
Operating assets	$ 48,556	$ 48,877	$ 51,132
Employees | Employee	46,807	51,029	54,938
Sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets	$ 138	$ 354	$ 97
Capital expenditure per cash flow statement	4,482	3,012	4,685
Less: Net debt	(3,845)	(9,587)	(13,783)
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)	44,711	39,290	37,349
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Operating assets	370	(7)	182
Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	706	613	698
Reportable segments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	41,872	35,329	36,819
Capital expenditure	4,691	3,355	5,382
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	4,980	5,269	5,039
Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	18,251	14,605	13,952
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	11,520	8,526	7,675
Net earnings	6,692	4,611	3,940
Capital expenditure	1,201	868	1,608
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,645	1,645	1,744
Operating assets	$ 16,537	$ 16,359	$ 16,872
Employees | Employee	10,159	10,424	11,097
Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member] | Evaluation projects/other [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 108	$ 75	$ 66
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	137	(32)	(55)
Net earnings	116	(51)	(73)
Operating assets	2	2	2
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	11,005	9,458	10,117
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	3,423	2,472	2,742
Net earnings	1,583	947	1,118
Capital expenditure	1,436	916	1,682
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,199	1,250	1,172
Operating assets	$ 16,346	$ 15,782	$ 15,949
Employees | Employee	13,345	14,037	15,419
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Intrasegment [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ (790)	$ (786)	$ (849)
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	(25)
Net earnings	(17)
Operating assets	(18)
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Intersegment & Other [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	(2,321)	(1,822)	(1,876)
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	(19)	(50)	132
Net earnings	(12)	(13)	92
Capital expenditure	5	1	(10)
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	6	25	12
Operating assets	$ 772	$ 171	$ 677
Employees | Employee	222	231	210
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Evaluation projects/other [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 109	$ 76	$ 81
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	126	167	143
Net earnings	115	154	128
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Bauxite [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	2,019	1,913	2,057
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	804	848	937
Net earnings	463	493	542
Capital expenditure	825	343	159
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	123	110	112
Operating assets	$ 1,897	$ 1,278	$ 1,050
Employees | Employee	2,534	2,592	2,603
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Alumina [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 2,661	$ 2,118	$ 2,145
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	454	27	(47)
Net earnings	180	(121)	(187)
Capital expenditure	108	87	158
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	209	206	207
Operating assets	$ 2,733	$ 2,588	$ 2,698
Employees | Employee	2,012	2,139	2,287
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Bauxite & Alumina [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 3,890	$ 3,245	$ 3,353
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	1,233	875	890
Net earnings	626	372	355
Capital expenditure	933	430	317
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	332	316	319
Operating assets	$ 4,612	$ 3,866	$ 3,748
Employees | Employee	4,546	4,731	4,890
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Primary Metal [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 5,808	$ 4,913	$ 4,931
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	1,762	1,258	1,245
Net earnings	778	402	446
Capital expenditure	389	394	1,249
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	665	716	629
Operating assets	$ 9,946	$ 10,701	$ 10,326
Employees | Employee	6,404	6,799	7,980
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Pacific Aluminium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 2,305	$ 1,971	$ 2,254
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	453	264	408
Net earnings	176	62	147
Capital expenditure	109	91	126
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	196	193	212
Operating assets	$ 1,016	$ 1,044	$ 1,198
Employees | Employee	2,173	2,276	2,339
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Integrated Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 9,682	$ 8,307	$ 8,662
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	3,429	2,347	2,675
Net earnings	1,568	823	1,040
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Other Product Group Items [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	1,214	1,075	1,374
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	(132)	(42)	(76)
Net earnings	(100)	(30)	(50)
Reportable segments [Member] | Aluminium [Member] | Product group operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	10,896	9,382	10,036
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	3,297	2,305	2,599
Net earnings	1,468	793	990
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	4,842	4,524	5,592
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	1,904	1,387	1,833
Net earnings	263	(18)	370
Capital expenditure	1,622	1,441	1,576
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,452	1,601	1,261
Operating assets	$ 11,743	$ 11,530	$ 11,551
Employees | Employee	8,354	9,489	9,896
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member] | Evaluation projects/other [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	$ (205)	$ (190)	$ (141)
Net earnings	(99)	(95)	(57)
Capital expenditure	1	(2)	3
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	5	4	6
Operating assets	$ 135	$ 166	$ 155
Employees | Employee	142	127	160
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member] | Product group operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 4,842	$ 4,524	$ 5,592
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	2,109	1,577	1,974
Net earnings	362	77	427
Capital expenditure	1,621	1,443	1,573
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,447	1,597	1,255
Operating assets	$ 11,608	$ 11,364	$ 11,396
Employees | Employee	8,212	9,362	9,736
Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member] | Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 706	$ 613	$ 698
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	287	239	293
Net earnings	92	47	79
Capital expenditure	85	97	124
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	132	164	159
Operating assets	$ 441	$ 655	$ 857
Employees | Employee	922	907	1,118
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 7,764	$ 6,734	$ 7,140
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	2,803	1,806	1,237
Net earnings	1,242	612	177
Capital expenditure	467	141	552
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	652	739	830
Operating assets	$ 6,313	$ 7,049	$ 7,381
Employees | Employee	10,864	13,453	14,457
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member] | Evaluation projects/other [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 43	$ 22	$ 55
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	(9)	(31)	(55)
Net earnings	(7)	(25)	(43)
Capital expenditure		4	4
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated		1	5
Operating assets	$ 41	$ 38	$ 39
Employees | Employee	25	763	855
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member] | Product group operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 7,721	$ 6,712	$ 7,085
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	2,825	1,939	1,379
Net earnings	1,255	684	261
Capital expenditure	467	137	457
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	652	738	824
Operating assets	$ 6,255	$ 6,998	$ 7,352
Employees | Employee	10,829	12,055	12,690
Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member] | Uranium [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 417	$ 456	$ 474
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	15	54	1
Net earnings	(26)	10	(42)
Capital expenditure	21	30	39
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	37	25	65
Operating assets	$ (327)	$ (143)	$ (216)
Employees | Employee	1,307	1,303	1,329
Reportable segments [Member] | Other operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 10	$ 8	$ 18
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	(116)	(95)	(83)
Net earnings	(138)	(88)	(90)
Capital expenditure	(35)	(11)	(36)
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	32	34	32
Operating assets	$ (328)	$ 203	$ (33)
Employees | Employee	203	249	299
Inter-segment transactions [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ (15)	$ (11)	$ (34)
Operating assets	206	142	242
Product group [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	41,857	35,318	36,785
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	19,534	14,096	13,404
Net earnings	9,642	6,064	5,515
Capital expenditure	4,691	3,355	5,382
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	4,980	5,269	5,039
Operating assets	$ 50,611	$ 50,923	$ 51,720
Employees | Employee	42,925	47,652	51,168
Other items [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	$ (736)	$ (411)	$ (546)
Net earnings	(483)	(241)	(375)
Capital expenditure	70	(46)	65
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	42	51	68
Operating assets	$ (2,631)	$ (2,181)	$ (1,012)
Employees | Employee	3,882	3,377	3,770
Exploration and evaluation [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	$ (218)	$ (175)	$ (237)
Net earnings	(178)	(147)	(211)
Net interest [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Net earnings	(354)	(576)	(389)
Underlying earnings [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	18,580	13,510	12,621
Net earnings	8,627	5,100	4,540
Items excluded from underlying earnings [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	10	18	(1)
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	1,912	(687)	(563)
Net earnings	135	(483)	(5,406)
E B I T D A And Net Earnings
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	20,492	12,823	12,058
Net earnings	8,762	4,617	(866)
Share of equity accounted units and adjustments [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Adjustment for equity accounted units revenue	(1,837)	(1,555)	(1,955)
Depreciation and amortisation in equity accounted units	(648)	(526)	(462)
Taxation and finance items in equity accounted units	(272)	(241)	(276)
Capital expenditure	(417)	(651)	(859)
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	(647)	(526)	(462)
Oyu Tolgoi & Turquoise Hill [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	940	1,203	1,636
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	256	436	501
Net earnings	36	52	57
Capital expenditure	901	322	92
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	344	450	416
Operating assets	$ 4,725	$ 3,804	$ 3,597
Employees | Employee	2,835	2,728	2,798
Grasberg joint venture [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 33
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	(3)	$ (17)	$ (17)
Net earnings	(169)	(64)	(34)
Capital expenditure	138	174	179
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	42	89	43
Operating assets	$ 1,137	$ 1,151	$ 1,016
Employees | Employee	1,642	2,859	2,868
Pilbara [member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Iron Ore [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 18,143	$ 14,530	$ 13,886
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	11,383	8,558	7,730
Net earnings	6,576	4,662	4,013
Capital expenditure	1,201	868	1,608
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	1,645	1,645	1,744
Operating assets	$ 16,535	$ 16,357	$ 16,870
Employees | Employee	10,159	10,424	11,097
Rio Tinto Kennecott [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Rio Tinto interest	100.00%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 1,352	$ 1,243	$ 1,403
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	539	126	437
Net earnings	78	(228)	44
Capital expenditure	249	333	408
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	422	530	344
Operating assets	$ 1,936	$ 2,189	$ 2,441
Employees | Employee	1,734	1,638	1,793
Escondida [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Copper & Diamonds [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Rio Tinto interest	30.00%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 1,811	$ 1,465	$ 1,855
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	1,030	793	760
Net earnings	325	270	281
Capital expenditure	248	517	770
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	507	364	293
Operating assets	$ 3,369	$ 3,565	$ 3,485
Employees | Employee	1,079	1,230	1,159
Rio Tinto Coal Australia [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 2,829	$ 2,634	$ 2,757
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	1,223	893	497
Net earnings	716	382	48
Capital expenditure	84	(107)	108
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	152	297	336
Operating assets	$ 1,040	$ 1,807	$ 2,137
Employees | Employee	1,924	3,049	3,157
Iron Ore Company of Canada [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 1,867	$ 1,324
Net earnings	221	64
Equity attributable to owners of Rio Tinto (see Group balance sheet)	$ 1,153	1,080
Iron Ore Company of Canada [member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Rio Tinto interest	58.70%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 1,867	1,324	$ 1,353
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	770	335	197
Net earnings	235	64	12
Capital expenditure	202	75	118
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	157	151	162
Operating assets	$ 988	$ 1,018	$ 1,152
Employees | Employee	2,382	2,308	2,316
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 1,763	$ 1,419	$ 1,571
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	546	370	435
Net earnings	201	86	116
Capital expenditure	119	97	150
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	219	189	194
Operating assets	$ 3,881	$ 3,662	$ 3,554
Employees | Employee	4,048	4,094	4,507
Rio Tinto Borates [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Rio Tinto interest	100.00%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 630	$ 620	$ 624
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	244	213	178
Net earnings	126	117	103
Capital expenditure	28	31	28
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	65	53	45
Operating assets	$ 523	$ 508	$ 585
Employees | Employee	936	984	987
Dampier Salt [member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Rio Tinto interest	68.40%
Consolidated sales revenue	$ 215	$ 259	$ 306
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	27	74	71
Net earnings	3	25	24
Capital expenditure	13	11	14
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated	22	23	22
Operating assets	$ 150	$ 146	$ 140
Employees | Employee	232	317	394
Simandou iron ore project [Member] | Reportable segments [Member] | Energy & Minerals [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on ordinary activities before finance items and tax	$ (13)	$ (102)	$ (87)
Net earnings	(6)	(47)	(41)
Capital expenditure			91
Depreciation and amortisation expense proportionately consolidated			1
Operating assets	$ 17	$ 13	$ (10)
Employees | Employee	10	635	912

Rio Tinto financial informat283

Rio Tinto financial information by business unit - Schedule of financial information by business unit (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 05, 2016	Mar. 01, 2016	Feb. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Percentage of capital expenditure in subsidiaries				100.00%
Loss on other restructuring costs				$ 177
Mount Pleasant Project [Member] | MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposal capital expenditure	$ 192
Ownership interest in cash generating units disposed	100.00%
Hope Downs Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture				50.00%
Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				65.00%
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture				65.00%
Proportion of net beneficial interest				53.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary				12.00%
Freeport-McMoRan Inc [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Percentage of material mined				40.00%
Diavik Joint Venture [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture				60.00%
Hunter valley operations [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest exchanged in joint venture			32.40%
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary					67.60%
Mount thorley co venture [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary					80.00%
Warkworth joint venture [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary					55.60%
30 Percent [Member] | Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Net beneficial interest held percentage				30.00%
Net beneficial interest held percentage as owned subsidiary				60.00%
35 Percent [Member] | Robe river iron associates [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Net beneficial interest held percentage				35.00%
Net beneficial interest held percentage as owned subsidiary				100.00%
Hamersley Iron Pty Limited [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				100.00%
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member] | Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
% of share class held by Group companies				50.80%
Oyu Tolgoi LLC [member] | Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd [member] | Oyo Tolgoi Copper-Gold Mine [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
% of share class held by Group companies				66.00%
Argyle Diamonds Limited [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				100.00%
Coal & Allied Industries Limited [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary			100.00%		100.00%	80.00%
Coal & Allied Industries Limited [member] | Bengalla joint venture [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture disposed		40.00%
Coal & Allied Industries Limited [member] | Mount Pleasant Project [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture disposed	100.00%
Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				100.00%
QIT Madagascar Minerals SA [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				80.00%
Richards Bay Minerals [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				74.00%
Energy Resources of Australia Limited [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				68.40%
Rossing Uranium Limited [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				68.60%
Proportion of class held (%), Subsidiary				35.57%
Simfer Jersey Limited [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				53.00%
Simfer S.A. [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				85.00%
Non-controlling interest (%), Subsidiary				45.05%
Gove Alumina Refinery and Rio Tinto Marine [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary				100.00%