Rio Tinto receives Canadian Competition Bureau clearance for its offer for Hathor Exploration

Rio Tinto today received Canadian Competition Bureau clearance for its offer, made through an indirect wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, to acquire all the common shares of Hathor Exploration Limited ("Hathor") for C$4.70 in cash per common share.

The Commissioner of Competition issued a "no action letter" which constitutes compliance with all requirements of the Competition Act (Canada) in relation to Rio Tinto's offer for Hathor.

Rio Tinto's recommended offer values Hathor at approximately C$654 million on a fully-diluted basis and represents a premium to the unsolicited revised offer of Cameco Corporation's of C$4.50 per common share of Hathor made on 14 November.

Hathor's board of directors unanimously recommends that Hathor shareholders accept and tender their common shares to Rio Tinto's offer which is open for acceptance until 5:00pm (Toronto time) on 30 November 2011, unless extended or withdrawn in accordance with its terms.

Shareholders with questions regarding Rio Tinto's offer can contact Rio Tinto's information agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group toll free at 1-877-452-7184 or collect call at 416-637-4661 or email assistance@laurelhill.com.

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

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.