Financial strength

Sharing in the proceeds - more than 70 per cent of goods and services purchased in Queensland and New South Wales

Our approach

Rio Tinto Coal Australia is committed to delivering financial strength to Rio Tinto, our investors and the communities neighbouring our operations.

Our 2009 contribution, as part of the Energy Group, to Rio Tinto's underlying earnings was US$1,013 million, US$708 million lower than in 2008, attributable to lower prices and a changed sales mix partly compensated by a weaker Australian dollar and increased efficiencies. More information about Rio Tinto Coal Australia and Coal & Allied's financial performance is available online at http://www.riotinto.com/ and http://www.coalandallied.com.au/

Through our operations, we make a significant direct and indirect contribution to the local, regional and national economy through:

• export revenue

• purchasing goods and services from suppliers

• paying salaries and benefits

• paying rates, royalties and other taxes to governments, which are used for the provision of services and infrastructure

• community investments.

2009 performance

We do business with about 1,500 suppliers in Queensland and about 1,200 in New South Wales.