Rio Tinto is delighted to partner the Australian Government as a platinum sponsor of its pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. This is a unique and exciting opportunity.

For Australia and for Rio Tinto, our pavilion provides an important window for the many millions of expected visitors, global and local alike. It will reflect a sense of 'who we are' and 'what we do', as well as why we insist on building strong and enduring relationships with China.

Rio Tinto is one of the world's leading mining and exploration companies. We find, mine and process the earth's mineral resources - metals and minerals essential for making thousands of everyday products that meet society's needs and contribute to improved living standards.

Our activities span the world with production from every continent.

Rio Tinto has enjoyed business links with China for more than a century, beginning with the sales of borates. Today we produce many of the key commodities that support Chinese growth, including iron ore, alumina, aluminium, copper concentrates, coal and industrial minerals.

Some of these business links have become more formalised, such as the separate Baosteel and Sinosteel Joint Ventures in the iron ore business.

Integral to our business engagement are the close personal relationships we have formed, some of which are long-standing. The 2010 Shanghai World Expo will assist us to cement these relationships and renew friendships, while at the same time showcasing our own company and country to the world.