Rio Tinto's response to the attack on the field team by local activists

We strongly condemn today's reckless attack by activists from "Ne damo Jadar" against the team of company’s contract partners during their regular tour of Rio Tinto owned properties in the Jadar Valley. This incident represents the continuation of an aggressive campaign of threats, intimidation and attacks against Rio Sava employees and our contract partners based on misinformation and fake news.

Rio Tinto respects the right of Serbian citizens to protest peacefully in accordance with Serbian regulations, however, today's unprovoked attack, which took place on a public road, directly threatened the safety and wellbeing of our contract partners.

As a result of the incident, which involved four tractors encircling a contract partner’s car, one team member received injuries from being hit by farming equipment connected to a tractor, and another had documents forcibly removed from them.

Formal reports are being made to the police about this incident.

Rio Tinto condemns any threats or physical harm to our employees and contractors. We will use all available legal means to protect the safety and wellbeing of our people.