Peter Coates to retire as Xstrata Australia Chairman

Sydney, 30 June 2009

Peter Coates will retire from the position of non executive Chairman, Xstrata Australia, on 3 July 2009 to concentrate on his increasing external board workload.

“Xstrata continues to be a dynamic and innovative leader in the resources sector and I am very proud to have worked with such a committed management team,” said Mr Coates.

Mr Coates held the position of Chief Executive of Xstrata’s global coal business from its inception as Glencore Coal in 1994 until his retirement in December 2007. During that time Xstrata Coal grew to become the world’s leading exporter of thermal coal, with more than 30 operations across South Africa, Australia and the Americas.

Xstrata Coal Chief Executive Peter Freyberg said, “Peter has been an invaluable part of Xstrata’s continued global success and made a significant contribution to the Australian resources sector through his commitment to addressing issues such as safety,  climate change and the need for the development and testing of low emission technology.

“We wish Peter continued success as he pursues new challenges and opportunities.”

Mr Coates is Deputy Chairman and Chairman elect of Santos. He is Chairman of Minara Resources Ltd and a director of Downer EDI Limited. He is a past Chairman of the Minerals Council of Australia, the NSW Minerals Council and the Australian Coal Association. He was a member of the APEC 2007 Business Consultative Group and the 2007 Emissions Trading Task Group.

Mr Coates received The Officer of the Order of Australia award in June 2009.

ends

Xstrata contacts
Name James Rickards Communications Manager      
Telephone +61 2 9253 6789      
Mobile +61 419 731 371      
Email jrickards@xstratacoal.com      
www.xstrata.com

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