a18c0902__Company_Announcement___FT_com__Factor
[Nature] The Group has operations in jurisdictions where governments and communities are seeking a greater share of mineral wealth. Some operations are conducted under specific agreements with respective governments and associated acts of relevant legislative bodies. In several countries, land title and rights to land and resources (including Indigenous title) may be unclear. Political and administrative change, policy reform, and changes in law or government regulation can result in expropriation or nationalisation of the Group's rights or assets. In some jurisdictions, commercial instability can arise from a culture of bribery and corruption. In its operations and development projects, Rio Tinto is exposed to: - difficulty in obtaining agreements, leases or permits for new activities; - renegotiation, unilateral variation or nullification of existing agreements, leases and permits; - changes in government ownership of operations; - significant restoration and environmental clean-up costs; - currency and foreign investment restrictions; - changes in taxation rates, regimes or international tax agreements; - limitations to power, water, energy and infrastructure access; and - general increases in regulation, including compliance costs. Political instability and uncertainty or government changes to terms applicable to the Group's operations may result in increased costs for the Group, may curtail or negatively impact existing operations and prevent the Group from making future investments. [Factor] 
Political, legal and commercial changes in the places where the Group operates
Annual Financial Report – Company Announcement - FT.com
Factor