South African Competition Tribunal Approves Xstrata's Acquisition of LionOre

Xstrata plc announces that it has received approval from the South African Competition Tribunal for Xstrata's proposed acquisition of LionOre Mining International Ltd.. No further regulatory approvals are required for Xstrata's offer (the "Offer") for all of the issued and outstanding LionOre shares.

Xstrata's Offer will remain open for acceptance until midnight (Vancouver time) on 15 June 2007. All of the terms and conditions of Xstrata's Offer described in its offer and offering circular dated 5 April 2007, as varied, amended and supplemented by Xstrata's notice of variation dated 15 May 2007, Xstrata's notice of extension dated 28 May 2007 and Xstrata's notice of extension dated 5 June 2007, remain unchanged.