rio increases holdings in kalahari

17th February 2009

Kalahari Minerals plc ("Kalahari" or "the Company")
Notice of Major Shareholdings by Rio Tinto

Kalahari Minerals plc, the AIM listed mining exploration group with a portfolio of copper, base metal and uranium interests in Namibia, was notified on 16 February 2009 that Rio Tinto International Holdings Australia Pty Ltd purchased 3,450,000 ordinary shares in the Company on 12 February 2009, representing approximately 1.93% of the Company's total voting rights, raising its total interest in Kalahari to 28,267,310 ordinary shares representing 15.8% of its issued share capital.

Kalahari Chairman Mark Hohnen said, "The Board of Kalahari believes it is important for shareholders to be apprised of Rio Tinto's further stake building in the Company and consequent increased indirect interest in ASX and TSX listed Extract Resources Ltd ('Extract').