ACH Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd

22

The instruments governing our senior debt contain certain financial and other covenants that restrict our ability to pay dividends, raise further debt and take other corporate actions which may adversely affect our business.

In October 2013, we completed the issuance of US$350 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior perpetual capital securities (the "Securities") through Chalco Hong Kong Investment Company Limited (the "Issuer") with guarantee by seven of our subsidiaries including Chalco HongKong Limited (the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). The indenture governing the Securities contain a number of significant financial and other covenants. Such covenants restrict, subject to certain exceptions, among other things, our and our subsidiaries' ability to create, or have outstanding, any security interest upon our or our subsidiaries' present or future undertaking, assets or revenues to secure any indebtedness which is in the form of bonds, notes , debentures, loan stock or other securities which for the time being are, or are intended to be or capable of being, quoted, listed or dealt in or traded on any stock exchange or over -the-counter or other securities market ("Relevant Indebtedness") which is issued outside the PRC, our ability to create or have any Relevant Indebtedness which is issued outside the PRC, our ability to create or have outstanding any guarantee or indemnity in respect of any Relevant Indebtedness which is issued outside the PRC and the Issuer's, Subsidiary Guarantors' and their respective subsidiaries' ability to create, or have outstanding, any security interest upon their present or future undertaking, assets or revenues to secure any Relevant Indebtedness or any guarantee or indemnity in respect of any Relevant Indebtedness or to sell or otherwise dispose of capital stock held or controlled by it in any direct or indirect subsidiary of Chalco HongKong Limited which is not a Subsidiary Guarantor.

As a result of the covenants, our ability to pay dividends or other distributions on our common shares and the ADSs may be limited. These covenants also restrict our ability to raise additional fund in the future through issuing Relevant Indebtedness which is issued outside the PRC or creating or having any guarantee or indemnity in respect of any Relevant Indebtedness which is issued outside the PRC and may restrict our ability to engage in some transactions that we expect to be of benefit to us.

The Securities are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. A breach of any of the covenants in the indenture governing the Securities could result in a redemption of the Securities at our discretion or an increase of coupon rate if we do not redeem the Securities upon a breach of such covenants . If we default under the Securities in the future, the holders may enforce their claims against the guarantors to satisfy our obligations to them. In addition, such default may result in a default and acceleration of our senior debt and the holders of our senior debt could gain ownership of the capital stock of certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries (if such capital stock is pledged for such senior debt) and/or enforce their claims against the assets of the guarantors (if guarantee is provided for such senior debt). We conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China and, if we default under our senior debt, we would lose control or ownership of our assets and operations in China and there may be few or no assets remaining with which we could conduct our business or from which the claims of our other creditors could be satisfied.

The interests of our controlling shareholder who exerts significant influence over us may conflict with ours.

As of December 31, 2013, our largest shareholder, Chinalco, directly owned 38.56% of our issued share capital and indirectly owned an additional 2.89% of our issued share capital through its controlled entities. The interests of Chinalco may conflict or even compete with our interests and those of our public shareholders. Chinalco may take actions that are in the interest of its subsidiaries, associates and other related entities to our detriment. For example, Chinalco may seek to influence our decision as to the amount of dividends we declare and distribute. Any increase in our dividend payout would reduce funds otherwise available for reinvestment in our businesses and thus may adversely affect our future prospects and financial condition.

In addition, Chinalco and a number of its subsidiaries and associates provide a range of services to us, including engineering and construction services, social services, land and property leasing as well as the supply of raw and supplemental materials. It would be difficult to find an alternative source for some services that we receive from Chinalco. Our cost of operations may increase if Chinalco, its subsidiaries and associates are unable to continue providing such services to us.

23

We are subject to, and incur costs to comply with, environmental laws and regulations.

As we produce air emissions, discharge waste water, and handle hazardous substances at our bauxite mines, alumina refineries and aluminum smelters, we are subject to, and incur costs to comply with, environmental laws and regulations.

Given the magnitude, complexity and continuous amendments to these laws and regulations, compliance therewith may be onerous or may involve substantial financial resources and other resources to establish efficient compliance and monitoring systems. The liabilities, costs, obligations and requirements associated with these laws and regulations may therefore be substantial and may delay the commencement of, or cause interruptions to, our operations. Non-compliance with the relevant laws and regulations applicable to our operations may even result in substantial penalties or fines, suspension or revocation of our relevant licenses or permits, termination of government contracts or suspension of our operations. Such events could impact our operating results, financial condition and reputation, all of which could adversely impact the Group's ability to be profitable and attract new customers. We were fined for breaches of environmental laws and regulations and there is no assurance that there will not be any further breaches in the future.

In addition, the environmental laws and regulations in the PRC and other jurisdictions in which we operate continue to evolve. As a result, we may incur significant additional costs if relevant laws and regulations change or enforcement of existing laws and regulations becomes more rigorous. For instance, to comply with the requirement of desulphurization and denitration in China, we were requested to invest in upgrading or remoulding certain production facilities. Further, our overseas expansion projects are subject to foreign environmental laws and regulations. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations, all of which may materially and adversely affect our business operations.

We are subject to administrative policies and orders relating to China's Energy-Saving and Emission Reduction Goals that could adversely affect our production.

We are subject to administrative energy-saving and emission reduction policies and orders carried out by the central and provincial governments in accordance with China's Energy-Saving and Emission Reduction Goals. In 2010 and 2011, some of our primary aluminum production facilities were subject to power rationing carried out by some provincial governments to fulfill their energy-saving and emission reduction goals. Although power rationing only slightly reduced our primary aluminum production in 2010 and 2011 and the PRC central government has denounced it as an improper means to fulfill the Energy-Saving and Emission Reduction Goals, some or all of our primary aluminum production facilities may be subject to power rationing or other similar policies and orders from time to time in the future, which may adversely affect our production.

Our business is subject to unplanned business interruptions that may adversely affect our performance.

We may experience accidents in the course of our operations, which may cause significant property damage and personal injuries. Significant accidents and natural disasters may cause interruptions to our operations or result in property or environmental damage, an increase in operating expenses or loss of revenues. The occurrence of accidents, natural disasters and the resulting consequences may not be covered adequately, or at all, by the insurance policies we carry. In accordance with customary practice in China, we do not carry any business interruption insurance or third-party liability insurance for personal injury or environmental damage arising from accidents on our property or relating to our operations other than for our automobiles. Losses or payments incurred by us as a result of major accidents or natural disasters may have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations if such losses or payments are not fully insured.

24

We have not obtained valid titles or land use rights to certain properties or land parcels that we occupy.

We had not obtained valid ownership certificates to certain properties that we occupy. These properties are used primarily for production plants. As of December 31, 2013, the book value of our properties with defective titles represented approximately 10.6% of our net asset value. In addition, we had not obtained land use rights to certain land parcels, which we use primarily for our production plants. As of December 31, 2013, the book value of these land parcels represented approximately 0.7% of our net asset value. We have applied to the appropriate authorities to obtain the relevant ownership certificates. We cannot give any assurance that ownership dispute will not occur or that third parties will not assert any claims against us for compensation in respect of any use of these properties or land parcels.

Our business involves inherent risks and occupational hazards, which could damage our reputation, subject us to liability claims and cause substantial costs to us.

Our business involves inherent risks and occupational hazards. Under our mining operations, we engage or may engage in certain inherently risky and hazardous activities, including, among others, operations at height or on dangerous terrains, underground excavation and construction, use of heavy machinery, mining and handling of flammable and explosive materials, and we are therefore subject to risks associated with these activities, including, among others, geological catastrophes, toxic gas and liquid leakages, equipment failures, industrial accidents, fire, explosions and underground water leakages. Although we conduct geological assessments on mining conditions and adapt our mining plans to the mining conditions at each mine, we cannot assure you that adverse mining conditions will not endanger our workforce, increase our production costs, reduce our bauxite or coal output or temporarily suspend our operations. The occurrence of any of the foregoing events or conditions could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. Additionally, we are exposed to operational risks associated with industrial or engineering activities, such as maintenance problems or equipment failures. These risks and hazards may result in personal injury and fatal casualties, damage to or destruction of properties or production facilities, and pollution and other environmental damage. Any of these consequences, to the extent they are significant, could result in business interruption, possible legal liability and damage to our business reputation and corporate image.

Our mines and operating facilities may be damaged by water, gas, fire or cave-ins due to unstable geological structures. Any significant accident, business disruption or safety incident could result in substantial uninsured costs and the diversion of our resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business operations and financial condition.

We may be subject to product liability claims.

Some of the products we sell or manufacture may expose us to product liability claims relating to property damage or personal injury. The successful assertion of product liability claims against us could result in significant damage payments and harm to our reputation, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to risks normally associated with cross-border transactions, and our export products have been and may become subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duty proceedings.

We generate revenue from exports of certain non-ferrous and ferrous metals and minerals products to foreign jurisdictions. Such foreign jurisdictions may take restrictive measures, including, among others, anti-dumping duties and other non-tariff barriers, to protect their own markets. Our sales in major overseas markets may be adversely affected by increases in or new impositions of anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, quotas or tariffs imposed on our exports. Further increases in or new imposition of anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, quotas or tariffs on our sales in these markets could adversely affect the exports to these regions in the future. By virtue of our transactions with parties outside the PRC, we will be subject to the risks normally associated with cross-border business transactions and activities. We will also be exposed to the risk of changes in social, legal, political and economic conditions in the foreign jurisdictions to which we export. In particular, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other trade barriers and price or exchange controls could limit our operations and make the repatriation of profits difficult.

25

We are subject to litigation risks.

In the ordinary course of business, claims involving project owners, customers, suppliers and subcontractors may be brought against us and by us in connection with our contracts. If we were found to be liable on any of the claims, we would have to incur a charge against earnings to the extent a reserve had not been established for the matter in our accounts, or to the extent the claims were not sufficiently covered by our insurance coverage. Both claims brought against us and by us, if not resolved through negotiations, are often subject to lengthy and expensive litigation or arbitration proceedings. Charges associated with claims brought against us and write-downs associated with claims brought by us could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. Moreover, legal proceedings resulting in judgments or findings against us may harm our reputation and damage our prospects for future contract awards.

We face counterparty risks.

While we generally sell goods and provide services to reputable customers and evaluate the customers' credit in accordance with our internal risk management criteria, such as their credit history and likelihood of default, we have limited access to information about our customers and we may encounter difficulties in the collection of receivables in certain countries that we have less experience in our dealings. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that all of our customers will fully perform their obligations under their respective contracts with us, and the deterioration of any customers' credit or payment conditions may result in those customers defaulting on their contractual obligations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, disputes with governmental entities and other public organizations could potentially lead to contract termination if these remain unresolved or may take a considerably longer period of time to resolve than disputes with counterparties in the private sector, and payments from these entities and organizations may be delayed as a result.

We may be exposed to claims in relation to the unsatisfactory performance of third-party service providers, and disputes with business partners may also adversely affect our business.

We rely on third-party service providers for certain services, including but not limited to mining infrastructure construction, logistics services or warehouse management. Therefore, we are exposed to the risk that our third-party service providers may fail to perform their obligations, which may adversely affect our business operations. In addition, from time to time, we co-operate with business partners to develop our business, including acquiring strategic mining resources or businesses that complement our own business line. Furthermore, we operate certain mining projects through joint venture arrangements and may enter into further joint ventures in the future along with the expansion of our operations. We may have disputes with these business partners or joint venture partners over various aspects, such as performance of each party's obligations, scope of each party's responsibilities, product quality and logistics services. If such disputes cannot be settled in a timely manner, our financial condition and business may be adversely affected.

26

Failure to hire and retain management executives, technicians and other qualified personnel could adversely affect our business and prospects.

The growth of our business operations depends on the continued services of our senior management team. The industry experience, expertise and contributions of our executives and other members of our senior management are essential to our continued success. We will require an increasing number of experienced and competent executives in the future to implement our growth plans. If we were to lose the services of any of our key management members and were unable to recruit and retain personnel with equivalent qualifications at any time, the management and growth of our business could be adversely affected.

Competition for qualified personnel in general is intense in the PRC and other markets where we operate. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain an adequate skilled labor force necessary for us to execute our projects or to perform other corporate activities, nor can we guarantee that staff costs will not increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled personnel. If we fail to attract and retain personnel with suitable managerial, technical or marketing expertise or maintain an adequate labor force on a continuous basis, our business operations could be adversely affected and our future growth and expansions may be inhibited.

We may not be able to detect and prevent fraud or other misconduct committed by our employees, representatives, agents, customers or other third parties.

We may be exposed to fraud or other misconduct committed by our employees, representatives, agents, customers or other third parties that could subject us to litigation, financial losses and sanctions imposed by governmental authorities, as well as affect our reputation. These misconduct could include:

Our internal control procedures are designed to monitor our operations and ensure overall compliance. However, such internal control procedures may be unable to identify all incidents of non-compliance or suspicious transactions in a timely manner if at all. Furthermore, it is not always possible to detect and prevent fraud and other misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect such activities may not be effective.

There is no assurance that fraud or other misconduct will not occur in the future. If such fraud or other misconduct does occur, it may cause negative publicity as a result, and could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

27

Our operations are affected by a number of risks relating to conducting business in the PRC.

As a significant majority of our assets and operations are located in the PRC, we are subject to a number of risks relating to conducting business in the PRC, including the following: