Rio Tinto has reported a pre-tax profit of $US7.86 billion for 2009, down 14% on the $US9.18 billion made in 2008.
Despite efforts to reduce operating costs, the giant Australian mining company said lower commodity prices in 2009 hit overall profits.
Prices declined for nearly all of its major commodities: average copper prices were down 28% and aluminium prices 35% lower.
Rio Tinto made $US2.6 billion worth of cost cuts in 2009.
The company has paid its first dividend in a year. However, at 45 cents per share, it was 19% lower than last year's final dividend.
On Wednesday, four employees of Rio were indicted in China on charges of bribery and violating commercial secrets.
The BBC reports no date has been announced for a trial. If convicted, they could each face up to 27 years in prison.
A month before the arrests, Rio scrapped a $US19.5 billion deal with Chinalco in favour of a tie-up with BHP Billiton.
