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Press Release

Rio Tinto Alcan and South African Government in discussionson timing of Coega smelter project

13 March 2008

Rio Tinto Alcan today announced that it is in discussions with the South African
government regarding the timing of the Coega smelter project near Port Elizabeth, South
Africa. A team, consisting of members from government, Rio Tinto and Eskom, are
reviewing the terms of the project in order to align its timing with the availability of secure
power generation capacity from Eskom.

"We are committed to working closely with the South African government to assist in
mitigating the current energy crisis, while maintaining the option for future long term
development of the Port Elizabeth region," said Dick Evans, chief executive, Rio Tinto
Alcan and member of the Rio Tinto Board. "Rio Tinto has operated successfully in South
Africa for several decades, and we look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial
presence in the future," he added.
Rio Tinto Alcan will work with the government to minimise the impact of a potential
rescheduling on regional economic development.

"We will continue working on our local
community and social investment plans and remain committed to finding solutions that
will lead to the development of this project," said Sandeep Biswas, senior vice president,
business development, Rio Tinto Alcan. "The objective is to preserve the feasibility of the
project and its underlying benefits for both Rio Tinto and South Africa, having the long
term picture in mind," he added.

The project is moving into an interim phase pending the outcome of ongoing discussions
regarding the timing of the project. As the detailed feasibility study is concluded, the
project team will be adjusted for this interim phase as appropriate.

A long-term energy agreement for the proposed smelter was signed with Eskom in
November 2006, and an agreement for infrastructure and job training support was
concluded with Coega Development Corporation in July 2007. The Industrial
Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) is a 15 per cent partner in the project. An
additional ownership allocation, of no less than 5 per cent, has been reserved for Broad
Based Black Economic Empowerment partners.

Rio Tinto has operated in South Africa for several decades, currently employing over
4130 people, in Palabora Mining Company; Richards Bay Minerals (50/50 joint venture
with BHP Billiton), as well as staff in Limpopo and Johannesburg offices.



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