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Press Release

Rio Tinto and Komatsu to develop autonomous haulage system for Pilbara iron ore operations

18 January 2008

Rio Tinto has embarked on a ground-breaking programme to develop a world-leading system to automate its Pilbara iron ore operations.

A significant component of this ambitious venture is the formation of an alliance with Komatsu to develop and deploy advanced Autonomous Haulage solutions to support Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s operations in Western Australia.

Rio Tinto and Komatsu have agreed to work together to establish an autonomous mining operation in the Pilbara that will feature the industry-leading Komatsu Autonomous Haulage System. The system will be commissioned before the end of 2008. This autonomous mining system will be more widely deployed in new and existing Rio Tinto Iron Ore operations by 2010.

Tom Albanese, chief executive Rio Tinto, said, “Komatsu has been the Rio Tinto Group’s preferred supplier of haulage equipment for over ten years. Komatsu is our partner of choice in the development and deployment of autonomous haulage solutions and this alliance marks an important extension to our successful business relationship."

“Rio Tinto is committed to the development and deployment of integrated autonomous mine-to-port operations. We are closely focussed on supporting our Pilbara iron ore expansion through the application of world-leading automation technologies.”



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