Rio Tinto agrees to acquire shares of Ashton Mining of Canada

13 March 2006

Rio Tinto has agreed to acquire 5,539,286 common shares of Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. (“Ashton”) at a price of C$1.40 per common share in connection with the issuance of common shares of Ashton by way of a public offering qualified by a short form prospectus. This acquisition represents approximately 6.6% of Ashton’s current issued and outstanding common shares for gross proceeds to Ashton of C$7,755,000.

Following the completion of the acquisition, Rio Tinto (through both Ashton Canada Pty. Limited, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Limited, and QIT-Fer et Titane Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc) will hold 49,037,982 common shares of Ashton (representing approximately 51.7% of Ashton’s issued and outstanding common shares).

Rio Tinto has no present intention of acquiring other securities of Ashton or of disposing of any of the securities of Ashton which it holds. Depending upon its evaluation of Ashton’s business, prospects and financial condition, the market for Ashton’s securities, general economic conditions and other factors, Rio Tinto may acquire additional securities of Ashton or sell some or all of the securities it holds.