Re Contract

RJB Mining PLC
13 March 2001



                                                                              
           RJB Mining Plc and British Energy sign five year contract
                                       

RJB Mining today has signed an agreement with British Energy, to supply up to
five million tonnes of coal over a five-year period.

The new arrangements will come into effect in May 2001 and will provide the
majority of supply to the 2,000 MW Eggborough power station until March 2006.

RJB Mining acting Chief Executive, Gordon McPhie said:

'We are pleased to enter into this deal with British Energy, which shows RJB's
competitive strength in the current international coal market. This is good
news for our local collieries and sites.'


Enquiries:

Gavin Anderson & Company
Liz Morley/Felicity Caton

020 7457 2345