Antelope coal reserves expand

Rio Tinto PLC
16 December 2004

Rio Tinto's successful bid expands Antelope coal reserves



Rio Tinto's wholly owned US subsidiary, Kennecott Energy Company (KEC), has
expanded its Antelope mine coal reserves in Wyoming's Powder River Basin
following a successful bid of 75.1 cents per ton or US$146.3 million for the
West Antelope tract.



The West Antelope tract contains 195 million tons of premium in-situ coal
reserves.  The acquisition will increase Antelope's current recoverable reserves
to about 400 million tons and will provide the mine with a new opportunity to
optimise current facilities and mining strategies.



The coal produced at Antelope mine is attractive to customers because of its
energy content (8800 Btu coal) and for its low sulphur content.  Antelope
currently produces 30 million tons per annum.



Bret Clayton, KEC's president and chief executive said,  'The outlook for North
American coal is positive.  With strong energy demand growth, high gas prices
and minimal new nuclear and hydro capacity, North American coal continues to be
an important part of the US's mixed energy portfolio.  The acquisition of the
West Antelope tract strengthens KEC's asset portfolio and provides it with a
platform for future value growth.'





Note:  One short ton is equivalent to 0.9072 metric tonnes.



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