Comalco

Rio Tinto PLC
13 June 2003



Comalco signs landmark alumina deal



Comalco Aluminium Limited (Rio Tinto 100%) today announced an agreement to
supply the Norwegian industrial conglomerate Norsk Hydro with 500,000 tonnes of
alumina per year for more than 20 years.



The magnitude of the supply arrangement means the contract, signed today in Oslo
by Comalco Chief Executive, Mr Sam Walsh, and Hydro Aluminium Executive Vice
President, Mr Jon-Harald Nilsen, represents one of the biggest alumina
agreements in history.



Mr Walsh said, 'This is one of the most significant minerals contracts ever
entered into by an Australian company.  It underpins our decision to build the
new Comalco Alumina Refinery in Gladstone, due to commence shipping in 2005.



Under the agreement, starting with a volume of 300,000 tonnes in 2005, Comalco
will supply Hydro Aluminium with 500,000 tonnes of alumina annually, from 2006
through to 2030.  The agreement allows for volume increases during the duration
of the contract.



Mr Walsh said, 'This agreement is in line with Comalco's strategy to grow our
alumina business.  It is also part of our plan to maximise the value of
Comalco's vast bauxite deposits at Weipa in north Queensland, Australia.'



Comalco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto, is a major Australian-based
supplier of bauxite, alumina and primary aluminium to world markets.  It
operates or has interests in bauxite mines in Australia and Guinea, alumina
refineries in Australia and Sardinia and aluminium smelters in Australia and New
Zealand.




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