Compulsory Acqn of Shares

Rio Tinto PLC
18 August 2000

              Rio Tinto to issue compulsory acquisition notices               
                         for outstanding North shares                         
 
 
Rio Tinto has filed a further Substantial Shareholder Notice with the
Australian Stock Exchange today showing its holding in North at 91.48%.
 
Rio Tinto has now satisfied the requirements for compulsory acquisition under
section 661A of the Australian Corporations Law and intends to issue
compulsory acquisition notices as soon as possible.
 
Rio Tinto's offer is due to close on Monday 28 August 2000 at 7:30pm AEST.
 
Rio Tinto intends to pay North shareholders who accept the offer within three
business days of receipt of a valid acceptance.
 
North shareholders whose shares are compulsorily acquired will, of necessity,
be paid later than those who choose to accept the offer.
 
 
 
For further information, please contact:
     
Media Relations                   Investor Relations 
 
Lisa Cullimore                    Peter Jarvis
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2305             + 44 (0) 20 7753 2401
 
Website: www.riotinto.com