Cortez Hills gold project

Rio Tinto PLC
15 September 2005



Rio Tinto approves development of Cortez Hills



Rio Tinto has approved its share of the development costs of the Cortez Hills
gold project.
Cortez Hills is part of the Cortez Joint Venture property in Nevada, which is
40% owned by Rio Tinto and 60% by Placer Dome.


Rio Tinto's share of the investment capital totals $182 million (1).


The development of Cortez Hills reflects a successful brownfield exploration
programme undertaken by the Joint Venture partners.



For further information, please contact:

LONDON                                               AUSTRALIA
Media Relations                                      Media Relations
Lisa Cullimore                                       Ian Head
Office:  [phone]                        Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                         Mobile: [phone]


Investor Relations                                   Investor Relations
Nigel Jones                                          Dave Skinner
Office: [phone]                         Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                         Mobile: [phone]
Richard Brimelow                                     Susie Creswell
Office:  [phone]                        Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                         Mobile: [phone]


Website: www.riotinto.com




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange