Death of director

Rio Tinto PLC
28 January 2005


Death of director


It is with great sadness that the Boards of Directors of Rio Tinto plc and Rio
Tinto Limited announce the sudden death on 27 January 2005 of Bob Adams, 59,
director for planning and development.

Bob joined the Group in 1970 and had a long and distinguished career with Rio
Tinto.  He became a director of Rio Tinto plc in 1991 and of Rio Tinto Limited
in 1995.

Paul Skinner, chairman of Rio Tinto said: 'Bob was a key figure in most of the
developments that made the Group what it is today. He was greatly respected and
liked by all who knew him.  We will miss his wise counsel and advice.'

All the directors and employees of the Group extend their sincere condolences to
his wife Lesley and their three children.



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
Peter Cunningham                                 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



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