ERA

Rio Tinto PLC
01 August 2003



ERA welcomes minister's approval for Jabiluka long term care



Bob Cleary, the chief executive of Rio Tinto's 68.4 per cent owned subsidiary,
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA) today welcomed the Northern Territory
Government's approval of the company's plan for the long term care and
maintenance of its Jabiluka mine.



The company applied on June 30 to the Government for approval to backfill the
decline, returning the mineralised stockpile and waste rock to the underground
mine. Approval was also sought for improved water management.



'I am pleased that Resources Minister Paul Henderson has approved our care and
maintenance plan.  We made the application to the Minister after extensive
discussions, and careful consideration of social, economic and environmental
issues,' Mr Cleary said.



'The Traditional Owners of Jabiluka, the Mirrar people, have told us they want
the backfilling of the decline - and this step is evidence of a new era of
cooperation with the Mirrar,' Mr Cleary said.



Mr Cleary said ERA is currently working on an Agreement with the Mirrar, and the
Northern Land Council, in relation to the long term care and maintenance of
Jabiluka.  The company is confident the Agreement is near finalisation.  The
backfill of the decline is a part of that Agreement.



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