European Commission

Rio Tinto PLC
14 May 2003



European Commission



Rio Tinto has been visited at its London headquarters by the European Commission
concerning alleged anti-competitive practices in the copper concentrate market.


Rio Tinto is cooperating fully with the Commission.


Note to editors:



Rio Tinto has interests in a number of copper mines - Bingham Canyon, Escondida,
Grasberg, Neves Corvo, Northparkes and Palabora. In 2002 Rio Tinto sold directly
approximately 30,000 tonnes of copper in copper concentrate (estimated at less
than 1% of the world market in copper concentrate).





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                                     Daphne Morros
Office:  [phone]                        Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                         Mobile: [phone]



Website: www.riotinto.com



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