Expansion of QIT'S UGS plant

Rio Tinto PLC
19 January 2004


Approval for expansion of QIT's UGS plant

Rio Tinto has approved the expansion of QIT Fer et Titane Inc.'s (Rio Tinto
100%) upgraded slag (UGS) plant in Quebec, Canada.

Total investment will be US$76 million and capacity will be increased from
250,000 tonnes per year to 325,000 tonnes per year by early 2005.

The proprietary UGS process produces a very high grade, low impurity titanium
dioxide feedstock for use in the manufacture of white pigments for paint, paper,
plastics and titanium metal.  Since its introduction, UGS has established itself
as a premium product and received broad market acceptance.  The expansion is in
response to increased pigment customer demand for very high-grade TiO2
feedstocks.  This trend is expected to continue as customers face increasing
environmental constraints on waste disposal.

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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