Hamersley Iron expansion

Rio Tinto PLC
04 December 2003



Major Expansion of Hamersley Iron's Dampier Port and Yandicoogina Mine





Rio Tinto has approved the expansion of Hamersley Iron's (Rio Tinto 100 per
cent) Dampier port and Yandicoogina mine in the Pilbara region of Western
Australia.  Total investment will be US$920 million.



The port expansion will increase iron ore capacity from 74 million tonnes per
annum to 116 million tonnes per annum. The Yandicoogina mine will increase
output to 36 million tonnes per annum.  Capacity is around 20 million tonnes per
annum although a current project to increase output to 24 million tonnes per
annum is nearing completion.



Rio Tinto's decision to expand iron ore capacity in the Pilbara is a significant
step in ensuring its ability to meet the needs of customers and the strong
growth in demand for iron ore in China.



Construction on both projects is scheduled to begin later this month, subject to
environmental, heritage and other approvals.  The Yandicoogina mine expansion is
expected to be commissioned in early 2005.  Completion of the port expansion is
scheduled for late 2005, with progressive commissioning from early 2005.



Studies are progressing into providing additional rail, power and other
infrastructure to complement the new port and mine requirements.  Studies into
further new mine capacity to meet future growth in demand are also advanced.



For further information, please contact:
LONDON                                               AUSTRALIA

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Investor Relations                                   Investor Relations

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Richard Brimelow                                     Daphne Morros
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Website: www.riotinto.com


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