Issue of Debt

Rio Tinto PLC
20 June 2001

                      Global Dollar benchmark bond issue                      
 
 
Rio Tinto has appointed JPMorgan and Salomon Smith Barney to act as joint
bookrunners for its SEC registered, Global Dollar benchmark bond issue.  
 
The issue will be launched, subject to market conditions, following a
roadshow beginning June 22nd in London. Proceeds from the issue are intended
principally for the refinancing of existing commercial paper debt. Rio Tinto
is an international mining company and is rated Aa3 by Moody's and AA- by
Standard & Poor's, both on negative outlook.
 
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of
an offer to buy the Notes. The offering of these securities will be made only
by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from:
 
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc, 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017; 212-834-4533
Salomon Smith Barney, 390 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-723-6257
 
 
 
 
For further information, please contact:
                                                             
              LONDON                     AUSTRALIA                
              Media Relations            Media Relations          
              Lisa Cullimore             Ian Head                 
              + 44 (0) 20 7753 2305      [phone]      
              Investor Relations         Investor Relations       
              Peter Cunningham           Daphne Morros               
              + 44 (0) 20 7753 2401      [phone]     
              Jonathan Murrin                      
              + 44 (0) 20 7753 2326           

Website: www.riotinto.com