Lihir Gold

Rio Tinto PLC
30 November 2005

Rio Tinto agrees to sell its investment in Lihir

Rio Tinto today entered into contracts to sell its 14.46 per cent shareholding
in Lihir Gold for approximately A$399 million (US$295 million). The shares will
be sold in a block trade at a price of A$2.15 per share.

Commenting on the sale, Rio Tinto's chief executive, Leigh Clifford, said: 'Rio
Tinto generally does not hold long term minority positions in other listed
companies. Following our relinquishment of management rights announced on 16
September 2005, we have taken advantage of the current favourable market
conditions to sell our holding in Lihir.'

(Note:  The securities have not been registered under the US Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent
registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.)


For further information, please contact:

LONDON                                              AUSTRALIA

Media Relations                                     Media Relations
Maria Darby Walker                                  Ian Head
Office:  [phone]                       Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                        Mobile: [phone]

Investor Relations                                  Investor Relations

Nigel Jones                                         Dave Skinner
Office: [phone]                        Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                        Mobile: [phone]

David Ovington                                      Susie Creswell
Office:  [phone]                       Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                        Mobile: [phone]


Website: www.riotinto.com


Note to editors

The block trade price of A$2.15 per share is at a discount of 3.2 per cent to
the 1 week VWAP of A$2.22 per share.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange