Offer Extended

Rio Tinto PLC
28 March 2002


Release time           Immediate


                    TIME FOR KPC DIVESTMENT OFFER EXTENDED


The Government of Indonesia and PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) have agreed that the
time by which the 2001 offer is to be made will be extended until 30 June 2002.
The extension recognises  that it is now very unlikely that the litigation
affecting the KPC divestment will  be withdrawn by the 31st March and allows the
parties more time to resolve the matter constructively.


The agreed offer price of US$822million (based on 100%) and the requirement,
agreed with the Government of Indonesia, for all legal actions relating to KPC's
divestment obligations to be withdrawn before the offer is made remain
unaffected by the extension of time.


For further information, please contact:


LONDON                                                  AUSTRALIA
Media and Investor Relations                            Media Relations
Andrew Vickerman                                        Ian Head
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2142                                   [phone]

                                                        Investor Relations
                                                        Dave Skinner
                                                        [phone]
                                                        Daphne Morros
                                                        [phone]


Website: www.riotinto.com


Note to editors

Rio Tinto has a 50 per cent Joint Venture interest in Kaltim Prima Coal.


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