Offer Update

Rio Tinto PLC
14 December 2000


The following was released in Australia earlier today.
 
 
    Rio Tinto - Takeover Bid for Ordinary Shares in Ashton Mining Limited     

 
Capricorn Diamonds Investments Pty Limited's (Capricorn) offer for Ashton
Mining Limited (Ashton) closed yesterday.
 
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.3, Capricorn gives notice that:
 
 
 - Capricorn and its associates have a relevant interest in 96.87 per cent
   of the ordinary shares in Ashton; and 
 
 - that compulsory acquisition commenced with the filing and dispatch of
   compulsory acquisition notices on 30 November 2000. 
 
 
For further information, please contact:
 
 
LONDON 
 
Media Relations                     Investor Relations 
Lisa Cullimore                      Peter Jarvis
[phone]                [phone]
 
AUSTRALIA 
 
Media Relations                     Investor Relations 
Fiona Powell                        Dave Skinner
[phone]                  [phone] 

                                    Daphne Morros
                                    [phone] 
                                   
Website: www.riotinto.com