Rejects approach from BHP

Rio Tinto PLC
08 November 2007


Rio Tinto rejects approach from BHP Billiton



Rio Tinto notes the recent announcement from BHP Billiton involving a proposed
acquisition of Rio Tinto. Under this proposal each Rio Tinto share would be
exchanged for three BHP Billiton shares.


The Boards of Rio Tinto have given the proposal careful consideration and
concluded that it significantly undervalues Rio Tinto and its prospects.
Accordingly, the Boards have unanimously rejected the proposal as not being in
the best interests of shareholders.


Rio Tinto will continue to focus on the implementation of its well articulated
strategy, including integrating Alcan operations.



About Rio Tinto


Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK,
combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which
is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.



Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major
products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold,
industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.
Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North
America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern
Africa.





For further information, please contact:

Media Relations, London                            Media Relations, Australia
                                                   Ian Head
Nick Cobban                                        Office:  [phone]
Office:  [phone]                      Mobile: [phone]
Mobile: [phone]

                                                   Amanda Buckley
                                                   Office:  [phone]
                                                   Mobile: [phone]

Investor Relations, London                         Investor Relations, Australia
Nigel Jones                                        Dave Skinner
Office: [phone]                       Office:  [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                       Mobile: [phone]


                                                   

David Ovington                                     Investor Relations, North America
Office:  [phone]                      Jason Combes
Mobile: [phone]                       Office:  [phone]
Email: [e-mail]                      Mobile: [phone]


Website: www.riotinto.com

High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk





This announcement is being made without the agreement or approval of BHP
Billiton. A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate. There can
be no certainty that any offer will be made nor as to the terms on which any
offer may be made.



Dealing Disclosure requirements



Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the United Kingdom's Code on Takeovers and
Mergers (the 'Code'), if any person is, or becomes, 'interested' (directly or
indirectly) in 1 per cent. or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of Rio
Tinto (the 'Company'), all 'dealings' in any 'relevant securities' of the
Company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative
referenced to, any such 'relevant securities') must be publicly disclosed by no
later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the London business day following the date
of the relevant transaction.  This requirement will continue until the date on
which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses
or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the 'offer period' otherwise ends.  If two
or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether
formal or informal, to acquire an 'interest' in 'relevant securities' of the
Company, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.



Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all 'dealings' in 'relevant
securities' of BHP Billiton or of the Company by BHP Billiton or the Company, or
by any of their respective 'associates', must be disclosed by no later than
12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the
relevant transaction.



A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant
securities' 'dealings' should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in
issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at
www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk



'Interests in securities' arise, in summary, when a person has long economic
exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of
securities.  In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by
virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in
respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities



Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the
Panel's website.  If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required
to disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.




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