Rio Tinto Management change

Rio Tinto PLC
12 May 2004


Rio Tinto Management Changes


Dr David Klingner, head of Exploration since 1997, will retire at the end of
June after 38 years with the Rio Tinto Group.

Leigh Clifford, chief executive officer, said: 'As head of Exploration, David
refocused and prioritised the Group's exploration programme with the result that
Rio Tinto now has an impressive and diverse portfolio of advanced projects
including Resolution Copper in Arizona and Simandou Iron Ore in Guinea.'

Tom Albanese will assume responsibility for exploration in addition to his
current role as chief executive Industrial Minerals.

Dr Andrew Mackenzie will join Rio Tinto from BP in August as chief executive
Industrial Minerals. At that time Tom Albanese will be appointed to a new role
in addition to his role as head of Exploration.


Note to Editors

Dr Andrew Mackenzie has a BSc (Geology) and a PhD (Chemistry).  Andrew has spent
22 years with BP primarily in the UK and North America in senior positions in
oil and gas exploration, production, chemicals and plastics.  He was appointed
group vice president, BP Petrochemicals in 2001.

Tom Albanese has a BS (Mineral Economics) and an MSc (Mineral Engineering).  Tom
joined the Group in 1993 when Rio Tinto acquired Nerco and has since held senior
operating roles in base and precious metals, copper and exploration.  He was
appointed to his current role in late 2000.


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Website: www.riotinto.com


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