Statement re Coal & Allied

Rio Tinto PLC
12 April 2002


                          Moura Joint Venture Interest

Rio Tinto's 73 per cent owned subsidiary, Coal & Allied Industries Limited has
advised that Mitsui & Co., Ltd has exercised its pre-emptive right to purchase
Coal & Allied's 55 per cent interest in the Moura coal mine.

Completion is conditional on the execution of relevant documents and receipt of
certain regulatory approvals.

For further information, please contact:


LONDON                                                  AUSTRALIA

Media Relations                                         Media Relations

Lisa Cullimore                                          Ian Head
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2305                                   [phone]

Investor Relations                                      Investor Relations

Peter Cunningham                                        Dave Skinner
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2401                                   [phone]

                                                        Daphne Morros
                                                        [phone]

Website: www.riotinto.com


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