Statement re: ERA

Rio Tinto PLC
15 April 2002



            Energy Resources of Australia Ltd appoints new Chairman


The Directors of Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA) announce the
appointment of Mr Brian Horwood as the Company's Chairman.


Mr Horwood succeeds Mr Barry Cusack who has resigned as Chairman following his
retirement from Rio Tinto Limited.  Mr Cusack will remain a Director on the
Board.


Mr Horwood, age 60, was appointed to the ERA Board in May 2001.  He is Managing
Director of Rio Tinto Services Limited and Rio Tinto Australia.  He is also a
Director of Coal & Allied Industries Limited and a number of other Rio Tinto
subsidiaries.  Mr Horwood was formerly Managing Director of Pacific Coal Pty
Ltd.



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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