Transaction in Own Shares

Rio Tinto PLC
15 June 2006

15 June 2006

Rio Tinto share repurchase programme

Rio Tinto plc ('Rio Tinto') announces that it has commenced a programme to buy
back shares during the period which commences on 16 June 2006 and ends on the
announcement of Rio Tinto's results on 3 August 2006. The shares will be held in
treasury. The buy back programme will be managed by an independent third party,
which makes its trading decisions in relation to Rio Tinto's securities
independently of, and uninfluenced by, Rio Tinto.

Any acquisitions will be effected within certain pre-set parameters, and in
accordance with both Rio Tinto's general authority to repurchase shares and
Chapter 12 of the Listing Rules which requires that the maximum price paid be
limited to no more than 5 per cent above the average market value for the shares
as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five
business days immediately prior to such purchase.

Rio Tinto confirms that it currently has no unpublished price sensitive
information.

For further information, please contact:

LONDON                                       AUSTRALIA

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

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

David Ovington                               Susie Cresswell
Office: [phone]                 Office: [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                 Mobile: [phone]


Website: www.riotinto.com




                      This information is provided by RNS
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