Zinkgruvan

Rio Tinto PLC
04 March 2004


Rio Tinto intends to sell Zinkgruvan

Rio Tinto and South Atlantic Ventures ('SAA') have signed a letter of intent
under which Rio Tinto acknowledges its intention to negotiate the sale of its
100 per cent interest in Zinkgruvan Mining AB, Sweden.  The proposed
consideration for the Zinkgruvan assets is US$100 million plus a non-refundable
deposit of $1 million and a further payment in respect of working capital.  The
consideration may increase up to a maximum of $5 million by quarterly price
participation payments based on the performance of zinc, lead and silver prices
for a period of two years.

The sale is subject to SAA and Rio Tinto reaching agreement on all terms and
entering into a definitive agreement.



For further information, please contact:

LONDON                                            AUSTRALIA

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Website: www.riotinto.com


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