Acquisition

Rio Tinto PLC
28 March 2001

                                                                              
                  Rio Tinto increases stake in Coal & Allied                  
 
 
Rio Tinto Limited announced today that since 14 March 2001 it has acquired
for cash in the market 1,590,064 shares in Coal & Allied Industries Limited
at A$18.30 per share.
 
The acquisition increases Rio Tinto's shareholding in Coal & Allied
Industries Limited to 72.71% from its previous shareholding of 70.88%.
 
 
For further information, please contact:
 
 
LONDON 
 
Media Relations                     Investor Relations 
Lisa Cullimore                      Peter Jarvis
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2305               + 44 (0) 20 7753 2401
 
                                    Jonathan Murrin
                                    + 44 (0) 20 7753 2326
AUSTRALIA 
 
Media Relations                     Investor Relations 
Ian Head                            Dave Skinner
[phone]                 [phone]
                              
                                    Daphne Morros
                                    [phone]
Website: www.riotinto.com