Belgian Competition Approval

Rio Tinto PLC
20 October 2000

 
                    Rio Tinto's offer for Ashton receives                     
                     Belgian Competition Council approval                     
 
 
 
Rio Tinto has received approval of its offer for Ashton Limited from the
Belgian Competition Council. This approval means that condition 2.6(d) of Rio
Tinto's offer has been satisfied.
 
 
 
For further information, please contact:
     

Media Relations                     Investor Relations 
 
Lisa Cullimore                      Peter Jarvis
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2305               + 44 (0) 20 7753 2401
 
Website: www.riotinto.com