Disposal

Rio Tinto PLC
31 May 2001


The following notice was lodged by Rio Tinto Ltd with the Australian Stock
Exchange today.
 
 
                             Sale of Gold Project                             
 
 
Rio Tinto has sold its 100% interest in the Cowal Gold Project, located in
central New South Wales, to Homestake Mining Company, subject to the parties
receiving certain government approvals. The value of the sale represents less
than one per cent of the net assets of Rio Tinto.
 
 
 
 
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 Jarvis               Dave Skinner             
              + 44 (0) 20 7753 2401      [phone]      
              Jonathan Murrin            Daphne Morros            
              + 44 (0) 20 7753 2326      [phone]     
 
Website: www.riotinto.com