FTSE4Good Index

Rio Tinto PLC
13 September 2007


Rio Tinto to join FTSE4Good Index


Rio Tinto is to join the FTSE4Good index, which measures the performance of
companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards and
facilitates investment in those companies.

Rio Tinto has been included in the index for the first time as the FTSE4Good
policy committee has developed its methodology to include companies involved in
the production of uranium, setting stringent criteria covering environmental
impact and management, health and safety, community and employee responsibility
and product stewardship.

By meeting all these criteria in addition to all the other qualifications for
the index, Rio Tinto has become eligible for membership of FTSE4Good.

Rio Tinto has maintained membership of the Dow Jones Sustainability World index
since its inception in 1999 and has for a long time been an active member of the
World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the International Council
on Mining and Metals (ICMM), whose members are committed to superior business
practices in sustainable development.

'Operating sustainably is at the very heart of what we do, it is essential to
our license to operate and central to our mission to deliver value to our
shareholders and stakeholders,' said Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese. 'I
am delighted that this has been reflected by our inclusion in the FTSE4Good
index.'

'At Rio Tinto, our approach to sustainable development is embedded through all
levels of our organisation and, at all our operations, we try to minimise the
adverse effects of our activities and strive constantly to improve every aspect
of our performance.  Wherever we operate, we hold the health and safety of our
employees and the environment as a core value.'

'Nuclear energy offers a clean, low carbon, stable source of energy for heat,
light and power. Rio Tinto is committed to developing our uranium business in a
sustainable and responsible way. Admission to the index indicates that Rio Tinto
has met both the uranium mining and climate change criteria in full, in addition
to the standards already applying to high environmental impact companies and
high human rights global resource sector impact companies.'


About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK,
combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which
is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major
products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold,
industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.
Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North
America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern
Africa.

The Group's objective is to maximize the overall long term return to
shareholders through a strategy of investing in large, cost competitive mines,
driven by the quality of each opportunity, not the choice of commodity.

Wherever Rio Tinto operates, the health and safety of its employees is the first
priority. The Group seeks to contribute to sustainable development. It works as
closely as possible with host countries and communities, respecting their laws
and customs and ensuring a fair share of benefits and opportunities.


About FTSE4Good & the entry criteria

The FTSE4Good Index Series has been designed to measure the performance of
companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards, and
to facilitate investment in those companies.

Criteria are developed using an extensive market consultation process and are
approved by an independent committee of experts. A broad range of stakeholders
help shape the criteria, including NGOs, governmental bodies, consultants,
academics, the investment community and the corporate sector.

To remain consistent with market expectations and developments in CSR practice,
the inclusion criteria are revised regularly.

Since launch this has included tougher environmental and human rights criteria
as well as new supply chain labour standards and countering bribery
requirements. FTSE then engages with companies to ensure that they understand
the new requirements. Those not meeting the standards are deleted from the index
series.

The criteria have been designed to help investors minimise social, environmental
and ethical risks. Companies with the largest risks and impacts have to meet
more challenging requirements.

Over the last year criteria for uranium mining and climate change have been
released.  Today's successful result indicates that Rio Tinto has met both the
uranium mining and climate change criteria in full in addition to the standards
currently applying to high environmental impact companies and high impact
(global resource sector) human rights companies.


Copies of these criteria can be found at:

http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/Downloads/FTSE4Good_Factsheet.pdf

http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/Downloads/FTSE4Good_Inclusion_Criteria_Brochure_Feb_06.pdf

http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/Downloads/Uranium_mining_criteria_v2_web_upload_Apr_06.pdf



For further information, please contact:

 Media Relations, London                        Media Relations, Australia
 Christina Mills                                Ian Head
 Office: [phone]                   Office:  [phone]
 Mobile: [phone]                   Mobile: [phone]

 Nick Cobban                                    Amanda Buckley
 Office:  [phone]                  Office:  [phone]
 Mobile: [phone]                   Mobile: [phone]

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

                                               Investor Relations, North America
 David Ovington                                Jason Combes
 Office:  [phone]                 Office:  [phone]
 Mobile: [phone]                  Mobile: [phone]

 Email: [e-mail]

 Website: www.riotinto.com
 High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk


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            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange