Offer Price for Comalco is Final

Rio Tinto PLC
5 May 2000


The following was released earlier today by Rio Tinto Limited in Australia.
 
                                                                              
               Rio Tinto says offer price for Comalco is final                
 
 
Rio Tinto notes the view of the Independent Directors contained in Comalco's
Target's Statement released today that the best interest of, at least, most
of the minority shareholders will lie in acceptance of Rio Tinto's offer, via
acceptance of the alternative seen as best suited to the particular
shareholder, and the Independent Directors' recommendation that shareholders
act accordingly.
 
Rio Tinto has declared today that its offer terms of A$9.50 cash for each
Comalco share, or one ordinary share of Rio Tinto Limited or one ordinary
share of Rio Tinto plc for every three shares of Comalco, are final and will
not be increased.
 
The offer remains subject to the conditions contained in the Bidder's
Statement.
 
  
For further information, please contact:
     
 
Media Relations                     Investor Relations 
 
John Hughes                         Peter Jarvis
+ 44 20 7753 2331                    + 44 20 7753 2401
 
Website: www.riotinto.com
 
 
Note to Editors:  
 
Rio Tinto owns 72.4 per cent of Comalco