Offer Update

Rio Tinto PLC
27 October 2000



              Rio Tinto Offer for Ashton Declared Unconditional               

 
Following the receipt of all regulatory approvals, Rio Tinto has declared its
Offer for Ashton Mining Limited unconditional. 
 
Rio Tinto's Offer is due to close at 7:30pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time
on Monday, 6 November 2000. 
 
 
 
For further information, please contact: 
      
Media Relations                      
 
John Hughes                     
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2331                
 
Website: www.riotinto.com