Offer Update

Rio Tinto PLC
20 September 2000

                                                                              
            Rio Tinto's offer for Ashton has no ACCC implications             

 
Rio Tinto has been advised by the Australian Competition & Consumer
Commission that it does not propose to intervene in its proposed acquisition
of Ashton Mining Limited pursuant to Section 50 of the Trade Practices Act.
 
 
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