Re Directorate

Rio Tinto PLC
22 February 2001


Mr Terry Palmer

Mr. Terry Palmer, Chief Executive of Comalco, has died at home in Brisbane
today after a short illness. 

Mr. Palmer, aged 60 and one of Rio Tinto's most senior executives, had a long
and successful career with Rio Tinto and the mining industry.  He started his
career in Broken Hill in 1958, and held a number of positions with the Group. 
He was appointed Managing Director Comalco Rolled Products in 1987 and
Managing Director Operations at Hamersley Iron in 1991 before his appointment
to lead Comalco in 1995.  As Chief Executive, he led significant change and
dramatically improved Comalco's performance. 

Rio Tinto's Chief Executive, Mr. Leigh Clifford, said Terry Palmer was widely
respected throughout the industry and would be sadly missed by colleagues,
friends and business associates.  

'Terry Palmer made a first rate contribution to the Group over many years and
we will miss his sound leadership and judgement.  We extend our sympathies to
his wife Marie, his children, Cathie, Tom, Beth and Sarah, and the wider
family,' Mr. Clifford said.

Mr. Keith Johnson, Managing Director Comalco Mining & Refining, is Comalco's
Acting Chief Executive. 


For further information, please contact:

AUSTRALIA
Ian Head
[phone] (office)
[phone] (mobile)


LONDON
Lisa Cullimore
[phone]