Comalco Offer Declared Unconditional

Rio Tinto PLC
9 May 2000

                                                                              
                Rio Tinto Declares Comalco Offer Unconditional                

 
Rio Tinto said today that its bid for the Comalco shares that it does not
already own has been declared unconditional. Rio Tinto intends to pay those
shareholders accepting the cash offer within three business days of receipt
of a valid acceptance. For those accepting the share, or cash and share
alternatives, Rio Tinto intends to pay the consideration within five business
days of receipt of a valid acceptance. This decision will assist those
shareholders who have requested early payment.
 
On Friday 5 May, Rio Tinto declared that its offer price was final and that
it will not be increased. As previously advised, the offer is due to close on
22 May 2000.
 
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