Mrs A V Lawless to be New Company Secretary

RIO TINTO PLC
29 October 1999

                               
                Rio Tinto plc Company Secretary


Mr J S Bradley will be retiring from his position as Secretary
of the Company on 31 December 1999, after 26 years' service with the Group.  
Mrs A V Lawless will replace Mr Bradley as Secretary of Rio Tinto plc with
effect from 1 January 2000.


For further information contact:

Media Relations                    Investor Relations
Alexis Fernandez                   Peter Jarvis
+ 44 207 753 2305                  + 44 207 753 2401