Offer Update

Rio Tinto PLC
23 May 2000

       
                Rio Tinto achieves 91.89% interest in Comalco                 
                                                                              
                       Offer extended until 5 June 2000                      

 
Rio Tinto has achieved a 91.89% interest in Comalco.
 
Given the relatively short time that shareholders have had to consider and
respond to Rio Tinto's offer to acquire Comalco shares, the closing date of
the offer has been extended to 7.00pm, 5 June 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