Offer Update

Rio Tinto PLC
19 July 2000

                                                                              
                      Rio Tinto's bid for North receives                      
                     Canadian Competition Bureau approval                     
                                 
 
Rio Tinto has received approval for its proposed acquisition of North Limited
from the Canadian Competition Bureau. This approval, in the form of an
advanced ruling certificate under the Competition Act (Canada), means that
condition 2.6(e)(i) of the offer has been satisfied.
 

 
For further information contact:
     
Media Relations                     Investor Relations 
 
Lisa Cullimore                      Peter Jarvis
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2305               + 44 (0) 20 7753 2401
 
Website: www.riotinto.com