Re Directorate

Rio Tinto PLC
31 July 2001


                               Rio Tinto Boards                               
 
 
Mr Gary M Pemberton AC has advised the boards of Rio Tinto of his intention
to retire as a non-executive director of the Companies with effect from the
end of August 2001. Mr Pemberton became a director of Rio Tinto in 1996.
 
 
For further information, please contact:
 

                                                                 
                LONDON                  AUSTRALIA                
                Media Relations         Media Relations          
                John Hughes             Ian Head                 
                + 44 (0) 20 7753 2331   [phone]      
                Investor Relations      Investor Relations       
                Peter Cunningham        Dave Skinner             
                + 44 (0) 20 7753 2401   [phone]      
                Jonathan Murrin         Daphne Morros            
                + 44 (0) 20 7753 2326   [phone] 
     
Website: www.riotinto.com