Share repurchase programme

Rio Tinto PLC
19 December 2005

Rio Tinto share repurchase programme



Rio Tinto plc ('Rio Tinto') announces that it has commenced a programme to buy
back shares during the period which commences on 20 December 2005 and ends on
the announcement of Rio Tinto's results on 2 February 2006. The shares will be
held in treasury. The buy back programme will be managed by an independent third
party, which makes its trading decisions in relation to Rio Tinto's securities
independently of, and uninfluenced by, Rio Tinto.



Any acquisitions will be effected within certain pre-set parameters, and in
accordance with both Rio Tinto's general authority to repurchase shares and
Chapter 12 of the Listing Rules which requires that the maximum price paid be
limited to no more than 5 per cent above the average market value for the shares
as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five
business days immediately prior to such purchase.



Rio Tinto confirms that it currently has no unpublished price sensitive
information.





For further information, please contact:
LONDON                                               AUSTRALIA

Media Relations                                      Media Relations

Maria Darby Walker                                   Ian Head

Office:  [phone]                        Office:  [phone]

Mobile: [phone]                         Mobile: [phone]
Investor Relations                                   Investor Relations

Nigel Jones                                          Dave Skinner

Office: [phone]                         Office:  [phone]

Mobile: [phone]                         Mobile: [phone]



David Ovington                                       Susie Creswell

Office:  [phone]                        Office:  [phone]

Mobile: [phone]                         Mobile: [phone]



Website: www.riotinto.com






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