Site for Alumina Refinery Feasibility Study

Rio Tinto PLC
3 April 2000


                   Comalco Chooses Gladstone as Site for 
                     Alumina Refinery Feasibility Study
              
              
Gladstone has been selected by Comalco as the site for the final feasibility
study for a proposed new A$1.4bn plus alumina refinery.  The feasibility study
will address the project's long term viability including commercial, technical
and environmental aspects.

Detailed studies have commenced and will continue over the next few months.
Depending on the outcome of the feasibility study, the Comalco Board will be
asked to consider the project.

The proposal is subject to Comalco obtaining the appropriate approvals from
governments.

The project could not have reached this stage without the encouragement and
support of each of the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments and the
communities and local governments of Gladstone and Calliope.



For further information, please contact:


Media Relations                    Investor Relations

John Hughes                        Peter Jarvis
+ 44 207 753 2331                  + 44 207 753 2401

Website: www.riotinto.com





Notes to Editors:

All $ are Australian dollars.
Rio Tinto owns 72.4 per cent of Comalco Limited