Statement re Coal & Allied

Rio Tinto PLC
17 September 2002





                   Rio Tinto increases stake in Coal & Allied


Rio Tinto Limited announced today that it has acquired for cash in the market
2,597,000 ordinary shares in Coal & Allied Industries Limited at A$20.70 per
share.


The acquisition increases Rio Tinto's ordinary shareholding in Coal & Allied
Industries Limited to 75.71 per cent from its previous shareholding of 72.71 per
cent.




For further information, please contact:


LONDON                                                  AUSTRALIA
Media Relations                                         Media Relations
Hugh Leggatt                                            Ian Head
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2273                                   [phone]
Investor Relations                                      Investor Relations
Peter Cunningham                                        Dave Skinner
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2401                                   [phone]
Richard Brimelow                                        Daphne Morros
+ 44 (0) 20 7753 2326                                   [phone]



Website: www.riotinto.com




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