Mining Warden's decision on the Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture lease

Rio Tinto has welcomed the decision of the Mining Warden confirming the validity of the Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture's (50 per cent Rio Tinto) tenure over Rhodes Ridge in the East Pilbara in North West Australia.

While the complex issues dealt with in the decision merit further consideration, the underlying conclusion is clear.

The decision has confirmed the validity of the JV's rights under the Rhodes Ridge State Agreement, and the rights it enjoys under the Temporary Reserves and associated rights of occupancy.

It has upheld the primacy of the State Agreement and all of its associated rights over the provisions of the Mining Act, emphasising the long term duration of the operation of State Agreements necessary to facilitate the economic mining and export of iron ore.

The Warden decided the exploration licence applications needed further consideration, but made clear they would in any event remain subject to a number of factors - the most important of which was recognition of the primacy of the joint venturers' rights. This meant any exploration licence should not interfere with joint venture activities, and not abrogate joint venture rights, including mining and other rights under the State Agreement.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations, Australia
Gervase Greene
Office: +61 (0) 8 9327 2975
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 098 572

Tony Shaffer
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3612
Mobile: +1 202 256 3667

Media Relations, London
Nick Cobban
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1138
Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003

Christina Mills
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1154
Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605

Media Relations, Americas
Tony Shaffer
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3612
Mobile: +1 202 256 3667

Media Relations, Canada
Stefano Bertolli
Office:: +1 (0) 514 848 8151
Mobile: +1 (0) 514 915 1800

Investor Relations, Australia
Dave Skinner
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309

Simon Ellinor
Office: +61 (0) 7 3361 4365
Mobile: +61 (0) 439 102 811

Investor Relations, North America
Jason Combes
Office: +1 (0) 801 204 2919
Mobile: +1 (0) 801 558 2645

Investor Relations, London
Nigel Jones
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2049
Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227365

David Ovington
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2051
Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978

Email:
questions@riotinto.com

Websites:
www.riotinto.com
www.riotintoironore.com

High resolution photographs available at: http://www.riotinto.com/media/photolibrary.asp

Mining Warden's decision on the Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture lease [PDF: 28 KB]