Production disruption at Rio Tinto Alcan's Laterriere Works smelter following
the failure of two electrical transformers

MONTREAL, July 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto Alcan's Laterriere Works aluminium smelter in Quebec suffered a significant power outage yesterday after two electrical transformers failed, leaving the plant without the adequate energy required to continue operating at full capacity.

"As the safety of our employees is always our first priority, Rio Tinto Alcan's business resilience plan was activated immediately following the outage and emergency teams were dispatched to address the situation," said Étienne Jacques, vice president, Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region. "Thanks to the focus of our employees and our comprehensive safety management systems, I am pleased to confirm that there were no injuries resulting from the incidents."

As a result of the incidents, and as a safety precaution, one of Laterriere Works' two production lines has been suspended. The smelter is currently operating at half of its total capacity of 235,000 tonnes. The cause of the incidents and the overall impact on Laterriere Works is under investigation. In the coming weeks, Rio Tinto Alcan will mobilise the necessary resources to restore the suspended line.

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: Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations: Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean Region: Claudine Gagnon, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Montreal: Bryan Tucker, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Web site: www.riotintoalcan.com