Rio Tinto Alcan launches $1 million fund to stimulate aluminium fabrication
businesses in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region

JONQUIÈRE, QC, March 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto Alcan and the Association régionale des Centres locaux de développement du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean are creating a $1 million fund to support and strengthen the competiveness of regional aluminium fabrication businesses.

"The fund is aimed at improving access to the technology that regional businesses will need to continue to grow or deploy new operations. It is also designed to encourage investments in the region and reduce the financial risk for businesses interested in buying new production equipment for aluminium fabrication," said Étienne Jacques, vice president, Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

"This announcement highlights Rio Tinto Alcan's commitment to supporting aluminium fabrication. It's an example of how the team at our Regional Economic Development office is continuing to fulfil its mission to help strengthen the local economy by promoting its diversification and sustainable development," added Hugues Lajoie, director, Industrial Development, Rio Tinto Alcan - North America.

Management of the fund will be entrusted to the Association des Centres locaux de développement du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, which already has resources available to administer this type of fund throughout the region. A strict evaluation process has been implemented for obtaining financial assistance from the Fonds régional de transformation de l'aluminium au Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (FRTA-02). Representatives from both Rio Tinto Alcan and the Association des Centres locaux de développement du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean will be involved throughout the process.

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: Stefano Bertolli, [phone], [email protected]; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: Claudine Gagnon, [phone], [email protected]; www.riotintoalcan.com