Rio Tinto Alcan restarts production at its cathode production centre at
Arvida Works in Saguenay

MONTREAL, Feb. 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto Alcan will restart operations at its cathode production centre (CPC) at the Arvida smelter in Saguenay, Quebec.

"The CPC restart is taking shape thanks to an agreement with employees regarding the implementation of a work organisation adapted to the CPC's new business context. The CPC therefore remains well positioned to maintain its leadership in American markets and develop new products that meet our customers' criteria," said Dominique Bouchard, vice president, Primary Metal, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Rio Tinto Alcan.

The CPC was temporarily idled in spring 2009. The restart is a part of our global cathode production strategy and will allow the facility to meet the needs of both internal and external customers.

Cathodes are a basic material for pot lining in aluminium smelters. They cover the bottom of the pot shell and serve as a buffer between the metal and electrolytic bath during the smelting process. They also serve as an electrode, with electric current flowing from the anode to the cathode, and enable the transfer of energy from one pot to another.

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