Impact of rain and flooding across Pilbara iron ore operations - an update

23 February 2009

On 17 February Rio Tinto advised the market of a significant impact to its iron ore operations across the western Pilbara region of Western Australia.

This was the result of prolonged heavy rain and subsequent flooding.

While the weather and surface conditions have improved, the event has continued to adversely impact operations.

Recovery and remediation works are continuing and we expect the partial resumption of rail services on Saturday 28 February.

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.

Rio Tinto