Press Release

Rio Tinto - Board Appointment

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

The boards of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Jan du Plessis as a non-executive director with effect from 1 September 2008.

Jan du Plessis is currently chairman of the board of British American Tobacco plc as well as a non-executive director of Lloyds TSB Group plc. Jan joins the Audit Committee.

Commenting on the appointment, Paul Skinner, chairman, said, “I am very pleased to welcome Jan to the Rio Tinto boards. His appointment brings additional financial expertise to the boards and a broad experience of major global businesses, particularly in Africa.”