Date: 25 October 2007
Ref: PR564g

Alcan today joined the Rio Tinto group following the successful Offer for Alcan by a subsidiary of Rio Tinto.  The expanded aluminium product group, formed by the combination of Alcan and Rio Tinto’s existing aluminium assets, today became the new global leader in aluminium and will be known as Rio Tinto Alcan.

Rio Tinto chief executive, Tom Albanese and Rio Tinto Alcan chief executive, Dick Evans hosted special events at Rio Tinto Alcan’s Montreal headquarters and highlighted the  opportunities created by bringing Alcan into the Rio Tinto Group, and the potential for continued strong growth in the aluminium sector. Similar employee events took place in Brisbane.

“I am proud to be here to welcome Alcan employees into the Rio Tinto family”, said Tom Albanese. “They have built a company whose values we share.

 “Rio Tinto’s strategy is to create shareholder value through investing in high quality, long life, low cost assets, and Alcan is a terrific addition to the Rio Tinto group. Together, we have a fantastic opportunity to build an even stronger global aluminium business through profitable and sustainable growth.”

 “I am personally delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the new leader in the global aluminium industry, Rio Tinto Alcan,” said Dick Evans. “With our attractive cost position, strong technology portfolio, complementary refining and smelting assets, and a strong growth pipeline, Rio Tinto Alcan’s mission is to create maximum sustainable value for Rio Tinto shareholders and to fulfil our mutual commitments to all of our stakeholders,” he added.

The offer for Alcan, which was recommended by the Alcan Board, was announced by Rio Tinto on 12 July 2007 and has received approvals from relevant authorities and governments globally and the support of Rio Tinto shareholders. 

Both Rio Tinto and Alcan have been recognised as leading stewards of the environment and the communities in which they operate, and in putting worker safety at the top of the priority list, and this philosophy would be maintained, stressed Tom Albanese and Dick Evans.

“Rio Tinto Alcan will maintain commitments to excellence in health, safety and environmental performance, working together to ensure the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of the communities in which we operate,” said Dick Evans.

A new look and logo are being introduced for the Rio Tinto Alcan product group. The new logo represents the rich heritage of both companies and signifies strength, confidence and leadership.

Rio Tinto in Canada

Rio Tinto has been an investor in Canada for decades and currently has significant business activities in the Province of Québec (including QIT-Fer et Titane and Iron Ore Company of Canada), and the Northwest Territories (Diavik Diamond Mines).

Rio Tinto is committed to investing in the Rio Tinto Alcan presence in Canada, particularly in the Provinces of Québec and British Columbia, in addition to locating the headquarters of the combined aluminium product group in Montréal. The product group's aluminium smelting technology research and development headquarters will also be located in Québec.

Rio Tinto in Australia

Australia's strengths in bauxite extraction, alumina refinery operations and project development will be enhanced by locating the combined global bauxite and alumina business and associated research and development activities in Brisbane.

Rio Tinto has a significant programme of capacity growth in place following the recent announcement of the expansion at Rio Tinto’s Yarwun alumina refinery, and the ongoing bauxite capacity expansion at Weipa.

Rio Tinto in France

Rio Tinto has a strong, long-term commitment to France, which it believes provides an attractive environment in which to invest, conduct business and engage in world-leading research and development. Rio Tinto recognises France’s long history of expertise and research and development in aluminium technology, particularly “new cell” smelting technology and is committed to building on French innovation in this area. Rio Tinto has had operations in France since 1988 through its Talc de Luzenac business based in Toulouse. 

For more information, please visit: www.riotinto.com/riotintoalcan

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London 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, please contact:

 Media Relations, London

 Christina Mills

Office: +44 (0) 20 8080 1306

Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605

Media Relations, Australia

Ian Head

Office:  +61 (0) 3 9283 3620

Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101

Amanda Buckley

Office:  +61 (0) 3 9283 3627

Mobile: +61 (0) 419 801 349

Media Relations, Montreal

Anik Michaud

Tel.: +1 514 848 8151

media.relations@alcan.com      

Bryan Tucker

Tel.: +1 514 848 8151

media.relations@alcan.com

Investor Relations, London

Nigel Jones

Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2401

Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227 365

David Ovington

Office:  +44 (0) 20 7753 2326

Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978

Investor Relations, Australia

Dave Skinner

Office:  +61 (0) 3 9283 3628

Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309

Investor Relations, North America

Jason Combes

Office:  +1 (0) 801 685 4535

Mobile: +1 (0) 801 558 2645

Email: questions@riotinto.com

 
Website: www.riotinto.com

High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk