FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 October 2008

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY CHINALCO

Chinalco wishes to correct the reports in the press today concerning the status of Chinalco's shareholding in Rio Tinto plc (the "Shares").
The Shares are held in a separate designated account pursuant to a custody arrangement withLehman Brothers International (Europe) ("LBIE"). There is no basis on which Chinalco's ownership of the Shares could be validly challenged or on which its Shares could form part of the general assets of LBIE.
Chinalco is discussing with the Administrators of LBIE in London the arrangements for the orderly transfer of the Shares out of LBIE.
Enquiries:
The Maitland Consultancy         +44 (0)20 7379 5151
Liz Morley