Dr. Ashton Calvert

It is with great sadness that I advise you of the death on 16 November 2007 of Dr. Ashton Calvert AC. Ashton had been a non-executive director of the Boards of Rio Tinto since February 2005.

Ashton's wide experience will be sorely missed by his friends in Rio Tinto. His contribution to the Boards, particularly that which came from his extensive experience of the Asian countries that are key markets for Rio Tinto, was highly valued. He was respected by all who knew him and we will miss his wise counsel.

Before his appointment to the Rio Tinto Boards, Ashton was secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of the Government of Australia. He had a distinguished career in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and held appointments in Washington and, on four occasions, in Tokyo. He was Australian ambassador to Japan between 1993 and 1998 prior to his role as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Mikie and their two children.

Paul Skinner