Rio Tinto announces new Managing director, Australia

Rio Tinto has announced the appointment of David Peever as Managing director, Australia, following the resignation of Stephen Creese from that role earlier this month.

Mr Peever has had a career of more than 20 years with Rio Tinto, most recently as Managing director of Rio Tinto Marine. Previous postings have included financial, human resources, operational and sales and marketing roles with Pacific Coal, Dampier Salt and Rio Tinto Borax.

He will retain his current role at Marine, based in Melbourne, and will report directly to Sam Walsh, who has recently assumed overall responsibility for Australian interests in addition to his role as Chief executive, iron ore.

"It is quite fitting that David's career with Rio Tinto has been comprehensive, spanning disciplines, product groups and regions. This breadth of experience will prove invaluable in his new role," Mr Walsh said.

As Managing director, Australia, David will work closely with senior management across the business to protect and advance the interests of Rio Tinto in this country, occupying a pivotal role with shareholders, governments and other key stakeholders.

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.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations, London
Nick Cobban
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1138
Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003
Christina Mills
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1154
Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605

Media Relations, Australia
Tony Shaffer
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3612
Mobile: +1 202 256 3667

Media Relations, Americas
Tony Shaffer
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3612
Mobile: +1 202 256 3667

Media Relations, Canada
Stefano Bertolli
Office: +1 (0) 514 848 8151
Mobile: +1 (0) 514 945 1800

Investor Relations, London
Mark Shannon
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1178
Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 576597
David Ovington
Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2051
Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978

Investor Relations, North America
Jason Combes
Office: +1 (0) 801 204 2919
Mobile: +1 (0) 801 558 2645

Investor Relations, Australia
Dave Skinner
Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309
Simon Ellinor
Office: +61 (0) 7 3361 4365
Mobile: +61 (0) 439 102 811

Email: questions@riotinto.com

Website: www.riotinto.com

High resolution photographs and media pack available at: http://www.riotinto.com/media/press_kit.asp

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