Rio Tinto Alcan partners in new research facility dedicated to aluminium products and processes in Quebec

Rio Tinto Alcan, along with local partners, officially inaugurated the CURAL (Centre universitaire de recherche sur l'aluminium), an integrated research and development laboratory dedicated to aluminium products and processes. The Centre is located on the campus of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, in Saguenay, Quebec.

"I am very pleased to reconfirm Rio Tinto Alcan's commitment to an integrated research and development strategy with CURAL," said Jean Simon, president, Primary Metal, North America, Rio Tinto Alcan. "This initiative is another step in our efforts to contribute to economic diversification and the development of new industrial applications and value-added activities in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.''

Announced in November 2005, Rio Tinto Alcan's share of the total investment of more than CAN$9 million cost was approximately CAN$2 million. "This new infrastructure and equipments at the university are significant," declared Jacynthe Côté, president and chief executive officer, Primary Metal, Rio Tinto Alcan. "They increase considerably research synergy between the university and our organization, in line with the strategic needs of Rio Tinto Alcan."

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Federal Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the region of Quebec, and Claude Béchard, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife for the Quebec government and Minister in charge of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.

CURAL aims at intensifying research in the treatment of bauxite and metal fabrication processes, particularly forging and assembling. Working in conjunction with the nearby National Research Council's Aluminium Technology Centre, the new university laboratory will promote fundamental research at levels allowing easier large scale technological transfer and increased use of aluminium.

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:

Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Montreal
Stefano Bertolli
Tel.: +1-514-848-8151
stefano.bertolli@riotinto.com

Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Saguenay
Claudine Gagnon
Tel.: +1-418-699-4005
claudine.gagnon@riotinto.com

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