Rio Tinto today welcomed the recent opportunity for its chairman, Paul Skinner, and Sam Walsh, chief executive Iron Ore, to discuss the development of the important Simandou iron ore deposit in Guinea with his Excellency President General Lansana Conté, Prime Minister Dr Ahmed Tidiane Souaré, and senior Ministers and members of the Guinean National Assembly and Social and Economic Council.

Paul Skinner commented: “There was positive engagement with all parties sharing an understanding of the benefits Simandou will bring to Guinea, the need for those benefits to flow rapidly to the country and recognition of the good progress Rio Tinto has made with its mine development and investment.”

Sam Walsh reported that the meetings were a good opportunity to discuss expediting the project to 70 million tonnes per annum, the work currently taking place on the project and regional development.

During the meetings, a framework was agreed for further discussions with a special Inter-Ministerial Committee, which has been established to address issues of concern to both parties and to establish an aligned basis to move the project forward. This remains the firm intent of the Government of Guinea and Rio Tinto.

Notes to editors

• Rio Tinto has already spent US$300 million on work to develop a long-life mine at Simandou, and expects to have spent over US$400 million by the end of 2008. At present, Rio Tinto is spending US$20 million per month on drilling and support.
• As one of the world’s leading mining companies, Rio Tinto brings technical expertise as well as a commitment to sustainable development that is integrated into all aspects of its business.
• The Simandou project employs more than 1,800 people in Guinea (including full-time employees and contractors).