2nd May 2007 10:52
Rio Tinto PLC02 May 2007 Coal & Allied announces production cutback Coal & Allied has announced production cutbacks at its three Hunter Valleysites. It follows advice the company's port and rail allocations will be reduced forthe remainder of 2007. Coal & Allied Managing Director Douglas Ritchie said the cutbacks wereunavoidable given the reduction in allocation levels. "We need to reduce our total production this year by approximately 20 per centto adapt to these revised allocation levels," Mr Ritchie said. "The changes are being implemented to bring our production levels into line withthe reduced allocation of port and rail capacity made available to all users. "The current system of allocation and planning is clearly untenable. "We are working with other parties involved in the coal logistics chain todevelop a long term strategy to provide a more stable basis for industry tooperate in." Mr Ritchie said the production cuts will mean the loss of the equivalent of 250contractor positions at Bengalla, Mount Thorley Warkworth and Hunter ValleyOperations. Coal & Allied will continue to maintain its skills base to ensure it operatesits mines safely and efficiently. For further information, please contact: LONDON AUSTRALIA Media Relations Media RelationsChristina Mills Ian HeadOffice: +44 (0) 20 8080 1306 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101 Nick CobbanOffice: +44 (0) 20 8080 1305Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 Investor Relations Investor Relations Nigel Jones Dave SkinnerOffice: +44 (0) 20 7753 2401 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227 365 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309 David Ovington Susie CreswellOffice: +44 (0) 20 7753 2326 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3639Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978 Mobile: +61 (0) 418 933 792 Website: www.riotinto.comHigh resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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