30th Nov 2006 07:00
Rio Tinto PLC30 November 2006 Northparkes E48 project approved The Northparkes Mine joint venture partners, Rio Tinto (80 per cent) andSumitomo (20 per cent), have approved the development of the E48 block caveproject in New South Wales, Australia. The project will cost US$160 million (RioTinto share US$127 million) and extend mine life until 2016. The E48 block cave will progressively replace the current block cave from 2009,and output from E48 will be processed in the existing concentrator andtransported by rail to Port Kembla for export. Rio Tinto Copper chief executive Bret Clayton said "The Northparkes mine, whichhas successfully trialled a number of innovative block cave mining practices,makes an important contribution to Rio Tinto." Barry Lavin, managing director of Northparkes said, "The project is a state ofthe art development incorporating our experience and know-how from our previoustwo block cave projects. This investment represents a vote of confidence forParkes. We are delighted that the JV partners are supportive of the project,which will sustain our economic contribution to the region for the next 10years." The project is still subject to development approval from the New South WalesDepartment of Planning. For further information, please contact: LONDON AUSTRALIA Media Relations Media RelationsNick Cobban Ian HeadOffice: +44 (0) 20 7753 2305 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101 Investor Relations Investor RelationsNigel 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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