Agreement in principle reached by Rio Tinto Alcan and Alma Works employee representatives

　　In the past few hours, following a round of intense negotiations, Rio Tinto Alcan management and Alma Works employee representatives reached an agreement in principle. The latter will be presented to the employees during a general assembly to be held over the next few days.

　　The discussions took place in the presence of a Ministry of Labour conciliation officer.  "We are satisfied with the agreement, stated Etienne Jacques, Chief Operating Officer, Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal, North America. Both parties remained open, which enabled us to reach an agreement."

　　It is now up to the employees to have their say. Thereafter, upon their acceptance of the agreement, the priority will be to restart operations and bring the facility back to full production.

　　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) 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.