Comalco adopts name Rio Tinto Aluminium

Comalco Aluminium adopted  the name Rio Tinto Aluminium from Monday 6 November 2006. Chief Executive Oscar Groeneveld said the move took advantage of the strength of the Rio Tinto global name and reputation.

"The Comalco name has a proud history in Australia and New Zealand where many of our operations are located," he said. "As we look to expand our business globally, we need to be able to leverage the world recognition of Rio Tinto as a leader in the mining and metals industry.As Rio Tinto Aluminium we will continue to deliver world class products to our customers whilst maintaining our commitment to our local communities," Mr Groeneveld said.

Rio Tinto Aluminium owns and operates businesses located in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Under the new branding system, corporate and wholly owned operations will make the following changes:
· the Comalco Alumina Refinery becomes Rio Tinto Aluminium Yarwun.
· Comalco New Zealand becomes Rio Tinto Aluminium New Zealand.
· Comalco Bell Bay becomes Rio Tinto Aluminium Bell Bay.
· Comalco Weipa becomes Rio Tinto Aluminium Weipa.
· Comalco Research and Technology Support becomes Rio Tinto Aluminium Technology.

The Rio Tinto Aluminium name will be adopted transitionally over the next 12 months. Oscar Groeneveld said the transition meant ‘business as usual' for Rio Tinto Aluminium. "Our employees, customers, suppliers and local communities can be assured that we will continue to focus on delivering safely and responsibly made products. Our commitment to high standards remains, and we will continue to work towards delivering value for shareholders by creating the most sustainable value from our resources and relationships," Mr Groeneveld said. Rio Tinto Aluminium currently produces about 26 per cent of Australia's total production of bauxite, 14 per cent of its alumina and 26 per cent of its primary aluminium.

Rio Tinto Aluminium has been the wholly owned Aluminium product group of  Rio Tinto since 2000. Rio Tinto is one of the largest mining companies in the world, with a market capitalisation in the order of US$72.5 billion. The business operates assets worldwide in iron ore, copper, industrial minerals, diamonds, energy and aluminium.