Alcan Aluminium Low Density Alloys Selected as a Critical Material for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle

PARIS, January 12 - Alcan Global Aerospace Transportation and Industry (Alcan Global ATI),
part of Alcan Engineered Products - a business unit of Rio Tinto - is set
to become the leading supplier of advanced aluminium-lithium (Al-Li)
lightweight materials for the Orion crew exploration vehicle being built by
Lockheed Martin as part of NASA's Constellation Program. Orion is being
designed to carry astronauts to the International Space Station and other
destinations, including the moon.

After a two-year materials study, which included composites, Alcan's Low
Density Alloys were chosen for the Orion crew module at NASA's Orion Project
preliminary design review in August 2009. The preliminary design review was
one of a series of checkpoints that occurs in the design lifecycle of a
complex engineering project before hardware manufacturing can begin. The
decision confirms that new alloys will be a key structural material in the
Constellation Program, which is being designed by NASA and its contractors to
replace the space shuttle for a new era of space exploration. Having selected
materials, NASA will now proceed toward the critical design review phase of
Orion.

Low density alloys' advantages include proven reliability and safety in
space - vital in designing a module for astronauts - and less risk of program
delays that might arise when certifying new materials. Al-Li alloys' inherent
low density, high-specific stiffness, strength and excellent mechanical
properties are expected to offer significant weight savings and predictable
cost performance.

"The selection of Alcan as the leading supplier of Low Density Alloys for
the Orion crew module confirms the great success story of Alcan's leading
edge, innovative alloys and aluminium solutions," said Christophe Villemin,
Alcan Global ATI President. "It also highlights Alcan's long and close
partnership with Lockheed Martin in aerospace materials innovation," Villemin
added.

"We are glad to extend use of these strong lightweight Alcan alloys to
NASA's next generation spacecraft," said Jim Bray, Lockheed Martin director
for Orion Crew and Service Module. "They are crucial for meeting mission
objectives that include human travel to the moon and Mars."

Two alloys are base-lined to have a key role in construction of the crew
module that will carry astronauts into space and return them safely to Earth.

Al-Li 2195 will be used for main, load-bearing structural components
called longerons. The material is well proven in space applications, having
been used on the space shuttle external tanks to boost America's shuttle into
orbit since 1998.

Additionally, a new and innovative proprietary Al-Li alloy developed by
Alcan, designated 2050, will be used for the very first time in space.
Available in plate form and offering advantages of toughness and strength,
combined with a four per cent density reduction, it will be used for other
structural components including frames, ribs and window sections. Alloy 2050
has full Metallic Material Properties Development and Standardization, as
well as Aerospace Material Specifications documentation.

Shipments of 2050 plate for Orion from Ravenswood, West Virginia, began
in December 2009. Shipments of 2195 alloys from the Montreuil-Juigné and
Issoire plants in France will take place early 2010.

Alcan Global ATI has a proven track record in space programmes, through
its partnerships with NASA and their subcontractors and the European Space
Agency (ESA). The space shuttle, Ariane 5 and future space exploration and
launcher programs all will rely upon Alcan materials.

Alcan Global ATI employs over 4000 people and has manufacturing plants in
Europe and North America. A world leader in the production of aerospace
plates, Alcan Global ATI provides its customers with its entire portfolio of
advanced lightweight aluminium solutions. Thanks to its global R&D,
manufacturing and commercial reach, Alcan Global ATI is able to build
long-term supply and innovative technology partnerships with major aerospace
leaders.

Alcan Engineered Products is a global sector-leader strongly committed to
developing innovative, value added aluminium products for a broad range of
civil and defence markets and applications, including aerospace, mass
transportation, automotive, packaging, energy and building. With around
11,000 employees located in over 30 countries and a commercial presence in
more than 60 markets across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas
and the Asia-Pacific region, Alcan Engineered Products is organised around
businesses dedicated to performance materials in the areas of aluminium
rolled products, extrusions and automotive structures, aluminium cable and
international trade.

Alcan Engineered Products is headquartered in Paris, France.

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, talc) 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.

For further information: Alcan Global ATI: Laura Berneri,
+33-1-57-00-21-34, laura.berneri@alcan.com; Alcan Global ATI, North America:
Mark Zelazny, +1-304-273-6369, mark.zelazny@alcan.com; Rio Tinto Alcan
Media Relations, Europe: Thomas Cauvin (CLAI), +33-1-44-69-54-03,
thomas.cauvin@clai2.com; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Europe: Mina
Bishop, +33-1-44-69-54-07, mina.bishop@clai2.com; www.riotinto.com

For further information: Alcan Global ATI: Laura Berneri, +33-1-57-00-21-34, laura.berneri at alcan.com; Alcan Global ATI, North America: Mark Zelazny, +1-304-273-6369, mark.zelazny at alcan.com; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Europe: Thomas Cauvin (CLAI), +33-1-44-69-54-03, thomas.cauvin at clai2.com; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Europe: Mina
Bishop, +33-1-44-69-54-07, mina.bishop at clai2.com