Alcan Global ATI to implement workforce reduction plan for its Ravenswood facility

MONTREAL, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Alcan Global Aerospace,
Transportation and Industry (ATI), part of Alcan Engineered Products – a
business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan – will implement a workforce reduction plan
at its Ravenswood facility in West Virginia. The plan is expected to impact
168 roles (140 permanent and 28 temporary employees) and is based on Alcan
Global ATI’s current vision of the economic conditions weakening the aerospace
and general engineering markets.

“These measures, while extremely difficult, are necessary for the
Ravenswood facility to maintain our competitive position during this severe
economic downturn. They will ensure that it’s better positioned to get through
the crisis and bounce back quickly once the market recovers,” said Steve
Abelman, President and chief executive officer, Alcan Ravenswood.

The complete adaptation program is a combination of non-workforce related
cost-cutting measures and a reduction of approximately 15 per cent of the
current workforce. It also takes into account the strategic decision in 2007
to exit the brazed aluminum sheet market and focus on higher added value
products.

Alcan Global ATI serves aerospace customers with advanced aluminium
solutions for aircraft and other value-added market applications. Alcan Global
ATI has manufacturing plants in Europe and America.

On 10 December 2008, Rio Tinto announced a detailed set of measures in
response to the unprecedented rapidity and severity of the global economic
downturn, which has caused sharp falls in commodity prices and a significantly
weaker demand outlook. These are aimed at aligning production with demand,
conserving cash flow and reducing levels of debt.

About Alcan Engineered Products

Alcan Engineered Products manufactures and markets engineered materials
and solutions for a wide range of industrial sectors, including aerospace,
automotive, mass transportation, building and energy.

With 15,000 employees located in 34 countries and a commercial presence in
65 markets across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and the
Asia-Pacific region, Alcan Engineered Products is organised around seven
businesses dedicated to performance materials in the areas of aluminium rolled
products, aluminium extrusions, aluminium cable, composite products,
automotive components 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.

SOURCE Rio Tinto PLC