11 March 2008
Announcement
Lima, 11th March 2008. Helinka-Evergreen has informed to Rio Tinto Minera Peru that contact and communication has been lost with the Bell 412B helicopter that provides air transportation to the La Granja Project. The helicopter left the La Granja Camp at 10:12 a.m. on its return to Chiclayo carrying 2 pilots and 8 passengers.
Rio Tinto has offered all of its available resources to Helinka - Evergreen in support of the search effort and has activated it's Emergency Response Team. Helinka - Evergreen, Search and Rescue Coordination Center (SARCC), SARCC - FAP and the Highway Police are taking part in the search and rescue for the passengers and the helicopter (both air and ground)
Information will be issued in future press releases as details are confirmed.
About La Granja Project
The La Granja copper project is located in the district of Querocoto, in the province of Chota, in the region of Cajamarca. The Rio Tinto Group obtained the project in late January 2006 through a public bidding process carried out by the Peruvian Government.
Rio Tinto evaluates the possibility of developing La Granja Project through the pre feasibility studies. In this stage the geological, environmental, social and economical conditions are analysed in order to decide if it is viable to construct a mine.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leader in finding, mining and processing the earth's mineral resources. The Group's worldwide operations supply essential minerals and metals that help to meet
global needs and contribute to improvements in living standards. Major products include aluminum, copper, diamonds, energy products (coal and uranium), gold, industrial
minerals (borates, titanium dioxide, salt and talc), and iron ore.
Wherever Rio Tinto operates, the health and safety of its employees is the first priority. The Group seeks to
contribute to sustainable development, minimizing adverse effects and working as closely as possible with host countries and communities. The group is currently present
in Australia, North America, South America, Asia, Europe and South Africa.
Contacts with the Press:
Ximena Mariategui
Communications and External Relations Coordinator
Telephone: +511 610 7878