14 March 2008
Announcement
Location: Lima
Rio Tinto is profoundly concerned by the latest reports regarding the helicopter that went missing in Perú when traveling from the La Granja Camp to Chiclayo on Tuesday 11th March. It has been confirmed that the helicopter crashed in a very remote, mountainous area and it appears that none of the passengers and crew survived. From the outset the company has assisted and informed the families of the passengers and crew on board and fully cooperated and supported the efforts of the Peruvian authorities with their search efforts.
The Helinka - Evergreen Bell 412 EP helicopter was under charter to the Rio Tinto La Granja Copper Project and carried two pilots and eight passengers. On Wednesday, wreckage believed to be from the chartered helicopter was observed from the air by the Peruvian Air Force, but the wreckage could not be positively identified as the chartered helicopter. Search teams including personnel from the Peruvian authorities and Rio Tinto were immediately dispatched to the area, but have not been able to reach the site due to very rugged terrain. On Thursday evening, representatives from the Peruvian Air Force, the National Police, and Rio Tinto held a joint meeting with the families and updated them on the situation.
Today, Friday, it was confirmed by aerial photographs taken from a Peruvian Air Force helicopter that the above mentioned wreckage was, in fact, the chartered helicopter. It also appears unlikely that there are any survivors. Rio Tinto is deeply saddened by this tragedy and has mobilized additional specialist resources to assist the ongoing search effort. We will continue to provide support and counseling to the families, cooperate and support the efforts of the Peruvian authorities, and have fully informed the families of this most recent development.
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 is evaluating the possibility of developing La Granja Project through the pre feasibility studies. In this stage the geological, environmental, social and economical conditions are analyzed 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
Message No. 002
Time of Release: 4:00 p.m.