PRESS RELEASE: Time for KPC divestment offer extended

Following is Press Release from PT Kaltim Prima Coal:

The Government of Indonesia and PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) have agreed that the time by which the 2001 offer is to be made will be extended until 30 June 2002. The extension recognises that it is now very unlikely that the litigation affecting the KPC divestment will be withdrawn by the 31st March and allows the parties more time to resolve the matter constructively.

The agreed offer price of US$822million (based on 100%) and the requirement, agreed with the Government of Indonesia, for all legal actions relating to KPC?s divestment obligations to be withdrawn before the offer is made remain unaffected by the extension of time.

For further information, please contact:

Lex Graefe ? Rio Tinto; Phone : (021) 527 4208; Fax : (021) 527 4270 OR

John O?Reilly ? BP; Phone: (021) 7854 8417; Fax: (021) 7854 9069