Released on November 5, 2007

Newly formed Rio Tinto Alcan announced it has sold its share in two aluminum diecasting operations in Slovenia, Alcan Koper d.o.o. and Alcan Tomos d.o.o.

The move comes fewer than two weeks after mining group Rio Tinto, London, completed an acquisition of Alcan, Montreal, and formed Rio Tinto Alcan. One of the terms of the deal stated that Rio Tinto would maintain Alcan’s business within its home country of Canada.

The Alcan Tomos facility, of which Rio Tinto Alcan owned 67%, produces aluminum die castings for the European automotive industry, which are distributed to customers through the wholly owned Alcan Koper office. Both operations have been sold to Slovenia-based Hidria Rotomatika d.o.o. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Over a year ago, Alcan began a strategic review of the diecasting activity,” said Christel Bories, president and CEO of the Engineered Products division of Rio Tinto Alcan. “After evaluating all options, it was determined that the size and potential of this activity is no longer consistent with our Engineered Products’ portfolio of businesses.”

Bories said she expects Hidria to continue to operate the diecasting businesses as usual and serve its customers without interruption.

“As a part of its focused strategy, Hidria is becoming a European leader in automotive components for steering and powertrain, among which, sophisticated high-pressure diecast and machined aluminum parts are playing an important role,” said Iztok Seljak, vice president of Hidria.