Montreal, Canada -- Alcan helped launch the first-ever global map on energy and climate today, along with its project partners, the energy company Centrica and corporate responsibility specialist Maplecroft. The map explores the interrelated challenges of energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change, and was produced with the help of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Climate Change Initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

"This ground-breaking map illustrates an issue that has become a critical focal point for business and society today: energy. As such, Alcan is proud to partner with organizations that are committed to addressing energy use, GHG emissions, and climate change by charting approaches that will help promote the sustainability of our operations and of this planet," said Richard Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Inc.

The global map of energy and climate includes:

• Greenhouse gas emissions map and data - countries are shaded according to Maplecroft's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Index and data tables provide detailed information on emissions levels and trends in 184 countries;
  
• In-depth analysis of energy and climate issues - including the role of energy in development, the greenhouse effect and the impacts of climate change on the natural world and on people and society;
  
• Focus on business engagement - making the case for business action on energy and climate issues and detailing what steps business can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
  
• Case studies - giving examples of measures business has taken to address the issues of energy and climate. "Many industry leaders recognize that climate change has the potential to have large impacts on business. Companies should work to increase efficiency, make use of alternative energy sources and develop innovative carbon offset schemes that promote technology transfer and deliver benefits to developing countries," said Professor Alyson Warhurst, Director, Maplecroft.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Alcan continues to outline its approach to energy in its forth-coming 2006 Sustainability Report, available on Alcan's website at the end of September. Some of the Company's priorities include increasing energy efficiency through continued research and development in technology and process improvements, as well as reducing GHG emissions related to energy use, and pursuing the best energy mix from available energy resources and pursue noncarbon-based energy projects.

Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) is a leading global materials company, delivering high quality products, engineered solutions and services worldwide. With world-class technology and operations in bauxite mining, alumina processing, primary metal smelting, power generation, aluminum fabrication, engineered solutions as well as flexible and specialty packaging, today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs. Alcan has 65,000 employees in 60 countries and regions, posted revenues of US$20.3 billion in 2005 and was selected as a Super-Sector Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information, please visit: www.alcan.com.

Rio Tinto Alcan

Rio Tinto Alcan

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.

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