STABILOY(R) aluminum alloy building wire receives approbation from the China Ministry of Construction, Science and Technology Development Center

MONTREAL, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ - Alcan Cable, part of Alcan Engineered Products - a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan - has received approbation from the China Ministry of Construction, Science and Technology Development Center (CSTC) for the use of STABILOY® aluminum alloy building wire in commercial, residential and industrial power construction applications in China. "The endorsement of STABILOY® aluminum alloy building wire by the China Ministry of Construction CSTC validates that our product offering is an innovative and cost effective solution for the Chinese market," said Ian Hewett, President of Alcan Cable. "The Ministry's favorable assessment will result in increased acceptance of STABILOY® aluminum alloy products, and supports our conversion and sales efforts across China." The assessment and approbation is the first important step in obtaining the CSTC's final promotion endorsement. A panel of ten experts recognized Alcan STABILOY® aluminum alloy building wire as a state-of-the-art product with a proven performance record in North America and China. In addition, the panel recommended using the products to achieve installation cost savings on construction projects and to preserve China's copper resources. STABILOY® aluminum alloy building wire is a very secure and reliable wiring solution. Unlike domestic aluminum building wire, STABILOY® is produced using the latest technology to manufacture a unique alloy formulated specifically for electrical feeder conductor applications in residential and commercial buildings. Some of the distinctive features of STABILOY® aluminum alloy building wire include its light weight and flexibility, which translate directly into installation ease and cost savings. Alcan Cable has provided its customers with quality products and outstanding customer service for over 100 years. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Alcan Cable is a leading manufacturer of aluminum cable, rod and strip products and has seven manufacturing operations - six in North America and one in China. The Alcan (Tianjin) Alloy Products Co. Ltd. manufacturing facility, located in the Tianjin Airport Industrial Park, is currently in the commissioning phase with production scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2009. 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.