Alcan Aluminium UK Limited Lynemouth Smelter Ashington Northumberland, NE63 9YH England T +44 (0) 1670 393811 F +44

(0) 1670 393956

15 May 2012

Press release
Rio Tinto Alcan employee sketches new career path A carbon plant engineer from South East Northumberland is embarking on a new creative career path after wowing the public with his charcoal drawings. Peter Davidson, 43 from Ellington currently works as a rodder at Rio Tinto Alcans Lynemouth Smelter Carbon Plant. After learning that the Smelter will close, hes decided to take his talent a step further and set up as a professional artist. Peter, who goes by the name of Deetz in the art world, has always had a passion for drawings which detail the strong mining heritage of South East Northumberland and decided to take it up professionally following some successful commissions earlier this year. He said: Ive drawn all my life as a hobby but over the last year or so Ive been displaying my work and getting some fantastic feedback. My last day on-site at Lynemouth Smelter is 31 May. Im excited about taking my career in a different direction but it is very nerve racking too! Everyone on-site has been incredibly supportive; Ive also had some advice from the companys outplacement support team so I know how to set up my business to make a living. Ive been at Lynemouth for 12 years and before that worked as a car sprayer so its certainly a new career path for me! Ive got some good links with local galleries but Im also hoping to take on new commissions from members of the public and to display some of my work at local markets and exhibitions. Peters drawings depict his childhood memories of the local area and his family. Speaking about his inspirations, he said: My drawings illustrate the industrial

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area I grew up in around Ashington, Ellington, Pegswood and Lynemouth. Older generations worked in the mines and to this day, its still a huge part of our heritage. Im currently working on a picture of the Smelter, to commemorate its legacy for many in the local area. Im really interested in creating drawings in the future which show the personality of the people that work here and how we spent our days. To find out more about Peters work or to commission a picture email: deetza@gmail.com Ends Photo caption Image one and two: Peter Davidson working on his drawing of Lynemouth Smelter. Images three ten: A selection of Peter Davidsons drawings which depict his childhood memories of the local area. Media Contacts: Anna Graham or Amy Maughan, Bradley OMahoney Public Relations Tel: 0191 265 8803 Email: annagraham@bradleyomahoney.co.uk / amymaughan@bradleyomahoney.co.uk Websites: www.riotinto.com www.riotinto.com/riotintoalcan 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) 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.