Sept 26 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto Plc RIO.L
* Launching a bond purchase plan for up to $3 billion.
* Issued a redemption notice for approximately $1.5 billion of its 2017 and 2018 US dollar-denominated notes
* Commenced cash tender offers to purchase up to approximately $1.5 billion of its 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 us dollar-denominated notes
* Rio Tinto launches new debt reduction programme for up to $3 billion Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: RIO.L