Australia's ERA sees flat 2008 uranium sales

SYDNEY, April 22 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto Ltd/Plc (RIO.AX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) (RIO.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) unit Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA.AX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Tuesday it expects 2008 sales to be in line with last year while its uranium production would be "normal."

Though the company expects lower production in the second quarter due to rains, second-half production would be strong, ERA said in a statement prepared for the compoany's annual meeting.

Rain water pooling at its main Ranger mine pit in northern Australia has restricted access to higher grade ore.

(Reporting by Miranda Maxwell)