Geneva DryTMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaCimbriaTBA GroupTelestack
  • Geneva Dry
  • Cimbria
  • Van Aalst
  • Vigan
  • Port of Stockton
  • Port of South Louisiana

Rio Tinto approves Pilbara iron ore investment

Rio Tinto approves Pilbara iron ore investment

(Posted on 04/10/18)

Rio Tinto, together with joint venture partners Mitsui and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal, have approved an investment of $1.55 billion (Rio Tinto's 53 per cent share $820 million) to sustain production capacity at two projects which form part of the Robe River Joint Venture in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The joint venture partners will invest $967 million (Rio Tinto share $513 million) to develop the Mesa B, C and H deposits at Robe Valley, and $579 million (Rio Tinto share $307 million) in developing Deposits C and D at the existing West Angelas operation. These investments enable Rio Tinto to sustain production of the Pilbara Blend, the world's most recognised brand of iron ore, and its Robe Valley lump and fines products, which are highly valued by long-term customers.

Subject to government and environmental approvals, construction of both projects is expected to start next year with an estimated 1,200 jobs created during this phase. First ore is currently anticipated from 2021. These investments will also provide significant opportunities for local businesses as part of Rio Tinto's commitment to local procurement and supporting WA businesses.

Once operational, both projects will feature the latest technology with 34 existing haul trucks to be retrofitted with Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) technology, delivering safety and productivity gains to the business.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said "The development at West Angelas will help sustain production of the Pilbara Blend, the industry’s benchmark premium iron ore product, while the additional Robe Valley deposits will enable us to continue to provide a highly valued product to our long-term customers across Asia."

"The approval of these two projects highlights the strong pipeline of development options within our portfolio as we remain focused on our value-over-volume strategy."

Rio Tinto's funding commitment for both projects of $820 million forms part of the company's existing replacement capital guidance of around $2.7 billion from 2018 to 2020.

Rio Tinto owns a 53 per cent holding in the Robe River Joint Venture, Mitsui 33 per cent and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation 14 per cent.

Latest News

Agreement to set up KEZAD steel recycling and production facility

(Posted on 29/03/24)

The UAE’s largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones, Khalifa Economic Zones... Read more


Senate legislation includes phosphate and potash as critical minerals

(Posted on 25/03/24)

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has praised the U.S. Senate for introducing bipartisan legislation to... Read more


Agribusiness expert’s legacy and optimism for GrainCorp’s future

(Posted on 18/03/24)

Farmer, Company Director and long-standing member of the GrainCorp Board of Directors, Dan Mangelsdorf... Read more


Research offers Rotterdam guidelines for raw material transition

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Different product processes, non-fossil raw materials and rare materials are crucial for a CO2-neutral... Read more


Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables to build Louisiana processing plant

(Posted on 10/03/24)

Bunge and Chevron have announced approval of a final investment decision for their joint venture Bunge... Read more


Funding to decarbonise iron ore processing in Labrador West

(Posted on 29/02/24)

The Government of Canada HAS awarded C$18.1 million from its Low Carbon Economy Fund to Rio Tinto&rsquo... Read more


Australia’s biggest renewables deal to repower Gladstone aluminium operations

(Posted on 22/02/24)

Rio Tinto has signed Australia’s largest renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) to date to supply... Read more


BHP half year results released

(Posted on 22/02/24)

Mike Henry, Chief Executive Officer, reviewed the Company's operating and financial performance:&ldquo... Read more


Titan Lithium to set up AED 5 Billion processing plant in KEZAD

(Posted on 14/02/24)

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, the largest operator of integrated and purpose... Read more


Australia’s iron ore leaders partner for steel decarbonisation

(Posted on 11/02/24)

Australia’s two largest iron ore producers and its biggest steelmaker have partnered in their... Read more


Bühler GmbHVan AalstPort of StocktonViganSailors Society
  • TBA Group
  • Telestack
  • Sailors Society

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping