Rio Tinto to invest $1.8bn to develop Western Australia Brockman mine

(Posted on 06/03/25)

Rio Tinto will invest $1.8 billion1 to develop the Brockman Syncline 1 mine project (BS1), extending the life of the Brockman region in the West Pilbara of Western Australia and sustaining production from the company’s world class iron ore operations.

The project has now received all necessary State and Federal Government approvals and has been developed in consultation with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Traditional Owners and the Muntulgura Guruma Traditional Owners.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “Brockman 4 produced 43 million tonnes of iron ore in 2024. Securing this project extends the life of the Brockman hub. This is good for our business, good for Western Australia and good for the Australian economy.

“Rio Tinto has been mining iron ore in the Pilbara for almost six decades and our tranche of new mines will ensure we can continue to supply the globe’s ongoing need for iron ore, for decades to come.”

BS1 is a large-scale investment within the Brockman region, which encompasses Brockman 4 and Greater Nammuldi. It will have capacity to process up to 34 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of iron ore, leveraging existing plants.

First ore is now scheduled for 2027, having previously been anticipated in 2028.

Construction of the project begins this year and includes a new primary crusher and overland conveyor, a Non-Process Infrastructure precinct and a temporary camp for construction workers.

About 1,000 jobs will be created during construction and once operational, BS1 will sustain a workforce of about 600.

BS1 is one of a tranche of replacement projects, with total annual capacity of ~130Mtpa2, that underpin Rio Tinto’s ongoing commitment to the Pilbara.

Western Range is more than 90% complete, with first production due in the first half of 2025. The Hope Downs 1 and West Angelas sustaining projects are progressing through approvals processes.

Additionally, work continues on the pre-feasibility study for Rhodes Ridge, one of the world’s largest and highest quality undeveloped iron ore deposits, which is targeting an initial capacity of up to 40Mtpa and first ore by 2030.

Latest News

NGFA applauds reintroduction of HAULS Act

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has applauded Senator Deb. Fischer’s (R-Neb.) reintroduction... Read more

Anglo American and Teck receive approval for merger of equals

Anglo American plc and Teck Resources Limited have received regulatory approval from the Government... Read more

Rhodes Ridge $191m feasibility study on Pilbara iron ore mine

The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture has approved a $191 million (A$294 million) (Rio Tinto share $96 million... Read more

Strong metals trading as Trafigura publishes annual results

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a global leader in the commodities industry, has announced its financial results... Read more

Rio Tinto’s Nuton technology produces first copper

Rio Tinto has successfully produced the first copper from the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona using its... Read more

US soy and Uzbekistan sign MoU to expand trade

The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health programme and the... Read more

KNAC and Rio Tinto sign updated agreement

Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) Registered Native Title Body Corporate and Rio Tinto... Read more

OCI Global announces sale of OCI Ammonia Holding to AGROFERT

OCI Global, a leading global producer and distributor of nitrogen products has announced that it has... Read more

Court of Appeal confirms permit for new steel plant in Luleå

In December 2024, SSAB was granted a permit by the Land and Environment Court at Umeå District... Read more

Simandou partners celebrate start of operations

The President of the Republic of Guinea has joined project partners WCS1, Baowu, Chinalco and Rio Tinto... Read more