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
SSAB delivers decarbonised steel to Vattenfall’s solar park project in Germany
(Posted on 29/05/26)SSAB is supplying decarbonised steel to Vattenfall for the construction of the ground-mounted solar... Read more
NGFA statement on STB’s decision to conditionally accept rail merger application
(Posted on 29/05/26)In accordance with the Surface Transportation Board’s merger rules, the Board has conditionally... Read more
EU feed production market forecast highlights continued stability
(Posted on 25/05/26)FEFAC market experts are forecasting continued stability in the EU compound feed production market for... Read more
Fertilizer Action Plan: recognition must now translate into delivery
(Posted on 22/05/26)Fertilizers Europe has acknowledged the European Commission’s Fertilizer Action Plan, which recognises... Read more
Tripartite MOU to establish direct U.S.–DRC cobalt supply chain
(Posted on 14/05/26)Entreprise Générale du Cobalt, EVelution Energy LLC and Trafigura Pte Ltd. has announced... Read more
Commissioning of Oxelösund electric arc furnace delayed due to permitting
(Posted on 14/05/26)SSAB’s conversion of the mill in Oxelösund to fossil-free production is being delayed due... Read more
YEC agreement supports decarbonisation of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations
(Posted on 11/05/26)Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), one of Australia’s largest Indigenous-led renewable energy... Read more
ASA Vice President urges caution in USTR Section 301 investigation
(Posted on 11/05/26)Soybean farmers are already facing significant economic headwinds and new trade actions could add further... Read more
ADM investment to upgrade Clinton, Iowa, corn processing facility
(Posted on 11/05/26)ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced a multimillion-dollar investment... Read more
JV in Bayuquan, China to strengthen global raw material supply chains
(Posted on 04/05/26)CREMER ERZKONTOR GmbH has announced the official opening of its joint venture, CREMER (Yingkou) Supply... Read more
