Geneva DryBühler GmbHSailors SocietyTMS Awards 2023CimbriaTBA Group
  • Vigan
  • Telestack
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Cimbria
  • Port of Stockton
  • Geneva Dry

Rio Tinto to invest in Pilbara desalination plant

Rio Tinto to invest in Pilbara desalination plant

(Posted on 02/06/23)

Rio Tinto plans to invest US$395 million1 in a seawater desalination plant in the Pilbara, Western Australia, to support future water supply for the company’s coastal operations and communities in the region.

The proposed Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant, which remains subject to Commonwealth and State Government approvals, will be located within Rio Tinto’s existing iron ore port operations at Parker Point. It will have an initial nominal capacity of four gigalitres annually with the potential for this to increase to eight gigalitres in the future. The project includes construction of a new supply pipeline to connect to the existing water network.

Subject to relevant approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2024 with the facility expected to be operational and producing water in 2026. At the peak of construction, the project is expected to support approximately 300 jobs.

Rio Tinto have been engaging with all associated Traditional Owners and Custodians in relation to the project and would like to thank the Ngarluma people, on whose Traditional lands the plant will be constructed, and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, who represent the five Traditional Owner groups in the region.

Water from the plant is planned to be transferred to the Water Corporation-owned and operated West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme, where it will be distributed to Rio Tinto’s coastal communities and operations.

The plant will be constructed on previously reclaimed land and will use reverse osmosis to filter salt and other impurities from ocean water. It will utilise existing infrastructure at the company’s Parker Point operations and is near the existing Water Corporation network, helping to minimise disturbance to the local environment.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said, “We know that water is a scarce resource, particularly in the Pilbara. We are pleased that this desalination plant will help to secure future supply for Rio Tinto supplied communities in the West Pilbara as well as our coastal operations.”

The planned $395 million spend on the plant is included in the Group’s Sustaining Capital expenditure. The Group’s capital expenditure guidance of US$9 to $10 billion in both 2024 and 2025 remains unchanged.

Latest News

SSAB invests $74 Million to expand steel production in Alabama

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Highly-specialised global steel company, SSAB has announced a significant investment of approximately... Read more


GGC welcomes new Canadian government and urges farm priorities action

(Posted on 01/05/25)

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney and all Members of Parliament... Read more


US Soybean growers disappointed in 2;4-D Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties vote

(Posted on 30/04/25)

The International Trade Commission in the USA has voted in favour of imposing final anti-dumping (AD... Read more


Ukraine already sown two million hectares of spring grains

(Posted on 28/04/25)

As of April 25, 2025, farmers in all regions of Ukraine have sown 2M hectares (ha) of spring grain and... Read more


Condobolin rail upgrade fast-tracks NSW grain

(Posted on 25/04/25)

GrainCorp’s rail site at Condobolin, in the heart of central west New South Wales, Australia,... Read more


Rio Tinto and AMG assess low-carbon aluminium project in India

(Posted on 22/04/25)

Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M), an energy transition solutions provider, have... Read more


BHP record iron ore and copper production demonstrates resilience

(Posted on 22/04/25)

BHP has released its Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2025.BHP Chief Executive... Read more


WTO: Trump’s tariffs will shrink global trade

(Posted on 16/04/25)

The volume of world merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2% in 2025 under current conditions... Read more


$235million syndicated loan agreement to boost UAE trade with Trafigura

(Posted on 15/04/25)

In a strategic move to empower UAE exporters and advance the nation’s economic diversification... Read more


Anglo American update on sale of steelmaking coal business to Peabody

(Posted on 15/04/25)

Anglo American plc has noted the recent statement issued by Peabody Energy in relation to the definitive... Read more


Port of StocktonPort of South LouisianaViganVan AalstTelestack
  • Sailors Society
  • Port of South Louisiana

Subscribe to our newsletter

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