Overview
- The partners will invest US$733 million (A$1.1 billion) to develop new deposits at the West Angelas hub after securing state and federal sign-offs.
- Rio Tinto will fund US$389 million of the project within the Robe River Joint Venture with Mitsui and Nippon Steel.
- The sustaining work is designed to keep West Angelas at about 35 million tonnes per year, with operations targeted in 2027.
- Rio forecasts roughly 600 construction roles and about 950 ongoing positions, plus more than 22 km of new haul roads with autonomous ore hauling.
- The decision comes as Pilbara spending continues despite demand questions, with the WA EPA elevating rehabilitation performance and Rio progressing a Rhodes Ridge study toward first ore by 2030.