Rio Tinto, together with Mitsui Iron Ore and Nippon Steel, will invest $733 million to develop new iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The investment will support the West Angelas Sustaining Project, designed to maintain production capacity of 35 million tonnes per year. This expansion will extend mining operations and strengthen Australia’s position as a global leader in iron ore production.
West Angelas Project to Sustain Output and Create Jobs
Rio Tinto will contribute $389 million to the project. Construction will generate around 600 jobs, with 950 full-time positions sustained once operations begin.
Autonomous ore trucking will commence in 2027, showcasing Rio Tinto’s ongoing investment in automation and smart mining technology. The project supports Rio’s strategy to modernise its operations while maintaining high production efficiency.
Supporting Pilbara’s Long-Term Mining Capacity
The West Angelas Sustaining Project is part of a series of replacement iron ore developments across the Pilbara. Collectively, these projects will maintain a 130 million tonne annual capacity.
The West Angelas hub, established in 2002, remains a cornerstone of Rio Tinto’s mining network. The new investment ensures continued output while supporting regional communities and infrastructure.
Advancing Growth Through the Rhodes Ridge Development
Beyond West Angelas, Rio Tinto is advancing a pre-feasibility study at Rhodes Ridge. The site is targeting an initial production capacity of 40 million tonnes per year and aims to deliver first ore by 2030.
“Rio Tinto’s West Angelas hub has been a cornerstone of our operations since 2002,” the company said. This ongoing expansion underlines Rio’s commitment to sustaining long-term iron ore supply and meeting growing global steel demand.
Shares of Rio Tinto rose 0.9% to A$124.72, outperforming the broader market, which dipped 0.1% as of 2329 GMT.
Continued Investment in the Pilbara’s Mining Future
Recently, Rio Tinto also opened the $2 billion Western Range iron ore mine in partnership with China Baowu Steel Group. The project will sustain operations at the Paraburdoo hub for up to two decades.
Together, these projects highlight Rio Tinto’s focus on sustainable mining, regional job creation, and technological innovation across the Pilbara. The company continues to strengthen its role as a leader in iron ore production and resource development.