Rio Tinto has officially opened its new Western Range iron ore mine in the Pilbara, with an annual production capacity of up to 25 mln tons. The USD 2 bln project, a joint venture with Baowu (Rio Tinto 54pct, Baowu 46pct), was completed on time and within budget.
The development includes a primary crusher and an 18-kilometre conveyor connecting to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant. Western Range is expected to support the Paraburdoo hub for up to 20 years and forms part of a broader suite of replacement projects totaling 130 mln tons of annual capacity.
First ore was processed in late March. This project continues the long-standing partnership between Rio Tinto and Baowu, which began with the Bao-HI Joint Venture in 2002.
Rio Tinto plans to invest over USD 13 bln in new mines and infrastructure between 2025 and 2027, following USD 8.5 bln spent from 2022 to 2024. The company is also advancing a pre-feasibility study for Rhodes Ridge, a major undeveloped deposit targeting up to 40 mln tons annually, with first ore expected by 2030.