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| Rio Tinto |
$2 Billion Joint Venture with Baowu Supports Paraburdoo Hub for Two More Decades
Project includes cultural heritage framework with Yinhawangka People
Rio Tinto has officially opened its Western Range iron ore mine in Western Australia, adding 25 million tonnes of annual capacity to its Pilbara operations. The mine supports the long-term viability of the Paraburdoo hub, a key part of Rio Tinto’s iron ore production since 1972.
The $2 billion project is a 54:46 joint venture between Rio Tinto and China’s Baowu Steel Group, the miner’s largest customer. It includes a new primary crusher and an 18-kilometer conveyor linking Western Range to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant. The facility employs over 880 workers across residential and FIFO roles.
This new mine extends the life of Rio Tinto’s integrated Pilbara system, which comprises 17 mines, four port terminals, and nearly 2,000 km of rail infrastructure. First ore was processed in March, with project completion on time and within budget—underscoring Rio Tinto’s operational reliability and commitment to sustaining long-term exports of Pilbara Blend, a benchmark-grade iron ore favored by global steelmakers.
In contrast to past projects, Western Range marks a significant cultural milestone. It is the first Rio Tinto operation developed under a co-designed Social, Cultural, and Heritage Management Plan (SCHMP) with the Yinhawangka Traditional Owners. This partnership emerged after broader scrutiny of heritage practices in the Australian mining industry, and it reflects a renewed focus on cultural respect and local inclusion.
Executives from Rio Tinto, Baowu, and representatives of Australia’s federal and state governments attended the official opening. They emphasized the mine’s economic importance for Western Australia and national exports. Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King described the Pilbara as the “engine room” of the national economy, while WA Premier Roger Cook affirmed state support for resource projects that generate local jobs and revenue.
ScrapInsight Editorial Commentary
Western Range’s opening reflects Rio Tinto’s ongoing strategy to secure high-volume, long-life ore supply for Asia’s steel sector. With iron ore demand remaining stable despite decarbonization trends, projects like this one anchor Australia’s role in global steelmaking. Meanwhile, enhanced heritage protocols set a precedent for industry-wide reforms. Expect increased focus on social licensing and sustainability metrics in future mine approvals.
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