Rio Tinto (RIO) Celebrates Opening of Western Range Mine
PERTH, Australia, June 06, 2025 -- Rio Tinto has officially inaugurated its latest iron ore mine, the Western Range, with Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King attending the ceremony. The event also saw the participation of Yinhawangka Traditional Owners and key executives from Rio Tinto and its joint venture partner, China Baowu Group (Baowu).
The Western Range mine is set to produce up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore annually and has the potential to support the existing Paraburdoo mining hub for the next 20 years. This $2 billion project, with Rio Tinto holding a 54% stake and Baowu 46%, was completed on time and within budget, featuring the construction of a primary crusher and an 18-kilometre conveyor system linked to the Paraburdoo processing plant.
This new mine ensures stability for Paraburdoo’s workforce of over 880 residential and FIFO employees, while also bolstering the town's viability and enhancing the economy of Western Australia through royalties and taxes.
Robyn Hayden, Chairwoman of the Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation Board, remarked on the significance of the project for the Yinhawangka people, emphasizing their deep connection to the land and the importance of protecting their heritage. Premier Cook highlighted the project's contribution to the local economy, stating, "The opening of Western Range is a significant achievement, and its importance to Western Australia’s economy cannot be overstated."
Federal Resources Minister King added, "The opening of Western Range is fantastic news for the Pilbara, for Western Australians, for Traditional Owners and for the nation. Projects like this will keep the nation’s economic engine running for future generations."
Western Range is also notable for being Rio Tinto’s first project to implement a co-designed Social, Cultural and Heritage Management Plan (SCHMP) with the Yinhawangka Traditional Owners, aimed at safeguarding significant cultural and heritage values in the area.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm expressed pride in the collaborative efforts with the Yinhawangka people and emphasized the importance of providing a consistent supply of the company’s renowned Pilbara Blend iron ore to Baowu, its largest customer.
The first ore was processed through the Western Range system in late March 2025. This project is part of a broader strategy, with Rio Tinto planning to invest over $13 billion in new mines, plants, and equipment between 2025 and 2027, continuing its commitment to the Pilbara region.
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