Rio Tinto and its joint venture partner, China Baowu Group, have inaugurated the Western Range iron ore mine in Pilbara, Western Australia.
The opening ceremony was attended by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, Yinhawangka Traditional Owners, and senior representatives from both companies.
Western Range is designed to produce up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore annually, providing support for the existing Paraburdoo mining hub for up to two decades.
The $2bn project, with Rio Tinto holding a 54% stake and Baowu 46%, was completed on schedule and within budget. The development included the construction of a primary crusher and an 18-kilometre conveyor system connecting to the Paraburdoo processing plant.
China Baowu Group chairman Hu Wangming said: “The success of the Western Range project is not only a milestone in China-Australia resource co-operation, but also a vivid reflection of joint efforts and resilience from all parties involved.
“The Western Range project is not only a strategic cornerstone in the global resource layout of China Baowu and Rio Tinto, but also a model of China-Australia economic and trade cooperation. Our joint efforts in green, low-carbon development and collaborative innovation have set new industry benchmarks and contributed valuable insights and strength to the sustainable development of global resources.”
The new mine offers employment stability for over 880 residential and FIFO workers in Paraburdoo and contributes to the economic growth of Western Australia and the nation through tax revenue and royalties.
The collaboration between Rio Tinto and Baowu in Pilbara dates back to the 2002 Bao-HI joint venture focused on developing Eastern Range deposits in the Hamersley Ranges.
Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said: “Opening Western Range is an important step in Rio Tinto’s extension plans in the Pilbara and ensures the longevity of one of our oldest mining hubs, Paraburdoo, which began operating in 1972.
“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done with the Yinhawangka People to develop Western Range and we’ll continue to work closely together.
“Partnering with Baowu ensures our biggest customer directly benefits with a consistent, dedicated supply of Rio Tinto’s world leading Pilbara Blend iron ore.”
Ore production at Western Range commenced in late March this year. The project is part of a series of replacement initiatives with an annual capacity of approximately 130 million tonnes per annum.
Future investments include a $1.8bn development of Brockman Syncline 1 announced in March 2025, with ongoing progress on Hope Downs 1 and West Angelas sustaining projects.
Over the next three years, from 2025-2027, Rio Tinto plans to invest over $13bn in new mines, plants, and equipment, following an $8.5 billion investment from 2022-2024.
Rio Tinto is also advancing the pre-feasibility study for Rhodes Ridge, targeting an initial production capacity of up to 40 million tonnes per annum by 2030.
