Name of the Project
Western Range iron-ore project.

Location
Pilbara, Western Australia.

Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto (54%) and China Baowu Steel Group Co (46%).

Project Description
Western Range has the capacity to produce up to 25-million tonnes of iron-ore a year and could sustain the existing Paraburdoo mining hub for up to 20 years.

The project includes construction of a primary crusher and an 18 km conveyor system linking it to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant.

Potential Job Creation
The construction phase will support an estimated 1 600 jobs, with the mine requiring about 800 ongoing operational roles that are expected to be filled by existing workers transitioning from other sites in the Paraburdoo mining hub.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
$2-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
First ore was processed through the Western Range system in late March 2025.

Latest Developments
Rio Tinto has officially opened its newest iron-ore mine.

The project was completed on time and on budget. 

The new mine provides stability for Paraburdoo’s more than 880 residential and fly-in fly-out employees.

It also supports the ongoing viability of Paraburdoo town and strengthens the Western Australian and national economies through royalties and taxes.

Western Range is Rio Tinto’s first project to feature a co-designed social, cultural and heritage management plan (SCHMP) with the Yinhawangka Traditional Owners.

In keeping with the SCHMP, announced in 2022 with the Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation, Western Range has been designed to protect significant cultural and heritage values in the area.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, email media.enquiries@riotinto.com.