Rio Tinto has achieved first ore at its Western Range project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
This marks a significant milestone in the delivery of one of the Rio’s key replacement projects, with first ore achieved in March via a new crushing and conveying circuit. The project remains on track for a full ramp-up over the remainder of 2025.
Western Range, a joint venture with China Baowu Steel Group, is expected to support the production of 25 million tonnes per annum.
“We are making excellent progress with our major projects to deliver profitable organic growth,” Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said. “We achieved first iron ore at Western Range in the Pilbara.”
The milestone highlights Rio Tinto’s continued investment in its Pilbara operations, despite challenging conditions in the first quarter.
Cyclone activity during the period resulted in a loss of around 13 million tonnes of iron ore across the system, contributing to a 10 per cent year-on-year drop in production to 69.8 million tonnes.
Mitigation efforts are now underway to recover approximately half of the lost volumes, including rectification works at the East Intercourse Island port facility and an additional $150 million in investment.
Western Range forms part of Rio Tinto’s broader strategy to sustain production from its Pilbara iron ore operations, which has a medium-term capacity of 345–360 million tonnes per year.
The project includes construction of a primary crusher and an 18-kilometre conveyor linking to the Paraburdoo processing hub.
“We will continue to drive progress towards our long-term strategy to deliver profitable growth, attractive shareholder returns and build a stronger, more diversified business,” Stausholm said.
Western Range is one of several iron ore projects Rio Tinto is advancing, with work also progressing at the Brockman Syncline 1 project and the high-grade Simandou development in Guinea.
The Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia also achieved record copper production in March in line with its underground ramp-up plan.
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