Rio opens $2 billion Western Range mine

Rio Tinto has officially opened its $2 billion Western Range iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

This will unlock up to 25 million tonnes of annual production to sustain the company’s Paraburdoo mining hub for up to two decades.

The project was delivered on time and on budget, with construction including a new primary crusher and an 18km conveyor system connecting to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant. First ore was processed in March.

“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,” Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said.

“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.”

The mine is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (54 per cent) and China Baowu Group (46 per cent), one of Rio Tinto’s most significant customers and partners in the region since 2002.

Western Range is the first Rio Tinto project to feature a co-designed Social, Cultural and Heritage Management Plan with the Yinhawangka Traditional Owners, aimed at protecting culturally significant sites across the mine area.

“For Yinhawangka people, Country is everything – it holds our spirit, our Law, and our deep responsibility to protect what was passed down to us,” Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation board chairwoman Robyn Hayden (née Tommy) said.

“The opening of the Western Range mine represents a shift in how our heritage is being recognised and respected.”

With more than 880 residential and FIFO workers in Paraburdoo, the new mine strengthens both the local community and Rio Tinto’s broader Pilbara operations. Western Range is one of several sustaining projects supporting a combined 130 million tonnes per annum production base.

Between 2025 and 2027, Rio Tinto expects to invest more than $13 billion across the Pilbara, including developments at Brockman Syncline 1, Hope Downs 1, and West Angelas.