Rio Tinto Declared Massive Investment in Pilbara Mine Extension

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Rio Tinto declared that the Brockman Syncline 1 mine project (BS1) will be developed with an investment of $1.8 billion. The proposed investment will sustain output from the Brockman region and prolong its life in Western Australia's West Pilbara.

The Muntulgura Guruma Traditional Owners and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Traditional Owners are being consulted during the project's development. The project has obtained all required state and federal clearances, according to a news release from the corporation.

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BS1 includes Brockman 4 and Greater Nammuldi. The processing capacity for iron ore is projected to be around 34 million tonnes per annum. Construction on the facility is slated to begin this year. The construction phase is estimated to produce approximately 1,000 employment. When operational, it will support almost 600 employment. The first ore is now expected in 2027, a year earlier than previously estimated.

Simon Trott, Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, stated that Brockman 4 produced 43 million tonnes of iron ore the previous year. Trott stated that the BS1 investment will not only extend the life of the Brockman hub, but will also have a large economic impact in Australia.