Primero Group, a subsidiary of Australian mining contractor NRW, has secured a contract, worth around $35m (A$54m), for the Western Range iron ore project in Australia.

Under the contract, which has been awarded by mining firm Rio Tinto, Primero will design, supply, construct, and commission the non-process infrastructure facilities on the Western Range mine site.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The scope of the contract includes the refuelling facility, mobile equipment maintenance facility, washdown facilities, primary crusher maintenance facility, wastewater treatment plant, and water infrastructure.

The contract is anticipated to run for a period of about 12 months.

NRW managing director Jules Pemberton said: “This is an exciting opportunity as we continue to reinforce our long-term relationship with Rio Tinto through the delivery of worldclass, Non-Process Infrastructure, design and construction performed in-house by Primero Group.”

Located in Paraburdoo site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the Western Range iron ore project is estimated to cost $2bn for development.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Last year, Rio Tinto and China Baowu Steel Group (Baowu) formed a joint venture (JV) to own 54% and 46% stakes respectively in the Western Range project.

The project, which is expected to create approximately 1,600 jobs during the construction phase, is scheduled to start production in 2025.

It is estimated to have annual production capacity of 25 million tonnes of iron ore.

Earlier this year, Civmec was selected to complete a vertical package of work at the Western Range iron ore project.

The firm will undertake heavy engineering requirements for the structural and platework fabrication, as well as assemble modules for transportation to the site.   

Mining Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Mining Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact

Excellence in Action
Dual-award winner in the 2025 Mining Technology Excellence Awards, Propeller is redefining geospatial intelligence and safety in mining. Explore how its AeroPoints and DirtMate solutions deliver survey-grade mapping, live haul metrics, and safer, more efficient operations across mines and quarries worldwide.

Discover the Impact