NRW Holdings has announced that its subsidiary, NRW Civil & Mining, has secured an A$167m ($109.75m) contract from Rio Tinto for work at the Brockman Syncline 1 mine development, situated within the Brockman mine hub in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

NRW will undertake the construction of earthworks, roadworks and drainage related to the primary crusher, overland conveyor and non-process infrastructure.

The scope of work includes the construction of haul roads, access roads and concrete structures.

The project will also involve drill and blast operations, alongside the supply and construction of a mechanically stabilised earth ROM wall, two precast concrete overpass tunnels and in-situ concrete foundations for the primary crusher.

The contract is set to commence in July 2025 with a peak workforce of more than 300.

The Brockman Syncline 1 project is strategically located near other NRW construction sites, including the Brockman 4 to Brockman 2 Haul Road contract and the recently completed Western Turner Northern Access Road.

NRW stated: “NRW is pleased to be awarded this project with one of the world’s leading mining companies. This is another significant project that NRW will undertake for Rio Tinto and continues to build on the longstanding relationship of delivering successful projects together.”

In March 2025, Rio Tinto announced plans to invest $1.8bn in the Brockman Syncline 1 mine development encompassing Brockman 4 and Greater Nammuldi.

The project aims to prolong the Brockman region’s lifespan and maintaining production at Rio Tinto’s top-tier iron ore operations.

It will have the capacity to process up to 34 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of iron ore using existing plants. First ore from the project is anticipated in 2027.