Rio Tinto, in partnership with China Baowu Group, has officially inaugurated the Western Range iron ore mine in the Pilbara, Western Australia.

The Western Range mine, with a production capacity of up to 25 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of iron ore, represents a $2bn joint venture between Rio Tinto (54%) and Baowu (46%).

The project, which was completed on time and within budget, is set to sustain the Paraburdoo mining hub for approximately 20 years.

The mine's infrastructure includes a primary crusher and an 18km conveyor system that connects to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant.

Rio Tinto said the strategic development not only secures jobs for more than 880 residential and FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) employees but also reinforces the economic stability of Paraburdoo town through continued royalties and taxes.

The Western Range mine is pioneering in its approach to cultural preservation, being Rio Tinto’s first project to implement a co-designed Social, Cultural and Heritage Management Plan with the Yinhawangka traditional owners.

This plan, established in 2022, ensures the protection of significant cultural and heritage values in the area.

The mine's operations commenced with the processing of the first ore through the Western Range system in late March this year.

In September 2022, Rio Tinto and Baowu also agreed to enter into an iron ore sales agreement at market prices, covering a total of up to 126.5 million tonnes of iron ore over approximately 13 years.

Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm said: “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.

“I am particularly proud of the work we have done with the Yinhawangka People to develop Western Range, and we will 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.”

Furthermore, Rio Tinto and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Aboriginal Corporation have entered into a co-management agreement that sets a precedent for heritage and social engagement in the mining sector.

This agreement covers all of Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations on PKKP lands and grants the traditional owners a stronger voice in managing their territories, with a focus on safeguarding cultural heritage and the environment.