Rio Tinto has been mining iron ore in the Pilbara region for nearly six decades.
The development of BS1, which has received all necessary approvals from State and Federal Governments, is a collaboration with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) and the Muntulgura Guruma Traditional Owners.
The satellite orebody development, incorporating Brockman 4 and Greater Nammuldi, is designed to process up to 34 million tonnes of iron ore annually using existing plants.
With construction starting this year, the project will include a new primary crusher, an overland conveyor, a Non-Process Infrastructure precinct, and a temporary construction camp.
The first ore from BS1 is expected in 2027, a year earlier than previously anticipated.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said: “Brockman 4 produced 43 million tonnes of iron ore in 2024. Securing this project extends the life of the Brockman hub. This is good for our business, good for Western Australia and good for the Australian economy.
“Rio Tinto has been mining iron ore in the Pilbara for almost six decades and our tranche of new mines will ensure we can continue to supply the globe’s ongoing need for iron ore, for decades to come.”
The construction phase is set to generate approximately 1,000 jobs, while the operational phase will sustain around 600 jobs. BS1 is part of a series of replacement projects in the Pilbara, which collectively have an annual capacity of around 130 million tonnes,.
Other projects in the pipeline include Western Range, which is over 90% complete and expected to start production in the first half of 2025, and the Hope Downs 1 and West Angelas sustaining projects, which are currently going through the approvals process.
Furthermore, Rio Tinto is conducting a pre-feasibility study for Rhodes Ridge, aiming for an initial capacity of 40 million tonnes per annum and first ore by 2030.
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto has also completed the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, with the transaction sanctioned by the Royal Court of Jersey.
In October 2024, the company agreed to acquire US-based lithium chemicals producer Arcadium in an all-cash deal for $6.7bn.
The acquisition positions Rio Tinto as a major lithium producer. Arcadium will be rebranded as Rio Tinto Lithium with a portfolio that includes the Rincon lithium project. It will aim to expand the capacity of its Tier 1 assets to produce more than 200 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually by 2028.
