The McGowan Government has welcomed the joint venture between Rio Tinto and Wright Prospecting to develop the Rhodes Ridge deposits in the Pilbara region.
Rhodes Ridge is home to one of the world’s largest and highest quality undeveloped iron ore deposits, with a total resource of 6.7 billion tonnes – approximately one-third of Rio Tinto’s existing resource base.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and has the potential to underpin production of Rio Tinto’s iron ore in years to come, which will provide a boost to the economy.
It will have a particular focus on climate, biodiversity and heritage, with existing rail, port and power infrastructure to be used, including the planned instalment of one gigawatt of renewable power assets in the Pilbara.
Both Rio Tinto and Wright Prospecting will work closely with Traditional Owners, the Nyiyaparli and Ngarlawangga People, to ensure sites of significant cultural, environmental, and biodiversity value are protected as part of any future development at Rhodes Ridge.
The joint venture further cements Western Australia’s position as the best place for business and investment, with our resources sector continuing to drive the State and national economies, supporting ongoing jobs and future work opportunities.
The State delivered a record $231 billion of mineral and petroleum sales in 2021-22, with iron ore maintaining its historically high status with sales of $137 billion.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“We welcome the Rhodes Ridge project and the opportunities it will bring to Western Australia.
“This again reinforces our State’s strength as an ideal location for business and investment which will grow our economy, further contributing to record sales in our resources sector and investment in infrastructure.”
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
“The benefits of this project will extend beyond the Pilbara region in creating thousands of jobs and contributing to our economy.
“We’re committed to ensuring we continue to position ourselves as a secure and attractive destination for investment and employment.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“The Pilbara region is the beating heart of WA’s resources industry.
“This announcement follows the recent Western Range joint venture and shows the welcomed opportunities for workers and businesses.”
