The State Government has approved plans by Rio Tinto to increase production at two of its Pilbara iron ore operations, clearing the way for the creation of more than 760 new jobs in the region.
Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said the expansion at the West Angelas mine from production of 29 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to up to 35mtpa was another sign of confidence in the Pilbara resources sector.
"This expansion is expected to extend the mine's life by approximately 13 years and will involve a $AU680million capital investment by Rio Tinto and its Robe River joint venture partners," Mr Barnett said.
The West Angelas expansion is expected to create 290 jobs during construction and will increase the ongoing operations workforce at the mine by 200 workers to a total of 1,300.
Rio Tinto is also expected to spend around AU$200million increasing production at their Western Turner Syncline mine from 25mtpa to 30mtpa.
"This new development will create around 240 new jobs during construction, and an additional 30 workers will be required for the operations workforce," the Premier said.
"These projects are part of Rio Tinto's plans to increase its annual iron ore production in the Pilbara towards 360 million tonnes and demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the company and its Robe River joint venture partners to their WA operations."
Both projects will also require the construction of infrastructure, including new haul and access roads, and communications and waste facilities.
These brownfields developments come as continued strong demand from China and other existing markets saw iron ore retain its title as the State's most valuable export in 2013 with sales of $68billion.
Fact File
The West Angelas mine is located approximately halfway between Newman and Tom Price, while the Western Turner Syncline mine is 35km north-east of Tom Price
The West Angelas mine is administered by the Iron Ore (Robe River) Agreement Act 1964
The Western Turner Syncline mine is administered by the Iron Ore (Hamersley Range) Agreement Act 1963
Premier's office - 6552 5000
