The Western Range mine is Rio Tinto’s first project to implement a co-designed Social, Cultural and Heritage Management Plan with the Yinhawangka traditional owners.
The Western Range mine will support Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo mining hub for about 20 years. Infrastructure for the site includes a primary crusher and an 18-kilometer conveyor that links the new operations to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant.
According to Rio Tinto, the project secures over 880 jobs for both residential and FIFO workers and will contribute economically to the Paraburdoo community through ongoing royalty payments and taxes. The mine processed its first ore through the Western Range system in late March this year.
A notable feature of the project is the implementation of a Social, Cultural and Heritage Management Plan, co-designed with the Yinhawangka traditional owners. Introduced in 2022, this plan aims to safeguard the cultural and heritage values within the mining area. This initiative marks a first for Rio Tinto in terms of integrated heritage planning.
Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm stated: “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.”
In addition, an iron ore sales agreement was established between Rio Tinto and Baowu in September 2022. The agreement sets market-based pricing and covers up to 126.5 million tonnes of iron ore over a span of approximately 13 years.
Separately, Rio Tinto has entered into a co-management agreement with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Aboriginal Corporation. This agreement applies to all of the company’s iron ore operations on PKKP lands. It gives the traditional owners increased involvement in land management decisions and emphasizes the protection of both cultural heritage and the environment.
The Western Range development highlights a shift in operational strategy with a stronger focus on collaborative planning, long-term partnerships, and cultural respect in resource development.
