Rio Tinto has to date awarded contracts valued at over A$500 million to local Western Australian and Pilbara Aboriginal businesses to support the latest development of its Greater Tom Price Operations, which includes the Tom Price, Western Turner Syncline Phase 1 and Western Turner Syncline Phase 2 satellite hubs.
Rio Tinto commenced the development of Western Turner Syncline Phase 2 (WTS2) in 2014 and expansion plans began in 2019, followed by the start of construction in early 2020.
Rio Tinto approved the A$1 billion investment in the WTS2 expansion in November 2019 to sustain production capacity of its iron ore business in the Pilbara.
The investment allows for the mining of existing and new deposits at WTS2 and includes the construction of a new crusher and a 13-kilometre conveyor which will help lower greenhouse gas emissions from the mine by 3.5 per cent compared to road haulage.
First production from the new deposits at WTS2 is expected in the second half of 2021.
Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan said Rio Tinto has been embedded in the Tom Price community for decades and has made a significant contribution to the town.
“This project will ensure Tom Price has a bright future and my government is committed to ensuring mining communities have first-class services to support local families.”
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Managing Director of Pilbara Mines, Matthew Holcz, said Tom Price is the birthplace of Western Australia’s iron ore industry and more than 50 years later the A$1 billion investment in the WTS2 expansion will underpin the viability of the town for decades to come.
“We are proud the vast majority of contracts we have awarded to date have been to Western Australian businesses, including Pilbara Aboriginal businesses. This investment demonstrates our commitment to spending with local businesses, buying locally and supporting our communities through the creation of jobs.”
Rio Tinto Iron Ore currently employs more than 50 per cent of workers living in Tom Price and this latest development will extend employment opportunities into the future.