ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú

Rhodes Ridge is one of the world’s best undeveloped iron ore deposits in Western Australia's Pilbara, and in the long term it could support a world-class mining hub with a potential capacity of about 100 million tonnes of high-quality iron ore a year. 

In December 2025, we announced approval of a $294 million (ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úshare $147 million) feasibility study to progress development of the first phase of the Rhodes Ridge project. The progression to feasibility study follows Mitsui’s announcement in early 2025 to acquire 40 per cent of the joint venture.

Rhodes Ridge will be a staged development. With the investment and feasibility study focused on phase one, with an initial hub likely in the northern part of the project. It will leverage Rio Tinto’s existing rail, port and power infrastructure. Subject to relevant regulatory approvals, first ore from the initial Rhodes Ridge development, located 40 kilometres north-west of Newman, is expected by 2030. 

Rhodes Ridge will maintain Rio Tinto’s pathway to achieve and sustain mid-term capacity of 345 to 360Mtpa from its Pilbara iron ore business. 

Working with communities

The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture will work closely with Nyiyaparli Traditional Owners throughout the mine life cycle, guided by the recently updated Native Title agreement’s engagement framework, to protect and manage cultural heritage and the environment.

Managing our impact

The Rhodes Ridge project design will reflect our commitment to reducing environmental impact, improving mining productivity, and lowering costs. Through our Reduced Impact Mining approach, we aim to minimise land use for waste dumps, reduce groundwater abstraction, lower long-term closure impacts, and cut diesel usage through shorter haul distances.

Our joint venture partners (Mitsui 40% and AMB Holdings 10%) intend to invest a further $225 million in exploration between 2026 and 2028 as part of ongoing study phases.

Aerial of Brockman 4

Brockman

Located on the lands of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura and Muntulgura Guruma Peoples in the Western Pilbara
Cape Lambert

Cape Lambert

Cape Lambert has two terminals, Cape Lambert A and B, with approximately 4 ships loaded per day
Aerial of Greater Hope Downs

Greater Hope Downs

Greater Hope Downs are strategically located near Newman, leveraging the Hamersley Range which is home to around 80% of Australia’s identified iron ore reserves
Aerial of Greater Nammuldi

Greater Nammuldi

Greater Nammuldi includes Brockman 2, Nammuldi, and Silvergrass mines, located about 100 kilometres north-west of Tom Price
Aerial of Paraburdoo

Greater Paraburdoo

Greater Paraburdoo includes our Eastern Range, Channar, Paraburdoo and Western Range projects
Gudai-Darri

Gudai-Darri

Gudai-Darri is our newest and most technologically advanced iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region
Aerial of Rhodes Ridge

Rhodes Ridge

Rhodes Ridge is one of the world’s best undeveloped iron ore deposits
Aerial of Robe Valley

Robe Valley

Robe Valley comprises two key iron ore mining sites: Mesa A and Mesa J
Aerial of Tom Price

Tom Price Marandoo

The Greater Tom Price hub includes Tom Price, Marandoo, Western Turner Syncline 1 and 2
West Angelas

West Angelas

West Angelas is one of our most technologically advanced iron ore operations in the Pilbara
Aerial of Yandicoogina

Yandicoogina

Yandicoogina produces unique Hamersley Iron Yandi (HIY) fines, contributing significantly to the Pilbara Blend

Latest Iron Ore Western Australia releases

04 March 2026

ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úand WA Government partner to expand Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant

KARRATHA, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úand the Western Australian Government have entered into a 50:50 joint venture to complete both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant. Once fully operational, the plant will deliver 8GL of desalinated water per year to the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme, reducing pressure on regional aquifers. The West Pilbara Water

15 January 2026

ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úand BHP explore collaboration to mine up to 200 million tonnes of Pilbara iron ore

PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úand BHP have agreed to work together to extract up to 200 million tonnes of iron ore at their neighbouring Yandicoogina and Yandi iron ore operations in the Pilbara. Under two non-binding Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), the companies will explore the potential for: Collaboration on the development of Rio Tinto’s Wunbye deposit; and BHP t

12 December 2025

Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úsign Interim Modernised Agreement

PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úhave signed an Interim Modernised Agreement, marking an important step in their long-standing relationship. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211420422/en/Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úrepresentatives sign Interim

Sunset at Cable Beach, Broome

Western Australia towns and services

Our housing portfolio covers the towns of Dampier, Karratha, Wickham, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica
Wickham Playgroup

Western Australia communities

By working together with our community partners, we strive to make a lasting positive impact with the people and communities where we operate and where our employees live and work

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