Pilbara
Rio Tinto's iron ore operations in the Pilbara have expanded to an annual capacity of 220 million tonnes, with advanced plans to further expand. With a network of 11 mines, three shipping terminals and the largest privately owned heavy freight rail network in Australia, our Pilbara operations make up a major part of our iron ore activities globally. Our operations began in 1966 and have expanded to meet the growing needs of the world’s iron and steel industry.
In the Pilbara, we wholly own Hamersley Iron’s six mines and also operates the Hope Downs mine (50:50 joint venture between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting Pty Limited), the Channar mine (Rio Tinto: 60 per cent) and the Eastern Range mine (Rio Tinto: 54 per cent). Rio Tinto's iron ore operations in the Pilbara also include a 53 per cent interest in Robe River Iron Associates’ two mines, Mesa J and West Angelas.
Mining
Our Pilbara operations are run by Pilbara Iron, which operates and maintains all mining, rail, power and port facilities on behalf of Hamersley Iron and Robe River.
Rail
The Rail Division operates a single integrated rail network on behalf of Hamersley Iron and Robe River.
Ports
Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s port facilities are located at Dampier and Cape Lambert.
Infrastructure
We own and operate a range of major infrastructure in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Pastoral stations
Rio Tinto Iron Ore manages six pastoral stations in the Pilbara - Karratha, Hamersley, Rocklea, Juna, Yalleen and Yarraloola.
Geology
The geology of the Pilbara region is characterised by late Archaean and early Proterozoic rock formations known as the ‘Hamersley Group’, which contains several large units of Banded Iron Formation.
History
Rio Tinto Iron Ore has been at the forefront of sustained innovation and growth in the Pilbara region for more than forty years.
Latest media releases
- 30 December 2009
Rio Tinto's Yandicoogina becomes first mine in Australia to produce 50 million tonnes a year - 18 December 2009
Rio Tinto awards 200 million mining contract to indigenous joint venture - 04 December 2009
Rio Tinto brings Pilbara families together again for Christmas