Pilbara
Rio Tinto Iron Ore's operations in the Pilbara produce more than 163 million tonnes of iron ore annually. 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, Rio Tinto Iron Ore wholly owns Hamersley Iron's six mines and also operates the Channar mine (Rio Tinto: 60 per cent) and the Eastern Range mine (Rio Tinto: 54 per cent). RTIO also includes a 53 per cent interest in Robe River Iron Associates' two mines, also in the Pilbara. In May 2006, RTIO started construction of the US$980 million Hope Downs project in Western Australia, following approval by the Hope Downs Joint Venture and Western Australian Government.
Mining
Rio Tinto Iron Ore's 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
Rio Tinto Iron Ore manages major infrastructure in the Pilbara including two power stations located in Paraburdoo and Dampier respectively.
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
- 11 September 2008
Simandou update - 03 September 2008
Rail incident at Cape Lambert - 27 August 2008
Pilbara's leading artists return for another year