Rio Tinto Launches Western Range Mine in Pilbara with CEO Jakob Stausholm in Attendance

On Friday, Rio Tinto Chief Executive Officer Jakob Stausholm visited the Pilbara region in Western Australia to officially inaugurate the Western Range iron ore mine, marking a significant step in the company’s long-term strategy to sustain its mining operations in the region.

The Western Range Project — Partnership & Output

The Western Range mine is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (54%) and China’s Baowu Steel Group (46%), with a total investment of approximately US $2 billion. The mine is expected to contribute 25 million tonnes of iron ore annually, helping sustain the output of the Pilbara Blend, one of Rio Tinto’s flagship products.

Construction and Employment

Construction on the Western Range project began in 2023 and includes the development of a primary crusher and an 18-kilometer conveyor system connecting to Rio Tinto’s existing infrastructure.

The project created around 1,600 jobs during construction and is expected to support approximately 800 permanent roles during operation. Local Western Australian businesses secured over A$1 billion in contracts, contributing to the region’s economic development.

Timeline & Progress

As of late 2024, construction was more than 80% complete, and the project remained on schedule for first ore delivery in the first half of 2025. Autonomous haul trucks and upgraded processing facilities were already being commissioned on site.

Jakob Stausholm praised the execution team, emphasizing that the mine was “on time and on schedule,” showcasing Rio Tinto’s commitment to operational excellence.

Strategic Importance

Western Range is part of Rio Tinto’s broader strategy to replace depleting ore bodies and maintain its production target of 345–360 million tonnes of iron ore annually from Pilbara. It complements other key developments including Rhodes Ridge, Hope Downs, West Angelas, and Brockman projects.

Jakob Stausholm highlighted that Western Range plays a key role in securing long-term iron ore supply and reflects the company’s aligned vision for growth and sustainability.

Market & Environmental Context

The project aligns with Rio Tinto’s strategy to meet China’s evolving steel demand, where Pilbara Blend continues to serve as a benchmark. In addition to its economic importance, the mine is developed in close collaboration with Traditional Owners, including the Yinhawangka people, ensuring respectful and sustainable land use.

The CEO’s Pilbara Visit

Stausholm’s visit underscored the strategic importance of the Western Range mine. He reiterated the company’s dedication to the Pilbara region and emphasized the mine as a model of efficient project execution. His presence also came amid discussions around Rio Tinto’s future leadership and long-term goals.