Rio Tinto to Boost Output Capacity at its Newest Iron Ore Mine

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Rio Tinto announced that it seeks to boost production capacity at its $3.1 billion Gudai-Darri mine, in the Pilbara, Western Australia to 50 million tonnes a year at a cost of around $70 million.

It must be noted that the mine had commenced production last year and had reached its previously stated annual production capacity of 43 million tonnes in less than a year from first production.

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The planned capacity expansion will be delivered through upgrades to chutes and conveyor belts. The existing incremental crushing and screening facility at the site will also be utilised. The expanded operations will result in additional mining fleet, including haul trucks and diggers. Furthermore, it may require expansion of existing product stock yards. The expansion works are subject to receipt of various necessary regulatory approvals, said the company press release.

Matthew Holcz, Managing Director of Pilbara Mines, Rio Tinto Iron Ore said that the experiences gained during the rapid ramp-up of Gudai-Darri provided the company with the confidence to explore a low-capital pathway to ensure boosted production capacity at its newest and technologically advanced mine.