Performance
Key achievements
In November 2008, RTIO achieved a major milestone with the completion of the Cape Lambert upgrade to 80 million tonnes annual capacity (Mt/a), well ahead of schedule and within budget. Construction continued on Mesa A in the Robe Valley and Brockman 4 west of Tom Price, with both of these mines intended to enhance RTIO's production in the future.
Rio Tinto's 50:50 joint venture with Hancock Prospecting increased annual production capacity at the Hope Downs mine to 22 Mt/a. In addition, the Hope Downs South extension was completed on time and within budget, and the first ore was processed in November 2008. In early 2009, Hope Downs South will be fully incorporated into the Pilbara network.
In July 2008, RTIO achieved a significant milestone, reaching a major agreement with the Ngarluma people over the proposed expansion of coastal infrastructure in the Pilbara, clearing the way for a comprehensive new Indigenous Land Use Agreement for the area.
In September, RTIO's HIsmeltŪ pig ironmaking plant was awarded the prestigious "Golden Gecko" award for environmental excellence from the Western Australia Government. The Expansion Projects team's construction of the Lang Hancock Railway to Hope Downs mine was also highly commended in the same awards.
During 2008, the Group was honoured at the Australian Business Arts Foundation awards and the WA Business and the Arts awards for its partnerships with leading cultural organisations. In Western Australia Rio Tinto strongly supports community organisations such as the Perth International Arts Festival, SciTech, Black Swan Theatre Company and Fiona Stanley's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Committee for Perth.
