Rio Tinto spends record A$12 billion with Western Australian suppliers in 2025

PERTH, Australia -- Rio Tinto’s development of its replacement mines in the Pilbara has increased its spend with Western Australian suppliers to a record A$12.1 billion in 2025, A$1.8 billion more than the prior year. This is a testament to the outstanding work of the state’s supplier community. 

The contribution of Pilbara-based suppliers has been particularly remarkable, with spend more than doubling since 2022, reaching a record A$1.1 billion in 2025.

These skilled and committed local suppliers are supporting a strong pipeline of project work in Western Australia. Rio Tinto’s newest mine, Western Range, opened on time and on budget in 2025, and the Brockman Syncline 1, Hope Downs 2 and West Angelas projects are under construction.

In 2025 Rio Tinto worked with more than 2,300 suppliers in Western Australia, supporting local jobs and strengthening local businesses. Since 2018, Rio Tinto has more than doubled its annual spend with Western Australian suppliers.

Spending with Indigenous-owned businesses in Western Australia increased 25 per cent in 2025 to a record A$968 million.

Rio Tinto’s spend with Traditional Owner businesses, with which the company has land use agreements near its operations, grew by more than 26 per cent to a record A$719 million.

Last night, Rio Tinto held its annual Supplier Recognition Awards to honour its valued suppliers and the remarkable contribution they make to the company, local communities and the WA economy.   

Outstanding performance and leadership were recognised across six categories, culminating in the WA Supplier of the Year Award. With about 230 nominations and 18 finalists, the awards reflect the depth of talent and commitment across the WA supplier community. 

Premier Roger Cook and Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz presented the WA Supplier of the Year award to KBSS. 

The WA Premier Roger Cook said: “It is great to see Rio Tinto investing in regional Western Australian businesses. I want to thank Rio Tinto for showing their strong support for businesses throughout the Pilbara.

“These businesses play a key role in keeping Western Australia’s economy the strongest in the nation, and it’s great to see them recognised for supporting regional communities and creating jobs for local workers.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz said: “As we celebrate our 60th year in the Pilbara, we pay tribute to the Western Australian suppliers who have helped Rio Tinto grow into the global iron ore business it is today.

“I congratulate all the winners and finalists of this year’s Supplier Recognition Awards for the exceptional contributions they have made to the Western Australian economy and Pilbara communities. Their dedication, innovation and partnership are something we are proud of and deeply value.

“We remain committed to partnering with local businesses, supporting local jobs and driving innovation.” 

Recognising strong performance across multiple categories for West Australian business.

Business that shows alignment with Rio Tinto’s core values and demonstrates how they place people at the heart of their business, through a commitment to building safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces and culture.

 

Business that demonstrates a commitment to investing in the local workforce in the regions where we operate in WA and has made a positive impact on the wellbeing and value of the community.

Business that demonstrates leading safety performance on a WA site and contributes to making a safer site, beyond their own scope of work.

Business that contributes to a reduction in emissions across operations and supports us to achieve our ESG objectives year on year. This includes sustainable initiatives, products or services that positively impact, contribute to, or encourage conservation, reduction, re-use and recycling.

Business that goes above and beyond to tackle obstacles and deliver results safely, enhancing productivity for Rio Tinto and demonstrates leading industry practice and performance.

Business that shows use of an innovative solution to overcome a challenge or obstacle which has been beneficial to our WA operations, has demonstrated market leadership through leveraging new technologies and services that drive tangible business value for our operations.

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