Gudai-Darri is our newest and most technologically advanced iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Located about 110 kilometres north-west of Newman, the site sits on the traditional lands of the Banjima and Yinjibarndi peoples.

The $3.1 billion mine began production in 2022 and reached its planned annual capacity of 43 million tonnes in less than 12 months. We are now planning to increase capacity to 50 million tonnes per year through incremental upgrades, including chutes, conveyors and additional crushing facilities.

Gudai-Darri sets new benchmarks for safety, efficiency and sustainability, with more than 70 design innovations and a large-scale solar farm that will supply about one-third of the mine’s electricity needs.

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Look inside a mine of the future

Our most intelligent mine yet is pioneering new mining technologies

Innovation at Gudai-Darri

Gudai-Darri is a global leader in mining automation and digital technology.

Key innovations include:

  • Autonomous fleet: 26 CAT 793F autonomous haul trucks and five autonomous drills, all monitored remotely from Perth, 1,500 kilometres away
  • World-first autonomous water carts: developed with Caterpillar, these vehicles use AI to detect dust and spray water automatically
  • AutoHaul™ rail network: the world’s first fully autonomous heavy-haul rail system
  • Robotic laboratory: fully automated ore sampling for faster, higher-quality analysis
  • Digital twin: a 3D model of the site for planning, maintenance and virtual reality training
  • Rotable bucketwheel reclaimer: a patented design that improves safety and efficiency during maintenance
  • Paperless operations: tablets for all team members, providing real-time data access in the field

Reducing our emissions

Gudai-Darri features a solar farm with 83,000 panels and a capacity of 34MW, expected to supply about one-third of the mine’s electricity demand. This reduces reliance on diesel-generated power and supports Rio Tinto’s decarbonisation goals.

Future plans include introducing battery-electric and zero-emission autonomous haul trucks, reinforcing Gudai-Darri’s role as a pioneer in low-carbon mining.

Working with communities

Gudai-Darri was developed in close partnership with Traditional Owners and local communities.

We continue to invest in community programs, training and employment opportunities, and procurement from local businesses. Our engagement includes cultural heritage management and initiatives that support education and economic development in the Pilbara.

Managing our impact

Protecting the environment and cultural heritage is central to Gudai-Darri’s operations.

We work with Traditional Owners to manage heritage sites and ensure cultural values are respected. Environmental initiatives include dust suppression using autonomous water carts and progressive rehabilitation of land to restore ecosystems after mining.

Aerial of Brockman 4

Brockman

Cape Lambert

Cape Lambert

Aerial of Greater Hope Downs

Greater Hope Downs

Aerial of Greater Nammuldi

Greater Nammuldi

Aerial of Paraburdoo

Greater Paraburdoo

Gudai-Darri

Gudai-Darri

Aerial of Rhodes Ridge

Rhodes Ridge

Aerial of Robe Valley

Robe Valley

Aerial of Tom Price

Tom Price Marandoo

West Angelas

West Angelas

Aerial of Yandicoogina

Yandicoogina

Latest Iron Ore Western Australia releases

16 December 2025

Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture partners begin $191 million feasibility study on up to 50Mtpa Pilbara iron ore mine

PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture has approved a $191 million (A$294 million) (Rio Tinto share $96 million, A$147 million) feasibility study to progress development of the first phase of the Rhodes Ridge project, one of the world’s best undeveloped iron ore deposits, in Western Australia’s Pilbara. The feasibility study will assess development of an operation

12 December 2025

Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto sign Interim Modernised Agreement

PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto have signed an Interim Modernised Agreement, marking an important step in their long-standing relationship. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211420422/en/Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto representatives sign Interim

08 December 2025

Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made rail car built by Gemco in Karratha

KARRATHA, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made iron ore rail car has rolled off the production line in Karratha, as part of a A$150 million partnership with Australian rail industry supplier Gemco Rail to build 100 rail cars in Western Australia and to support local manufacturing. The first Karratha-made rail car follows the completion of 40 Western Australian-made iron

Wickham Playgroup

Western Australia communities

By working together with our community partners, we strive to make a lasting positive impact with the people and communities where we operate and where our employees live and work
Sunset at Cable Beach, Broome

Western Australia towns and services

Our housing portfolio covers the towns of Dampier, Karratha, Wickham, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica

Gudai-Darri

Gudai-Darri Operations

Munjina Roy Hill Road

Newman

WA 6753

Australia


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