The Pilbara, Western Australia

In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, we own a world-class, integrated network of 17 mines, 4 independent port terminals, a rail network spanning nearly 2,000 kilometres and related infrastructure – all designed to respond rapidly to changes in demand. We are one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of iron ore.

Gudai-Darri: Our newest and most technologically advanced mine

In addition to technology already in use across our operations – such as autonomous trucks, trains, and drills – Gudai-Darri is far more automated and digitised, including advanced data analytics. This level of automation allows us to operate equipment and vehicles remotely from Perth, improving safety and efficiency. Significant innovations include a digital replica of the processing plant that’s accessible in real time by workers in the field, as well as integrated mine automation and simulation systems. Other innovations include autonomous water carts, a rotable bucket wheel reclaimer, and a fully automated laboratory integrated within the mine. Gudai-Darri sets a benchmark for our industry in terms of automation and using real-time data to drive decisions – making mining safer and more productive.

Innovation in our Western Australian Iron Ore operations

Our integrated iron ore network is supported by our Operations Centre in Perth, a state-of-the-art facility that enables all the autonomous trucks, trains and drills at our mines, ports and rail systems to be operated from a single location. The Centre combines visualisation and collaboration tools to provide real-time information across our demand chain and allows us to optimise our mining, maintenance and logistic activities across the Pilbara in a way never before possible.

In 2019, we launched the world’s first automated heavy-haul rail network – named AutoHaul™ – capable of moving about one million tonnes of iron ore a day. AutoHaul™ improves safety by reducing risk at level crossings and through automated responses to speed restrictions and alarms, eliminating the need to transport drivers to and from trains mid-journey. This saves almost 1.5 million kilometres of road travel every year. It also improves cycle times by using information about network topography to calculate and deliver a safe, consistent driving strategy.

Almost 90% of our haul truck fleet across our Pilbara sites is also autonomous. These trucks, which use pre-defined GPS courses to automatically navigate haul roads and intersections, and which continuously track actual locations, speeds and directions of other vehicles, allow us to move more material, more efficiently and safely, increasing productivity.

We are a global industry leader in autonomous haulage and are the only organisation in the world to operate 2 different Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS).

We also continue to expand our Autonomous Drilling System (ADS) and now have a fleet of 40 production drills across 7 sites. ADS allows us to monitor multiple drills from different manufacturers across multiple sites from remote drill consoles in Perth.

Our Pilbara mines

Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Channar, Eastern Range, Marandoo, Brockman 2, Brockman 4, Nammuldi, Western Turner Syncline, Silvergrass, West Angelas, Hope Downs 1, Hope Downs 4, Yandicoogina, Robe Valley (Mesa A), Robe Valley (Mesa J) and Gudai-Darri.

Ports

Four independent shipping terminals at 2 locations, Cape Lambert and Dampier, managed as a single port system.

Rail network

The largest privately-owned and operated rail system in Australia, including the world’s first automated heavy-haul rail network, AutoHaul™. Services 17 mines via mainline systems of nearly 2,000 kilometres.

Power plants

We have 4 major power generation stations that provide power to our Pilbara community and operational sites. The 4 power stations are Paraburdoo, Yurralyi Maya, West Angelas and Cape Lambert.

Growth

We are continually investing in our operations in the Pilbara, introducing next generation technologies that can deliver greater efficiency, lower production costs and improved health, safety and environmental performance.

In June 2022, we announced the production of first ore at Gudai-Darri, our first greenfield mine in the Pilbara, Western Australia, in more than a decade. With an expected life of more than 40 years and an annual capacity of 43 million tonnes - due to incrementally increase to 50Mtpa, Gudai-Darri will underpin future production of our Pilbara Blend™ product.

Having reached full capacity in 2023, Gudai-Darri will increase our iron ore production volumes and improve our product mix from the Pilbara. We are also progressing a feasibility study to support an expansion of this new hub. The development of Gudai-Darri supported more than 3,000 jobs during the construction and design phase. The mine supports around 600 ongoing permanent roles.

I’d like to acknowledge the support of the Traditional Owners, the Banjima People, on whose country Gudai-Darri is situated. We have worked closely with the Banjima People to progress this project and we look forward to partnering with them into the future.

The commissioning of Gudai-Darri represents the successful delivery of our first greenfield mine in over a decade, helping to support increased output of Pilbara Blend, our flagship product. It sets a new standard for Rio Tinto mine developments through its deployment of technology and innovation to enhance productivity and improve safety.

Simon Trott, Iron Ore Chief Executive