Projects

We are exploring known kimberlites – volcanic rock that can sometimes contain diamonds. Bulk sampling began in early June 2019 and we are using a large scale trench cutter – previous drilling methods caused breakage of larger stones and likely undersampled diamonds – to sample large volumes of kimberlite to depths of up to 250 metres.

FalCon is still in early stage exploration and we are continuing drilling, sampling and community engagement through 2020.

In addition to technology already in use across Rio Tinto, such as autonomous trucks, trains and drills, the design of the Gudai-Darri mine uses an increased level of automation and digitisation, including advanced data analytics. 

Significant innovations include a digital replica of the processing plant, accessible in real time by workers in the field, fully integrated mine automation and simulation systems, and an automated workshop. 

With more than 70 design innovations in scope, Gudai-Darri will set a benchmark for our industry in terms of automation and the use of data – making mining safer and more productive. 

In early 2020, we secured funding approval for the development of a 34 megawatt, 105 hectare solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at our Gudai-Darri mine - an important step in reducing our carbon footprint in the Pilbara. The Solar PV plant will deliver approximately 65 per cent of Gudai-Darri's average electricity demand once operational. During peak operations, the plant will provide 100 per cent of Gudai-Darri's electricity needs.

Gudai-Darri’s airport opened in November 2021 and is expected to handle more than 600 workers in a day at peak operating times.

In November 2019, we achieved a significant milestone with the completion of Shaft 2 construction. Shaft 2, a 10 metre diameter shaft sunk to approximately 1.3 kilometres below the surface, significantly improves overall productivity of the underground development and allows us to move more material, equipment and people between the surface and underground. The project has now exceeded one million tonnes of material moved through Shaft 2 since commissioning and we successfully carried out maintenance of the shaft in October 2020 using remote technology.

Overall underground lateral development has now reached 53,000 equivalent metres, with development of the first drawbell substantially complete.

We have continued work on the project despite restrictions from COVID-19 controls and ongoing domestic and international travel restrictions. The project has deployed a number of mitigations including on-site rosters, securing commitments from critical vendors to remain on site for extended periods and screening of personnel.

On 16 December 2020, we confirmed the definitive estimate of cost and schedule for Panel 0 with sustainable production expected to commence in October 2022 and development capital of $6.75 billion. These estimates include the known impacts of COVID-19.

At peak production, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce 480,000 tonnes of copper per year on average, from 2028 to 2036, from the open pit and underground. By 2030 it is expected to be the fourth largest copper mine in the world.

Resolution Copper will rely on a technique called block caving to extract the deposit that lies more than 2,000 metres deep. This technique uses gravity to help extract the ore and is the most viable way to recover the resource. 

Work to restore the historic number nine shaft, initially constructed in 1971, was completed in 2018. The team is now sinking the shaft to over 2,100 metres below ground and linking it with the newer number 10 shaft – it reached approximately 2 kilometres of the 2.1 kilometres in September 2020, with the shaft sinking expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.

In 2019, the project achieved a significant milestone – the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) by the US Forest Service (USFS). The DEIS reflects years of extensive engagement with the local community and thorough study by the USFS. In anticipation of the final EIS, Resolution Copper will continue underground development, conduct extensive drilling and orebody testing, plus maintain the permitting and public engagement process.

Resolution Copper is also focused on managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including engagement with local communities.

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The Simandou project operates under the Simfer joint venture where the Government of Guinea holds 15% and Simfer Jersey holds 85%. Simfer Jersey is owned by Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) (47%) and Rio Tinto (53%). CIOH is owned by: Chinalco (75%), Baosteel Resources (20%), China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) (2.5%) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) (2.5%). This structure has been in place since 2017.

Rio Tinto and CIOH, which own 45.05% and 39.95% of Simandou, respectively, continue to work with the government of Guinea to explore options to realise value from the world-class Simandou iron ore deposit, as well as potential mechanisms for collaboration on infrastructure development.

In July 2020 we announced the maiden Resource at Winu, as well as the discovery of a new zone of gold dominant mineralisation nearby.

We continue working with the local Nyangumarta and Martu Traditional Owners and regulators to progress the agreements and approvals needed for any future development, while targeting first production in 2023. We are also conducting cultural heritage surveys with the Traditional Owners and progressing technical studies, including environmental baseline studies, geotechnical and metallurgical test work.

We approved the $463 million investment (our share is $343 million) in April 2019 to sustain RBM’s current capacity and extend the life of the mine. RBM currently operates four mines in the Zulti North lease area, a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. The Zulti South mine is expected to underpin RBM’s supply of zircon and ilmenite.