Name of the Project
Robe River Joint Venture (JV) iron-ore project.

Location
Pilbara, Western Australia.

Project Owner’s
Rio Tinto (53%), together with JV partners Mitsui & Co (33%) and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal (14%).

Project Description
The existing deposits in the Robe Valley mine and West Angelas mine, currently in operation, are nearing the end of their life span.

The aim of the project is to sustain production capacity at two projects that form part of the Robe River JV – the Mesa B, C and H deposits at Robe Valley, and Deposits C and D at the existing West Angelas operation.

The Robe River JV will develop these new deposits using the existing rail and port infrastructure to sustain current rates of iron-ore production as existing mines decline. Once operational, both projects will feature the latest technology, with 34 existing haul trucks to be retrofitted with autonomous haulage system (AHS) technology, delivering safety and productivity gains to the business.

Potential Job Creation
An estimated 1 200 jobs are expected during the development of the project.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project will cost $1.55-billion, of which $967-million will be allocated to develop the Mesa B, C and H deposits, and $579-million to develop Deposits C and D.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction is expected to start in 2019, with first ore expected in 2021.

Latest Developments
Rio Tinto has awarded an estimated A$150-million worth of contracts to mining contractor Cimic’s subsidiary CPB Contractors.

CPB Contractors will deliver three separate packages of work at Robe Valley, including various earthworks and civil works associated with the development of Robe Valley.

The projects at Robe Valley will involve construction of roads, bridges and pits, water supply infrastructure and drainage, fencing, as well as site establishment and demobilisation.

The projects will be completed by the end of 2021.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Monadelphous Group (construction contract).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto media relations, email media.enquiries@riotinto.com.
Mitsui & Co corporate communications division, tel +81 3 3285 7596.
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal corporate communications centre, tel +81 3 6867 3419.