Rio Tinto progresses Rhodes Ridge to next study phase

The commencement of a PFS follows completion of an Order of Magnitude study that considered development of an operation with initial capacity of up to 40 million t annually, subject to relevant approvals. The PFS is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and will be followed by a feasibility study. First ore from the initial development is expected by the end of this decade.

Rio Tinto is planning to spend more than AUS$400 million on exploration over five years from 2024 to 2028 as part of the ongoing study phases. Study work to date indicates a staged development with an initial hub likely to be located in the northern part of the project, adjacent to existing rail infrastructure.

Last year, Rio Tinto (50%) and Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd (50%) agreed to modernise the joint venture covering the Rhodes Ridge project, located 40 km north-west of Newman.

Rhodes Ridge contains 6.8 billion t of Mineral Resources at an average grade of 61.6% Fe, including 5.3 billion t at 62.2% Fe and 0.6 billion t at 63.9% Fe.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said, “The size and quality of the resource base at Rhodes Ridge has the potential to underpin our iron ore business in the Pilbara for decades to come. Longer term, the resource could support a world-class mining hub with a potential capacity of more than 100 million t of high-quality iron ore a year.

“We are committed to working closely with the Traditional Owners, the Nyiyaparli and Ngarlawangga People, as we progress this project.”

The joint venture will utilise Rio Tinto’s existing rail, port, and power infrastructure, including the planned instalment of renewable power assets in the Pilbara.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/06122023/rio-tinto-progresses-rhodes-ridge-to-next-study-phase/