Rio gets nod for Brockman expansion

Tuesday, 19 April, 2011 - 15:28

The state's environmental watchdog has given Rio Tinto the nod to expand its Brockman iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

Key elements of the proposal include the mining of an additional 3.2 million tonnes of high grade ore from the Brockman mine over the next two years, by deepening the existing pits by 50 metres.

The Environmental Protection Authority concluded that the proposal could be managed to meet its environmental objectives, subject to a number of conditions, mainly surrounding groundwater quality.

Rio shares slipped 2.2 per cent today, to close trading at $82.10.