MINING giant Rio Tinto has announced that it will increase the capacity of its Pilbara iron ore operations, committing approximately $370 million to further expand the Hamersley Iron mines.
According to Rio, the scope of the expansion will include upgrades at the Tom Price and Marandoo mines, together with increased capacity at Nammuldi, which is adjacent to the existing Brockman operation. Rio expects the expansion will be commissioned throughout early 2006, following receipt of all necessary government approvals.
The company anticipates production capacity will increase by 15 million tonnes annually.