RIO TINTO INVESTS BIG IN THE PILBARA

A $1.1 BILLION BOOST TO THE WEST ANGELAS HUB WILL EXTEND PRODUCTION AND SECURE JOBS IN THE ICONIC MINING REGION.

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Rio Tinto and its partners are set to inject around $1.11 billion ($US733 million) into the West Angelas Sustaining Project, recently securing the long-term future of one of the Pilbara's key iron ore hubs.

The project, part of the Robe River Joint Venture (RRJV), has received all necessary state and federal approvals, paving the way for continued production and employment in the region.

Rio Tinto will contribute $588 million under the investment agreement, while venture partners Mitsui and Nippon Steel will provide the remaining funds.

The West Angelas Sustaining Project is designed to develop new iron ore deposits within the existing West Angelas hub, maintaining its total annual production capacity of 35 million tonnes and ensuring mining activity in the region for years to come.

Rio Tinto anticipates that construction will generate approximately 600 jobs, with the operational phase sustaining a workforce of roughly 950 full-time-equivalent roles at the hub.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Matthew Holcz emphasised the significance of collaboration in bringing the project to fruition.