Rio Tinto Plans Capacity Increase at Gudai-Darri Iron Ore Mines
Diversified mining company Rio Tinto has announced its intention to boost capacity at its Gudai-Darri iron ore mines in the Pilbara region. The company aims to increase production from 43 million tonnes annually to 50 million tonnes, investing approximately A$130 million in incremental productivity gains.
Gudai-Darri mine, which commenced production last year, achieved its planned annual capacity of 43 million tonnes in under 12 months since its first ore was mined. This success has given Rio Tinto the confidence to explore ways to further increase capacity at its newest and most technologically advanced mine.
The planned capacity increase will involve various upgrades within the plant, including improvements to chutes and conveyor belts. Rio Tinto will also leverage an existing incremental crushing and screening facility already present on site. Additionally, the larger operation will necessitate the acquisition of additional mining fleet such as haul trucks and diggers, as well as a small expansion of the product stockyards. However, the capacity increase is contingent on receiving the necessary environmental, heritage, and other relevant approvals.
Matthew Holcz, Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Managing Director of Pilbara mines, stated that the company has identified a low-capital pathway to gradually enhance capacity to 50 million tonnes per year, instead of duplicating existing infrastructure through a capital-intensive approach. The capital intensity of this capacity increase at Gudai-Darri is estimated to be approximately $10 per tonne.
Gudai-Darri is Rio Tinto’s most technologically advanced mine to date, incorporating cutting-edge features such as a robotic ore sampling laboratory that provides real-time visibility of the ore grades straight from the mine. The site is also equipped with autonomous trucks, trains, and drills, which are standard across many of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara mines. Additionally, a digital replica of the processing plant allows teams to digitally simulate different scenarios before implementation.
The proposed capacity increase at Gudai-Darri aligns with Rio Tinto’s continuous pursuit of innovation and operational efficiency. By leveraging existing infrastructure and employing productivity-enhancing measures, the company aims to optimize its operations while adhering to environmental and regulatory requirements.
