PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The West Australian government has given mining major Rio Tinto approval to develop its Western Turner Syncline mine.
Rio is expected to spend some A$18-million on construction, with 40 jobs to be created during construction.
Development Minister Bill Marmion said on Friday that production capacity at Western Turner Syncline was currently between 25-million and 30-million tonnes a year, with the development approval now ensuring that Rio could maintain this level of production by bringing new sources of ore on line.
“This is great news for resources and great news for Western Australian jobs.
"The development proposal was approved under a State Agreement and clearly shows these agreements ensure Western Australia remains an attractive place for investment and continued development,” Marmion said.
Works covered by the approval include the development of deposits to the north and west of the existing mining operation, and associated works such as the construction of haul roads, site access roads, storage areas and water treatment facilities.
Earlier this month, the Western Australian government approved Rio’s $338-million expansion of its Silvergrass iron-ore mine, which is expected to add ten-million tonnes of capacity.