Name of the Project
Robe River Joint Venture (JV) iron-ore project.

Location
Pilbara, Western Australia.

Client
Rio Tinto (53%), together with JV partners Mitsui & Co (33%) and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal (14%).

Project Description
The existing deposits in the Robe Valley mine and West Angelas mine, currently in operation, are nearing the end of their life span.

The aim of the project is to sustain production capacity at two projects that form part of the Robe River JV, namely the Mesa B, C and H deposits at Robe Valley, and Deposits C and D at the existing West Angelas operation.

The Robe River JV will develop these new deposits using the existing rail and port infrastructure, to sustain current rates of iron-ore production as existing mines decline. Once operational, both projects will feature the latest technology with 34 existing haul trucks to be retrofitted with autonomous haulage system (AHS) technology, delivering safety and productivity gains to the business.

Potential Job Creation
An estimated 1 200 jobs are expected during the development of the project.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Value
The project will cost $1.55-billion of which $967-million will be allocated to develop the Mesa B, C and H deposits and $579-million to develop Deposits C and D.

Duration
Construction is expected to start in 2019, with first ore expected in 2021.

Latest Developments
Rio Tinto, together with its JV partners, has approved the project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto media relations, email media.enquiries@riotinto.com.
Mitsui & Co corporate communications division, tel +81 3 3285 7596.
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal corporate communications centre, tel +81 3 6867 3419.