The Western Australian Government has given final approval for a rail and power supply project in the Pilbara estimated to be worth more than $400 million, and which is expected to generate 600 jobs in the region.

 

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said that the Government had granted Rio Tinto a special railway licence for a 53km railway line and approved a 220 kV electricity transmission line to connect the new Hope Downs 4 mine to the existing Hope Downs 1 infrastructure.


The Hope Downs 4 mine is being developed by a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, which is operated by Rio Tinto.  The rail and power project will be funded, built and operated by Rio Tinto.


“These approvals are the final step for development of the 15 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) Hope Downs 4 iron ore mine, at an estimated total cost of more than $1.2 billion,” Mr Barnett said.


“The new mine will create about 1,500 new jobs and Rio Tinto expects first production to commence in the second quarter of 2013.


“Following Hope Downs 4 receiving environmental approval on January 31, 2011, the company and Government agencies have worked together efficiently to develop detailed proposals, and finalise approvals, for the mine, rail and power supply components.