Rio Tinto to invest $2.8bn to develop Brockman Syncline 1 mine project

1 min read
Monica Gameng   |   March 18, 2025
Western Range (cr: Rio Tinto)

Approximately $2.8 billion (US$1.8 billion) will be invested by Rio Tinto to develop the Brockman Syncline 1 mine (BS1) in the West Pilbara region of Western Australia. 

Not only will this project extend the life of the Brockman operations, but it will also help sustain the company’s iron ore production. 

The Brockman Syncline 1 project has already secured all necessary State and Federal Government approvals and has been developed in consultation with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Traditional Owners as well as the Muntulgura Guruma Traditional Owners. 

“Brockman 4 produced 43 million tonnes of iron ore in 2024. Securing this project extends the life of the Brockman hub. This is good for our business, good for Western Australia and good for the Australian economy. 

“Rio Tinto has been mining iron ore in the Pilbara for almost six decades and our tranche of new mines will ensure we can continue to supply the globe’s ongoing need for iron ore, for decades to come,” Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said. 

Construction on the Brockman Syncline 1 mine is due to commence this year. The project will include a new primary crusher and overland conveyor, a Non-Process Infrastructure precinct, and a temporary camp for construction workers. 

Around 1,000 jobs are anticipated to be created during the construction phase, with the mine sustaining a workforce of about 600 once operational. 

This project is a large-scale investment within the Brockman region, and it encompasses Brockman 4 and Greater Nammuldi. Once up and running, Brockman Syncline 1 will have a processing capacity of up to 34 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of iron ore – leveraging existing plants. 

The Brockman Syncline 1 mine is one of a tranche of replacement projects that has an annual capacity of about 130Mtpa, underpinning Rio Tinto’s ongoing commitment to the Pilbara. 

Source: Rio Tinto; Australian Mining; Business Wire 

New call-to-action

Monica Gameng
As Felix's Marketing Assistant since 2015, Monica is responsible for researching and sharing new and progressing projects within the construction and mining sectors in Australia. It's no surprise that Monica has her finger on the pulse of Australian major projects given she has produced more than 1,000 posts. She truly is an industry expert.
Follow me:

Related Articles

Projects, QLD
$1.2bn new Bundaberg Hospital nears construction, supporting 2880 jobs

The Queensland Government continues its streak in delivering better healthcare services and jobs across the State with the announcement of CPB Contractors as managing contractor for the $1.2 billion new Bundaberg Hospital. 

Projects
$1bn development on the Gold Coast to create 2,500 local jobs

Approximately 2,500 local jobs will be created for the construction and operation of the $1 billion “Jewel” residential tower project located at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Projects, NSW
Thousands of jobs to be supported by $182m Port Kembla berth upgrades

A $182 million upgrade of three berths at Port Kembla in New South Wales has been granted planning approval, ensuring the continued supply of Illawarra-made steel for various infrastructure projects. 

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.

Select your preferred email frequency
Which best describes you?
Please Select*
  • Please Select*
  • I hire plant, equipment or subcontractors
  • I supply plant, equipment or subcontracting trades
  • Both
  • Other

By submitting this form you agree with the T&Cs and Privacy Policy and you consent to allow Felix to store and process the personal information submitted above to facilitate your request.