The McGowan Government has today approved Rio Tinto's Western Turner Syncline Phase proposal - a $1 billion project expected to create more than 1,000 construction jobs in Western Australia.
The new phase of the Western Turner mine, about 35 kilometres north-west of Tom Price, will enable Rio Tinto to sustain approved production of 30 million tonnes a year.
Construction work includes a new crusher and a 13 kilometre-long overland conveyor to transport crushed ore to existing transfer infrastructure.
More than 1,000 workers are expected to be employed at peak construction, with the extension allowing Rio Tinto to sustain the current workforce at its Greater Tom Price hub.
Construction is scheduled to begin early next year with the first ore expected to be delivered during the third quarter of 2021.
Most of the technology and equipment needed to build the Western Turner proposal will be manufactured in Western Australia, creating more jobs for local workers.
Rio Tinto was a member of the Premier's steel fabrication roundtable, which was convened to create more opportunities for local steel fabricating businesses on major projects.
Western Australia is the world's biggest iron ore supplier, accounting for 39 per cent of global supply in 2018.
As stated by Acting Premier Roger Cook:
"The Western Turner Syncline project will boost WA's economy, creating more than 1,000 construction jobs and securing ongoing work for the company's existing local workforce.
"Facilitating resource projects like the Western Turner proposal means more jobs for Western Australians - and that's my Government's number one priority.
"This project is a big injection into Western Australia in terms of improving business confidence and boosting the State's economy."
