Rhodes Ridges to boost Pilbara Ports

RIO Tinto’s decision to launch a full-scale feasibility study into one of the world’s best undeveloped iron ore deposits is good news for Pilbara Ports.

The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture, comprising Rio Tinto (50%), Mitsui (40%) and AMB Holdings (10%) this week committed $294 million to assessing the development of an operation with initial annual production of 40 million to 50 million tonnes from the eponymous deposit.

The partners will invest a further $225 million on exploration between 2026 and 2028 as part of ongoing study phases.

Rhodes Ridge will be a staged development, the jv says. This investment and feasibility study is focused on phase one, with an initial hub likely in the northern part of the project. It will leverage Rio Tinto’s existing rail, port and power infrastructure.

Subject to relevant regulatory approvals, first ore from the initial Rhodes Ridge development, located 40 kilometres north-west of Newman, is expected by 2030.

“Rhodes Ridge, which has a potential capacity of about 100 million tonnes of high-quality iron ore a year, will maintain Rio Tinto’s pathway to achieve and sustain mid-term capacity of 345 to 360Mtpa from its Pilbara iron ore business,” the company said.

The news comes as Pilbara Ports released its November shipping figures, showing a a total monthly throughput of 65.1 million tonnes, a 2% decrease compared to November 2024.

The Port of Port Hedland achieved a monthly throughput of 48.5Mt, of which 47.7Mt was iron ore exports. This was a 2% decrease year-on-year. Imports totalled 181,000 tonnes, an increase of 8% compared to November 2024.

The Port of Dampier delivered a total throughput of 14.2Mt, a 7% decrease from November 2024. Imports totalled 95,000 tonnes, a decrease of 34% year-on-year.

Several factors influence the fluctuation of throughput, including changes in market conditions, power outages, port maintenance operations and proponent needs, Pilbara Ports said.