The $3.1 billion Gudai-Darri mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region began production last year, reaching its planned capacity of 43 million tonnes per annum in less than 12 months from first ore.
The planned capacity increase will be achieved through upgrades to the plant, including chutes and conveyor belts, as well as utilising an existing additional crushing and screening plant already on site.
The larger operation will require additional mining fleet, including haul trucks and backhoes, as well as a small expansion of product stockpiles. The capacity expansion is subject to environmental, heritage and other relevant approvals.
Matthew Holcz, General Manager of Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pilbara Mines said, "What we learnt during the rapid ramp-up of Gudai-Darri has given us the confidence to find better ways to increase capacity at our newest and most technologically advanced mine. Instead of taking a capital-intensive approach to replicate existing infrastructure, we have now identified a low-capital path to increase capacity to 50 million tonnes per year."
The capital intensity of any increase in Gudai-Darri's capacity is expected to be about $10 per tonne.
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