• Two new construction projects to employ 340, worth $367 million
• State Agreement approvals help maintain production levels

The State Government has approved two proposals from Rio Tinto to develop new deposits in the Pilbara, prolonging the life of existing mining operations.
 
Announcing the approvals today, State Development Minister Bill Marmion said the projects would deliver both short and long-term benefits for the State.
 
"This is great news for the resources sector and will create opportunities for workers and contractors who are doing it tough in the current climate," Mr Marmion said.
 
"These approvals will allow Rio Tinto to maintain its current level of production at two sites, Yandicoogina and West Angelas."
 
The Minister has given approval for Rio Tinto Group company Hamersley Iron-Yandi Pty Ltd to mine and develop the Oxbow deposit, with ore to be processed at its existing facilities at Yandicoogina.
 
"This represents a capital commitment of $247 million and the project will have a peak construction workforce of 220 people," he said.
 
The Minister has also given approval for the Rio Tinto and Robe River Iron Associates joint venture to mine Deposit F at West Angelas. The company already produced ore from deposits A, B and E.
 
"This $120 million project will create 120 construction jobs and an extra 20 positions once operational," he said.
 
"Together, these proposals are worth $367 million in capital expenditure and will employ 340 people during construction, enough to sustain operational employment for many years."
 
Fact File

• Yandicoogina began operations in 1998 and is located 90km north-west of Newman
• The project operates under the Iron Ore (Yandicoogina) Agreement Act 1996
• West Angelas began operations in 2002, is located between Newman and Tom Price, and operates under the Iron Ore (Robe River) Agreement Act 1964