Rio Tinto and WA Government advance Dampier desalination sale

Rio Tinto and the Western Australian Government have signed non-binding agreements regarding the future operation of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant in the Pilbara region. The proposed arrangement would see Yindjibarndi WaterCo acquire and operate the facility, which is currently a 50:50 joint venture between Rio Tinto and the state government.

The $1.1 billion project is being developed in two stages to provide up to 8GL of desalinated water annually to the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme, aiming to reduce reliance on groundwater. Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Matthew Holcz stated that while the company will not retain ownership of the infrastructure, it will continue to receive 4GL of water annually to offset abstraction from the Bungaroo aquifer.

Rio Tinto will remain responsible for managing construction. Stage one, providing 4GL of annual capacity, is expected to be completed this year with water supply anticipated in early 2027. Stage two will add another 4GL of capacity, also expected to begin in 2027. The project is designed to reduce pressure on the Bungaroo and Millstream aquifers, which hold cultural significance to the Robe River Kuruma and Yindjibarndi peoples, respectively.