Rio Tinto’s Perth operations centre is up and running one month ahead of schedule in an encouraging move for the company.
The Perth operations centre is a key building block for the company’s ‘mine of the future’ as the company moves towards automated mining and transport for its iron ore operations in the Pilbara.
The centre will manage mining, processing and rail operations from one location and allow for potential expansions beyond Rio Tinto’s existing scale, according to the company’s website.
Rio Tinto external manager for iron ore Gervase Greene told MINING DAILY construction is continuing at the site, but “pleasing” construction outcomes have enabled workers to be moved into the facility earlier than expected.
“Construction is going well and a progressive ramp up is now underway,” he said.
The facility is expected to house at least 320 employees to oversee and optimise Rio’s key assets and processes in the Pilbara.
“The progression is pleasing and fits into Rio Tinto’s overall scheme to move towards automated operations in the future,” Greene said.
A progressive ramp-up of the centre is now underway and is expected to continue until early next year.