Rio Tinto and the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) have agreed to develop an 80-megawatt solar farm on Ngarluma Country to supply renewable energy to Rio’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The solar farm is the first proposed project the Ngarluma people and Rio Tinto will pursue after a memorandum of understanding was signed to explore opportunities for renewable energy projects on Ngarluma Country.
The project is expected to be located next to Rio Tinto’s existing Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha. It has the potential to displace up to 11% of natural gas currently used for generation across Rio Tinto’s integrated mining operations in the Pilbara.
“Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions – they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People,” said Rio Tinto Managing Director Rail, Port & Core Services Richard Cohen.
“This project underscores the significance of our long-term relationship with the Ngarluma people and demonstrates our commitment to working together to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
A feasibility study is expected to be completed in early 2025, with commissioning in 2027, subject to relevant approvals and final investment decision.
Source: Rio Tinto