Rio Tinto boosted spending with suppliers in Western Australia by AU$1.5 billion to a record $10.3 billion in 2024, as it continued to support local businesses and develop its pipeline of new Pilbara mining projects. The increase was largely due to investment in heavy mining machinery and earthworks for the US$2 billion Western Range mine, which is scheduled to open this half.

Rio Tinto continues to work with about 2,400 suppliers in Western Australia each year as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support jobs and deliver value for the state. It has more than doubled its annual spend with suppliers in WA since 2018.

Spending with indigenous-owned businesses in Western Australia reached a record $769 million in 2024, a 30% increase on 2023. Rio Tinto also contributed $969 million to Pilbara businesses, with about 60% of this spent with indigenous businesses in the region. More than $529 million of this was spent with traditional owner businesses.

At its third Supplier Recognition Awards, Rio Tinto acknowledged and celebrated its valued suppliers for their outstanding performance and the contribution they make to the company, local communities and the WA economy. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, said: “Rio Tinto has been in Western Australia for almost 60 years, and we remain committed to sharing our success with the communities where we operate.

“We’re proud to partner with local businesses to create jobs and strengthen regional communities, ensuring benefits flow to everyone, be it the corner coffee shop owner, local manufacturers or the football team thriving with community sponsorship,” Mr Trott added.

At the event, WA Premier Roger Cook presented Winyama Contracting Group with the WA Supplier of the Year award, while Mr Trott presented the Chief Executive Award to Wabtec.