Rio Tinto and the Western Australian Government will work together to enhance water security in the Pilbara, agreeing to collaborate on critical water supply initiatives.
The West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme (WPWSS) supplies to the towns of Karratha, Wickham, Dampier, Roebourne, Point Samson and other key industrial areas. However, there has been below-average rainfall and streamflow as of late, straining groundwater recharge and surface water sources.
Traditional Owner groups such as the Yindjibarndi and Robe River Kuruma People have raised concerns over the impact of groundwater abstraction on culturally significant sites.
Rio Tinto’s delivery of stage one of the Dampier seawater desalination plant at Parker Point is expected to be operational in 2026. It will provide four gigalitres (GL) of water annually, reducing reliance on the Bungaroo borefield.
The second phase of the project will be assessed by Water Corporation and Rio Tinto, with a decision on its feasibility expected soon.
If approved, it will add another 4GL of water per year by 2027, easing pressure on the Millstream Aquifer and securing additional drinking water for the west Pilbara.
Beyond these immediate projects, the Water Corporation is planning a large-scale desalination plant by 2030, which will support Rio Tinto’s transition to zero groundwater abstraction from Bungaroo.
“To safeguard short-term water supplies for the west Pilbara, the WA Government is collaborating with Rio Tinto on a sustainable, climate resilient future for the region.” WA Water Minister Simone McGurk said.
“Water sustainability requires a holistic approach with careful consideration of social, operational, environmental and cultural factors.
“These steps will make significant progress towards reducing pressure on precious groundwater and respond to the concerns of Yindjibarndi and the Robe River Kuruma People Traditional Owners on the environmental and cultural impact on these water sources.”
Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott said that water is a scarce resource, particularly in the west Pilbara.
“We want to play our role in ensuring there is secure, sustainable and climate-independent water supply for all users in the region,” he said.
“As part of our commitment to using water more efficiently, construction of stage one of our Dampier seawater desalination plant is well under way. This will reduce abstraction from the Bungaroo borefield, which we recognise is a significant concern for the Robe River Kuruma People.
Trott said Rio Tinto is pleased to partner with the WA Government on stage two of the Dampier seawater desalination plant.
“We also welcome the news that it is prioritising the delivery of a further desalination plant for the region,” he said.
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