RIO TINTO PLANS FOR DESALINATION PLANT IN PILBARA

BY CONRAD MACLEAN

Credit: Envato Elements.

Last week, mining giant Rio Tinto announced a plan to build a $395 million desalination plant in the Pilbara.

The project would be located at Rio’s existing iron ore facilities at Parker Point, and support industrial processes rather than public consumption. 

Rio announced it expects construction to commence in 2024, with the facility expected to produce water in 2026, but the project still has to gain relevant Commonwealth approvals.

Karratha City Mayor Peter Long said he’s optimistic the project will take pressure off local aquifers. 

“I think it will be very good for the region,” he said.

We don’t have a lot of water here, which is why they are building it.”

“It will take a lot of pressure of the Bungaru aquifer and the general water supply.”