Rio Tinto and the Western Australian Government have announced a 50:50 joint venture to complete both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant in the Pilbara region.
The expanded plant will deliver a total of 8 billion litres of desalinated water per year, with Stage 1 expected to begin supplying 4 billion litres later in 2026 and Stage 2 adding an additional 4 billion litres in 2027.
The joint venture, built on a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding, will cost A$1.1 billion and reflects a partnership that balances public and private investment to secure a critical resource for the region.
The expansion will substantially reduce Rio Tinto’s reliance on groundwater from the Bungaroo and Millstream aquifers, addressing long‑term water security concerns for the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme and supporting the company’s core operations in the Pilbara.
"We understand water is a scarce resource, especially in the Pilbara. Bringing on the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant is an important step as we work to reduce our reliance on groundwater abstraction. Stage 1 of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant will reduce our draw on the Bungaroo aquifer, which we recognise is deeply important to the Robe River Kuruma People. We are pleased to partner with the Western Australian Government to improve the security and sustainability of water supply throughout the Pilbara," said Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz.
"Western Australia has the strongest economy in the nation thanks largely to the Pilbara and our world‑leading resources industry. That's why we want to ensure the Western Australians who live in such an important part of our State have access to the quality infrastructure and services they deserve. This project shows why our government's Made in WA plan is so important to our State's future and how it is helping deliver our priorities," said Premier Roger Cook.
"Securing a reliable water supply for more than 10,000 homes is vital for our communities, and this project shows the Cook Government's real commitment to creating jobs and strengthening the Pilbara economy in partnership with Traditional Owners and local industry. This expansion strengthens our region's future by boosting local employment and supporting sustainable economic development, while ensuring our water sources and culturally significant places are protected for generations to come," added Premier Cook.
The project aligns with the Western Australian Government’s broader water infrastructure initiatives, including the Connections package and the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, and is expected to generate local employment and contribute to the state’s “Made in WA” economic agenda.
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