Rio Tinto Wins Nyangumarta Consent for Winu Mine

Overview

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has obtained formal consent from the Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation (NWAC) for its proposed Winu copper‑gold mine located approximately 300 km south of Broome in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. The consent was secured through a Project Agreement that sets out the participation of the Nyangumarta People in the planning and development of the mine and associated infrastructure, and includes measures to protect the environment and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Project Details

The Winu project is Rio Tinto’s most advanced near‑term greenfield copper development and forms a key component of the company’s strategy to expand its copper portfolio. Under the joint‑venture structure, Rio Tinto will develop and operate the mine with a 70 % equity stake, while Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining (TYO:5713) holds the remaining 30 %.

Next Steps

Although the Aboriginal consent removes a major social licence hurdle, the project still requires all remaining regulatory approvals and a final investment decision before construction can commence. Rio Tinto aims to bring the mine into production by 2030, subject to those approvals.