Core Insights - Rio Tinto, Mitsui, and Nippon Steel are investing A$733 million ($482.8 million) in the West Angelas Sustaining Project, with Rio Tinto contributing A$389 million [1] - The project is part of the Robe River joint venture in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which is owned by Rio Tinto (53%), Mitsui Iron Ore (33%), and Nippon Steel (14%) [1] - The West Angelas Sustaining Project aims to develop new iron ore deposits and has received necessary state and federal government approvals [1][2] Production Capacity and Employment - The new deposits will sustain the West Angelas hub's total annual production capacity of 35 million tonnes, ensuring long-term mining operations [2] - Approximately 600 jobs will be created during construction, and the project will sustain around 950 full-time equivalent roles once operational [4] Infrastructure and Development - The project will utilize existing West Angelas processing facilities and include the development of new infrastructure, including 22 km of haul roads [4] - The mined ore will be autonomously trucked to the West Angelas hub, with first ore expected by 2027 [4] Future Projects - The West Angelas Sustaining Project is part of a series of replacement projects in the Pilbara region, with plans for the Rhodes Ridge project aiming for an initial capacity of up to 40 million tonnes per annum, with production expected to start by 2030 [5] Cultural and Environmental Considerations - Rio Tinto has collaborated with the Yinhawangka and Ngarlawangga peoples to develop cultural heritage management plans for the project, ensuring the protection of cultural heritage and the environment [3]