Brockman 4 – First Phase of Expansion

Brockman 4 is Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s newest mining operation in the Pilbara, 100% owned by Rio Tinto. Commissioning occurred in July 2010 and has been operating successfully. In 2011 we are commencing our first phase of expansion which will comprise of a new open pit with associated infrastructure to increase production from approximately 20mtpa to approximately 40mtpa by the completion of phase 2.

The mine is located 65 km West North West of Tom Price and 300km South East of Dampier. It is a truck and shovel operation with a fleet of Komatsu, Hitachi, and Le Tourneau equipment. Processing is via a two stage dry plant, including a Primary Jaw crusher, two Secondary cone crushers, screening and sample stations feeding two stackers. A slewing bucket wheel reclaimer feeds an automated train load out system.

We also have a number of additional machinery, such as an EX5500 shovel, EX3600 excavator, 10 Komatsu 830E Dump trucks, and additional Drills, Graders and water carts to enable us to reach our production targets.

Our current workforce headcount will grow from  approximately 540 to 750 people by the completion of phase 2, as a result the village is also expanding to accommodate the growth with an additional 120  air conditioned rooms. This includes an en-suite bathroom, king single bed, telephone, fridge, internet connection and TV set with commercial free-to-air channels, Foxtel and in-house videos. Village facilities include a dry mess, wet mess, 25m swimming pool, fitness centre, golf driving range and sports courts and we are also building a new squash court and recreation room.

Brockman 4 is currently constructing the Boolgeeda airstrip which will fly from Perth directly to the site, this is expected to be in operation by 2012 and will be able to accommodate a Boeing 737 plane.

With state of the art facilities working a lifestyle roster and safe working conditions, the Brockman 4 expansion is one of the first projects for Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s pathway to grow from 283 million tonnes to 333 million tonnes per annum.