Rio Tinto awards accommodation contract to Diploma

Diploma Group’swholly owned subsidiary, Diploma Construction (WA) Pty Ltd, has been awarded a $49 million contract for Rio Tinto’s Wickham Accommodation Expansion Project.

Stage 1 of the Wickham Lodge FIFO Accommodation project involves the Design and Construction of 198 one-person accommodation rooms over three storeys with associated services and infrastructure. The design incorporates the use of modular prefabricated units that are manufactured offsite.

This first stage of the Wickham Lodge FIFO Contract commences immediately and is expected to be completed in September next year. 

The contract is part of Rio Tinto’s wider $300m Wickham expansion.

Phase 2 of the project will create a new Wickham South subdivision and includes 212 new dwellings, 25 residential lots, the installation of 198 new high quality FIFO accommodation units, the construction of a new 1600 metre square town administration and training centre for both the company and community, as well as the new public recreational parks.

Rio's investment will see Wickham's population increase from about 2000 to more than 2600, according to the government.

This is the second project for Diploma Construction with Rio Tinto, having being awarded the $44m Rocklea Palms FIFO Accommodation project in Paraburdoo in July.