Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has received the consent of an Aboriginal group to build the Winu copper-gold mine in Western Australia, overcoming a key milestone on the way to starting production of the project by 2030.
The Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation (NWAC) and Rio Tinto have signed an Impact Agreement, setting out how the Nyangumarta people will participate in the planning and development of the project, including measures to protect the environment and Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Under an agreement, the Nyungamarta people have given approval for the construction of the proposed mine and associated infrastructure on their traditional lands. The project still requires regulatory and other approvals, as well as a final investment decision.
The Winu mine, located approximately 300 km south of Broome in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia, is Rio Tinto's most advanced near-term greenfield copper project and a key element of its strategy to expand its copper portfolio.
Rio Tinto will develop and operate the Winu mine, holding a 70% stake in the joint venture, while the Japanese company Sumitomo Metal Mining (TYO:5713) will own the remaining 30%.