Mining giant Rio Tinto has celebrated exporting the five billionth tonne of iron ore from its Pilbara mine, rail and port operation.
The five billionth tonne was exported to Japan’s Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation on the bulk carrier MV Onozuru Maru last month, and was celebrated by executives in Tokyo last week.
“The five billion tonne milestone would not have been achieved without the pioneers who developed the Pilbara more than 50 years ago and the hard work and dedication of the 11,000 Rio Tinto Iron Ore employees running the business today,” Rio’s iron ore boss Chris Salisbury said.
“Shipping five billion tonnes is a remarkable accomplishment and it is fitting that it was delivered to Japan, our first customer and valued long-term partner.”
Salisbury used the opportunity to reinforce Rio’s importance to the Australian economy, with the miner facing ongoing pushes from federal and state politicians over taxes and royalties.
“When we began shipping Pilbara iron ore more than 50 years ago we had no idea how important this commodity would become to the Australian economy,” he said.
“We are immensely proud of the role we have played in supporting Australia’s economic growth.
“Rio Tinto is one of the largest contributors to the Australian economy and our Pilbara business plays a key role in driving this through taxes, royalties, employee wages and local procurement.”