Roy Hill is a major iron ore mining operation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with its own independent rail and port infrastructure.
Commodity
Iron ore
Owner
Hancock Prospecting
Operator
Roy Hill Iron Ore
Operating Status
operating
Mining Method
Open pit
History
Roy Hill is a relatively new iron ore operation, developed by Hancock Prospecting (majority owned by Gina Rinehart) with partners POSCO, Marubeni and China Steel Corporation. The mine was developed at a cost of approximately $10 billion and began production in 2015. It is one of the largest single-resource mining projects in Australian history.
Why It's Iconic
Roy Hill is one of Australia's largest standalone iron ore operations, with integrated mine, rail and port facilities.
Scale and Production
Roy Hill produces approximately 60 million tonnes of iron ore per annum, making it one of the largest single-pit iron ore operations in Australia. The mine has a projected life of over 20 years.
Equipment
Technology and Autonomous Systems
Processing Infrastructure
Roy Hill processes ore through crushing, screening and beneficiation before transporting by rail to Port Hedland. The operation includes a 344km heavy haul railway and dedicated port facilities at Port Hedland with a capacity of 60 million tonnes per annum.
Workforce
Approximately 2,500 employees and contractors, with a mix of FIFO from Perth and residential workers. The operation has been recognised for its investment in training and Indigenous employment programs.
Common Roles
Common Rosters
Major Milestones
- 2015: First ore shipped
- 2017: Full production capacity reached
- 2020s: Autonomous haulage introduced
- Ongoing: One of Australia's largest iron ore operations
Interesting Facts
- Developed by Hancock Prospecting, led by Gina Rinehart
- One of the largest single-resource mining projects in Australian history at ~$10 billion
- Operates a 344km private heavy haul railway to Port Hedland
- Uses autonomous haul trucks — one of the most automated iron ore mines in Australia
- Strong Indigenous employment and training programs
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