The Government of Western Australia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rio Tinto to enhance water security in the state’s Pilbara region, according to a press release. This partnership will focus on expanding desalination infrastructure to support local communities, industry, and environmental conservation efforts.
The West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme (WPWSS) provides water to several towns and industrial areas; however, the region has faced frequent below-average rainfall and streamflow over the past five years, leading to reduced groundwater recharge at the Millstream and Bungaroo borefields, as well as decreased surface water runoff at Harding Dam — key sources for the WPWSS.
Rio Tinto announced in 2023 a $395 million investment in a seawater desalination plant in Western Australia, designed to ensure a reliable water supply for both its coastal operations and nearby communities. Stage 1 of the desalination plant, currently under construction at Rio Tinto’s Parker Point operations, will supply 4 gigalitres (GL) of water annually and is expected to be operational by 2026.
The MoU will see Water Corporation – the state-owned provider of water services in Western Australia – and Rio Tinto work together to assess and deliver Stage 2 of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant. Stage 2, pending feasibility assessments, aims to add another 4GL by 2027, which will supply drinking water to the WPWSS in the short term.
Water Minister Simone McGurk emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "To safeguard short-term water supplies for the West Pilbara, the Cook Government is collaborating with Rio Tinto on a sustainable, climate-resilient future for the region. Water sustainability requires a holistic approach with careful consideration of social, operational, environmental, and cultural factors."
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott highlighted the company's commitment to sustainable water use: "Water is a scarce resource, particularly in the West Pilbara. We want to play our role in ensuring there is secure, sustainable, and climate-independent water supply for all users in the region."
Looking ahead, the Water Corporation is committed to expanding climate-resilient water supplies by planning and building another large-scale desalination plant by 2030.
