Rio Tinto puts call out to WA manufacturers to build iron ore rail cars

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from manufacturers in Western Australia to produce 100 rail cars for its Pilbara iron ore operations. Following a September announcement, the company aims to support local businesses and jobs by initially purchasing 50 cars, followed by 10 cars annually for the next five years. This initiative aligns with the WA Government's goal to develop local manufacturing capabilities, with Rio Tinto as a participating member. Interested manufacturers can find details on the Rio Tinto Buy Local portal.

Positive

• Initiating purchase of 50 rail cars and committing to 10 annually for the next five years.
• Supports local jobs and boosts the Western Australian economy by engaging local manufacturers.
• Contributes to the development of local manufacturing capabilities in Western Australia.

Negative

• None.

PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Western Australian manufacturers to build 100 rail cars for its Pilbara iron ore mining operations.

The EOI callout follows Rio Tinto’s announcement in September it would look for opportunities for Western Australian suppliers to help grow the local rail car manufacturing industry and support local jobs.

Rio Tinto will initially purchase 50 rail cars from the successful supplier, followed by an ongoing commitment of 10 rail cars a year for the next five years.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said, “I strongly encourage Western Australian manufacturers to submit an Expression of Interest to build these iron ore rail cars to service our Pilbara operations.

“We’re pleased to offer this opportunity to local businesses to support local jobs and the Western Australian economy.

“As the local manufacturing industry grows, we will continue to look at ways to engage local businesses to be part of our supply chain.”

The EOI supports the vision of the WA Government’s iron ore rail car action group, which was formed to develop Western Australia’s manufacturing capability and which Rio Tinto is a member.

Western Australian manufacturers are encouraged to visit the Rio Tinto Buy Local portal for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211219005136/en/

Please direct all enquiries to Media.enquiries@riotinto.com

Media Relations, Australia

Jonathan Rose

M +61 447 028 913

Matt Chambers

M +61 433 525 739

Jesse Riseborough

M +61 436 653 412

Jamie Macdonald

M +61 467 725 51

Rio Tinto plc

6 St James’s Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

Level 7, 360 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

Category: Pilbara

Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What is Rio Tinto's latest initiative regarding rail car manufacturing?

Rio Tinto has called for Expressions of Interest from Western Australian manufacturers to produce 100 rail cars for its Pilbara operations.

How many rail cars will Rio Tinto initially purchase?

Rio Tinto will initially purchase 50 rail cars from the successful supplier.

What is the long-term commitment Rio Tinto has made for rail car production?

Rio Tinto has committed to purchasing 10 rail cars annually for the next five years.

How does this initiative support Western Australian businesses?

The initiative aims to support local jobs and grow the local rail car manufacturing industry.

Where can manufacturers find more information about the EOI?

Manufacturers can visit the Rio Tinto Buy Local portal for more information about the EOI.