
Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) and Hancock Prospecting have announced on Tuesday a joint investment of $1.61 billion to develop the Hope Downs 2 iron ore project in Western Australia's Pilbara region. A 50-50 investment will drive a significant expansion of the long-standing Hope Downs Joint Venture between the two companies.
"Approval of Hope Downs 2 is a key milestone for Rio Tinto, as we invest in the next generation of iron ore mines in the Pilbara," Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said in today's announcement.