The Live Wire



Press Release

Heavy rain and flooding impact west Pilbara iron ore operations

17th February 2009

A severe low-pressure system and associated trough has resulted in prolonged heavy rain across the west Pilbara region in Western Australia from the weekend. The rain and subsequent flooding has had a significant impact on Rio Tinto's iron ore operations.

Further rain is expected across the region and all necessary precautions are in place. Rio Tinto's priority throughout has been on safety, and remains so. No injuries have been reported to date.

Many roads are impassable and all employees have been advised to exercise extreme caution. Ten people stranded at Yarraloola station, west of Pannawonica, were evacuated safely by helicopter to Karratha as water rose.

All operations at Pannawonica and Brockman/Nammuldi have been suspended, and pit operations at Tom Price and Paraburdoo have been suspended. Operations at Marandoo and the east Pilbara mines (Yandicoogina, West Angelas and Hope Downs) have not been significantly impacted at this stage.

Most rail movements have been suspended due to flooding, and a comprehensive assessment is being carried out to ensure that operations will be able to resume safely. Track inspections and recovery plans are underway.

Coastal operations at Dampier and Cape Lambert have also been significantly impacted. Customers have been advised of the event and situation updates will be provided as appropriate. Shipping movements, impeded or curtailed since before the weekend, are expected to resume later today.



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