PERTH, Australia, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The Western Range iron ore mine, a joint venture between China Baowu Steel Group (Baowu) and multinational mining corporation Rio Tinto, was formally put into operation on Friday.
Baowu and Rio Tinto hold 46 percent and 54 percent shares, respectively, of the 2 billion U.S. dollars project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which can produce up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore per year.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said that the opening of the Western Range is a significant achievement, and its importance to Western Australia's economy cannot be overstated.
He also said that this project is a great example of the deep and long-term relationships that Western Australia has with its overseas trading partners.
"This is a great example of the cooperation that can take place in terms of global trade when you see great companies like the Baowu Group and Rio Tinto working together on great outcomes, and this is a really good example of mutual success, which comes from these deep and ongoing relationships," he said.
Hu Wangming, chairman of Baowu, said that the success of the Western Range project is not only a milestone in China-Australia resource co-operation, but also a vivid reflection of joint efforts and resilience from all parties involved.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said that opening the Western Range is an important step in Rio Tinto's extension plans in the Pilbara and ensures the longevity of one of Rio Tinto's oldest mining hubs, Paraburdoo, which began operating in 1972. ■
