Aerial view of Winu region

The Winu Project

Pilbara region, Western Australia

The Winu Project is a copper-gold deposit located in the northern Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 320 kilometres east of Port Hedland.  

Winu is located on the traditional lands of the Nyangumarta People, and the Winu airstrip is located on the traditional lands of the Martu People.

Since discovering mineralisation at the site in 2017, we’ve been working closely with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to develop a greenfield mining project.

As temporary stewards of the land, we are already planning for responsible mine closure, considering issues like how we will manage waste, minimise disruption to the local community and economy, and remediate and manage the site and local environment after closure. 

We’re also planning to power Winu largely through renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy.  

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Copper

Copper has many important jobs. It’s found in everything from pots and pans, to the water pipes in our homes, and the radiators in our cars. And it plays an essential role in computers, smartphones, electronics, appliances, and construction. 

Used as a tiny antenna in many hearing aids, Copper helps people hear for the first time. And bonus: it has antimicrobial properties, meaning it helps keep bacteria away. 

Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity on the planet. So it’s found in everything from the electrical wiring in your house to renewable power sources like wind turbines. And because it can help things work more efficiently, it’s going to play an important part in a more sustainable future.
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Working with key partners on Country 

We’ve been working closely with the land’s Traditional Owners during all aspects of Winu’s planning, to understand the aesthetic, cultural and economic importance of the landscape and minimise our impact on Country.  

This is the first mining operation to be developed on Nyangumarta Country, where the proposed mine’s infrastructure will be built. We’re also working closely with the Martu People, on whose Country an airstrip servicing the mine is located.  

Jaco Hugo

Program Director, Winu, Copper
“Winu is committed to building strong, fair and respectful relationships with Nyangumarta and Martu and, as we progress, we will continue to prioritise our co-design work with our partners on Country to ensure the project is truly informed by Traditional Owner voices.”
Profile image of Jaco

In 2023, we signed initial agreements with both Nyangumarta and Martu, securing their permission for planning of the mine to proceed, ahead of the usual formal Land Use Agreements needing to be signed. Under these agreements, all aspects of planning will be informed by Traditional Owner voices.

Next steps 

To proceed with mining, we must obtain consent from Nyangumarta and Martu through the project agreements, followed by the necessary environmental and regulatory approvals. 

Environmental approvals

In November 2023, we started formal environmental approvals with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Winu will require the highest level of environmental assessment – a Public Environmental Review. To support this process, we will submit detailed documentation outlining how we will manage and minimise our environmental impact.

Community feedback 

We are open to community feedback about all aspects of Winu’s operations. Our Communities and Social Performance (CSP) team oversees a grievance management procedure to handle any concerns or complaints in a timely way. 

Lodge a complaint or concern

Online form
Hard copy form

Contact our CSP team

Winu CSP Team
Rio Tinto Copper
Level 1, Wesley Tower, 93-95 William St Perth WA 6000

E: WinuCSPteam@riotinto.com
T: +61 474 438 557

Contact Winu

E: rtiopd.reception@riotinto.com
T: +61 8 9205 2446 

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