Rio Tinto Secures Nyangumarta Consent for Winu Copper-Gold Project

The Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation (NWAC) and Rio Tinto (RIO ) have signed a Project Agreement for the proposed Winu copper-gold mine on Nyangumarta Country in Western Australia, Rio Tinto announced on 10 September 2026. Through the agreement, the Nyangumarta People have given their consent for the proposed mine and associated infrastructure on Nyangumarta Country. The project remains subject to regulatory and other required approvals and a final investment decision.

Building on the Project Planning Agreement signed in 2023, the newly co-designed agreement sets out how Nyangumarta People and Rio Tinto will work together, and how Nyangumarta knowledge, priorities and perspectives will inform the ongoing planning and implementation of activities on Country. According to the announcement, this includes how potential impacts of the mine on the environment and Aboriginal cultural heritage will be avoided and minimised throughout project planning and future development.

The announcement states that Winu is anticipated to be the first mine developed on Nyangumarta Country, creating new pathways to training, employment and business participation. Nyangumarta and Rio Tinto will continue to explore economic opportunities that support community aspirations and respect the Nyangumarta People’s strong connection to Country and culture.

Nyangumarta Elder Margaret (Nyaparu) Rose said the decision had been a long time in the making and carefully considered, with more than five years spent at the table between the Nyangumarta People and Rio Tinto to make sure every voice was heard and everyone had all the information needed to make an informed decision. Rose, who described the signing as having taken place the day before the announcement, said its outcome means the Nyangumarta People will have the means and resources to safeguard Country and provide opportunities for their people, both now and in the future.

Nyangumarta Elder Charlie Wright said the signing was a major milestone, but that work will continue to make sure Nyangumarta People keep a strong voice in the project. “This agreement gives Nyangumarta People a seat at the table for the life of the project to ensure our culture, heritage, and Country is respected,” Wright said. He said the community wants to see its young people get jobs and training, its businesses get work, and the community sharing in the benefits from development on its Country, adding that the focus is now on making sure those promises become a reality.

Rio Tinto Copper Chief Executive Katie Jackson said the signing is “an important step forward in advancing Winu towards first copper by 2030.” Jackson thanked the Nyangumarta People for their partnership from the earliest days of Winu and for the time, knowledge and perspectives they have shared to help shape the project, and said the agreement formalises how the parties will continue working together rather than concluding that work.

Joint Venture Ownership and Project History

Under the joint venture arrangement, Rio Tinto will develop and operate Winu. Rio Tinto holds a 70 per cent interest and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co (SMM) holds a 30 per cent interest. Rio Tinto describes Winu as its most advanced near-term greenfield copper project and an important part of its strategy to grow its copper portfolio. The project is located in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, approximately 300 kilometres south of Broome. Rio Tinto’s Winu project page describes the deposit as approximately 320 kilometres east of Port Hedland and states that mineralisation was discovered at the site in 2017.

Rio Tinto and SMM signed the final joint venture agreements on 12 May 2025, following a Term Sheet signed in December 2024. Under those agreements, SMM agreed to pay Rio Tinto up to $430.4 million for a 30 per cent equity share of the project, comprising $195 million up front and up to $235.4 million in deferred considerations contingent on future milestones. The joint venture was finalised in November 2025, according to the project page. Jackson said at the time that the Rio Tinto-SMM relationship began in 2000 with their partnership at the Northparkes mine in New South Wales. The May 2025 release said a pre-feasibility study for an initial development with processing capacity of up to 10 mtpa was expected to be completed in 2025, along with the submission of an Environmental Review Document under the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority’s Environmental Impact Assessment process. It also said the parties would continue to work together to develop a broader strategic partnership exploring opportunities for commercial, technical and strategic collaboration across copper, other base metals and lithium.

Environmental Approvals and Traditional Owner Engagement

According to Rio Tinto’s project page, the company started formal environmental approvals with the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority in November 2023, with the project subject to a Public Environmental Review, the highest level of environmental assessment. Winu’s Environmental Review Document is open for public comment until 22 October 2026. The project is also progressing approvals through the Commonwealth process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, with a separate opportunity for public comment to occur in line with the assessment pathway and timing determined by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Rio Tinto signed initial agreements with both the Nyangumarta and Martu People in 2023, establishing arrangements for Winu’s planning activities to continue while the parties work towards formal land use and access agreements. The company states that mining will not proceed unless it obtains the Free, Prior and Informed Consent of Traditional Owners. The planned operations are located on Nyangumarta Country, while the Karlkayn Airstrip servicing the Winu site is located on the traditional lands of Martu, and potential water sources are being discussed with the Martu People. Rio Tinto states it is planning to power Winu’s operations largely through renewable energy sources, including solar and wind supported by battery storage, and is already planning for responsible mine closure.