Rio Tinto and the Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation have signed a Project Agreement granting formal Indigenous consent for the proposed Winu copper-gold mine located in Western Australia's Great Sandy Desert, approximately 300 kilometres south of Broome.

The co-designed agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the Nyangumarta People and Rio Tinto, ensuring community knowledge, priorities, and cultural perspectives inform the ongoing planning, environmental management, and cultural heritage protection for the project. Under the arrangement, the Nyangumarta People have given their consent for the mine and associated infrastructure on Nyangumarta Country, which is anticipated to be the first mine developed in the area and a creator of long-term pathways for training, employment, and local business participation.

Rio Tinto originally discovered the Winu copper-gold deposit in 2017. The project is being advanced as the company's most advanced near-term greenfield copper project, serving as an important part of its strategy to grow its copper portfolio.

The asset is structured as a joint venture partnership where Rio Tinto holds a 70 per cent interest and acts as the operating managing partner, alongside Sumitomo Metal Mining Co, which holds the remaining 30 per cent interest. The partnership follows an initial term sheet agreed in December 2024 and definitive agreements signed in May 2025.

Development of the project and construction of associated infrastructure remain subject to receiving necessary regulatory and other required approvals, as well as a final investment decision by the joint venture partners. Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Metal Mining are advancing the asset with a target of achieving first copper production by 2030.

“The signing of this Agreement is an important step forward in advancing Winu towards first copper by 2030.” — Katie Jackson, Rio Tinto Copper Chief Executive

The milestone agreement builds on a Project Planning Agreement signed in 2023, setting the operational and collaborative terms for the life of the project.

Read the full announcement: Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto sign milestone agreement for Winu Project