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Highlights

  • Primero Group, a subsidiary of NRW Holdings, has secured a $157 million contract from Rio Tinto for work at the Hope Downs 1 sustaining project in WA’s Pilbara region.

  • The scope includes design, supply, and construction of non-process infrastructure, with completion expected by December 2026.

  • Site works will commence in Q4 2025, pending external approvals, while design and procurement begin immediately.

Engineering contractor Primero Group, a subsidiary of NRW Holdings (NWH), has landed a major $157 million contract with mining giant Rio Tinto for the development of key infrastructure at the Hope Downs 1 sustaining project in the Pilbara region.

The agreement will see Primero take charge of the design, supply, installation, and construction of non-process infrastructure facilities, supporting Rio Tinto’s long-term mining operations in one of the world’s most significant iron ore provinces. The contract is scheduled to run through to December 2026.

Early works under the contract—including design and procurement—will commence immediately, ensuring critical timelines are met. However, major on-site construction activity is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, once all necessary external approvals have been secured.

The Hope Downs operation, located in Western Australia’s East Pilbara, is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting. The site encompasses three major open-pit mines and is a significant contributor to Rio Tinto’s high-grade lump and fines iron ore exports.

The Hope Downs 1 sustaining project, part of the broader Hope Downs mining hub, includes the development of the Hope Downs 2 and Bedded Hill Top deposits, aimed at sustaining long-term production capacity and resource continuity. The expansion forms part of Rio Tinto’s broader strategy to extend mine life and operational efficiency across its Pilbara assets.

Primero’s managing director Michael Gollschewski welcomed the contract, highlighted that

“This award represents the continuation of our long-term relationship with Rio Tinto through the delivery of world-class infrastructure projects. It’s a strong endorsement of our team’s capabilities and our commitment to excellence in execution,” Gollschewski said.

NRW Holdings, Primero’s parent company, has been steadily increasing its profile in the Australian mining sector through targeted investments and strategic project wins.