Rio Tinto has partnered with the Western Australian Government in a 50:50 joint venture to complete both stages of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant expansion. The A$1.1 billion facility, once fully operational, will deliver eight gigalitres of desalinated water annually to the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme. 

This initiative aims to significantly reduce groundwater abstraction from the Bungaroo and Millstream aquifers, which have faced pressure due to below-average rainfall in recent years. 

Construction of Stage 1 is currently underway and is expected to begin delivering four gigalitres of annual capacity later this year, while Stage 2 has commenced construction with first water anticipated in 2027. 

The project builds upon a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding focused on strengthening water security in the Pilbara region and addresses concerns raised by Traditional Owner groups regarding groundwater extraction from culturally significant aquifers.