Rio Tinto, WA government agree framework to sell Dampier desalination plant stake to Yindjibarndi WaterCo
RIO•Framework agreed for stake sale
Rio Tinto signed non-binding agreements with Western Australia to sell their 50:50 stakes in the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant to Yindjibarndi WaterCo.
Deal terms and construction timeline
The plant has a construction budget of A$1.1 billion; a binding deal is targeted by year-end, with pricing tied to construction costs.
Rio Tinto will keep managing construction; operational control is set to shift to Yindjibarndi WaterCo once construction is completed.
Stage 1 is due to complete this year; first water is expected in early 2027, with Stage 2 first water expected in 2027.
Water supply under proposed arrangements
Rio Tinto expects to receive 4 GL of water a year from the plant under the proposed arrangements.
