---
title: "Rio Tinto celebrates 60 years in Western Australia"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/296660547.md"
description: "Rio Tinto celebrates its 60th anniversary in Western Australia, marking the first iron ore shipment from Dampier to Japan in 1966. The company highlights its role in developing the Pilbara region, having shipped over 8 billion tonnes of iron ore globally. It is now a major private sector employer and invested A$12 billion with local businesses in 2025. To mark the milestone, Rio Tinto donated photographs to the State Library and hosted a historic NBL basketball game in Karratha."
datetime: "2026-08-22T00:33:12.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/296660547.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296660547.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/296660547.md)
generator: "portal-rs"
---

# Rio Tinto celebrates 60 years in Western Australia

KARRATHA, Australia-- Rio Tinto is commemorating its 60th year in Western Australia by remembering the significant milestone of the initial iron ore shipment from Dampier to Japan. This historic event took place on August 22, 1966, when the ship Houn Maru set sail. A groundbreaking agreement with Japanese steel mills was established for the purchase of 65.5 million tonnes of iron ore within a 15-year timeframe. This deal, regarded as the largest export agreement in Australia at that time, provided the necessary commercial stability for the development of the Pilbara region. Celebrating six decades of presence, Rio Tinto acknowledges the enduring impact of this key moment.

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> **Disclaimer: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.**