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.