Ngarluma and Rio Tinto to progress renewable energy project

Rio Tinto and Ngarluma people have partnered together to build a solar farm on Ngaluruma Country after a memorandum of understanding was signed to explore opportunities for renewable energy projects on Country.

The project will be located next to Rio Tinto’s Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha.



The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions and displace up to 11% of natural gas currently used. for generation across Rio Tinto’s mining operations across the Pilbara 

Richard Cohen, Rio Tinto’s Managing Director of Rail, Port & Core Services, said we are incredibly proud to progress this project along with the Ngarluma people

"We are incredibly proud to progress this project along with the Ngarluma people and are grateful for their effort and support to reach this important milestone.

“Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions – they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People,”

Ljuba Mojovic, Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive, said we are fortunate to embark on our first renewable energy project with Rio Tinto to reduce emissions and create economic opportunities for the Ngarluma People.

"The solar farm project will enable NAC to realise sustainable revenues, increase contracting opportunities and contribute to a positive environmental impact in the Pilbara.

"This project development is a testament to the enduring strength of our special relationship with Rio Tinto and our shared commitment to working together to create a more sustainable future."

It is estimated that 600MW to 700MW of renewable energy will be required by 2030 to displace the majority of gas use across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara power network, while additional renewable energy will be required to support widespread fleet electrification, which is expected after 2030.