Rio Tinto keeps making hay while virus looms

Pilbara pastoralists have been reassured by mining giant Rio Tinto they will have access to 6000 tonnes of hay this autumn, but have said the full amount is being fast tracked and delivered within the next two weeks rather than over two to three months. Pastoralists had been confused about whether they would have access to the locally grown hay after Rio Tinto issued note to customers saying its two sites would be closed from April 10 until further notice because of the COVID-19 risk. Hours later Rio issued correspondence saying the information was incorrect and it was continuing to supply. A statement issued to media from Rio Tinto said the company was making all efforts to continue operating through the COVID-19 outbreak, which has resulted in the introduction of travel restrictions. Although agriculture has been exempted from the restrictions, prior to receiving this exemption, Rio Tinto put in motion the wheels to start cutting hay early, to minimise risk of any issues with its sale and distribution. “Our primary focus over the past few weeks has been on bringing forward production activities with crop being cut, baled and made available to customers,” Rio Tinto said in a statement. “This accelerated production rate will see approximately 6000 tonnes, two-to-three months of supplies at normal operating rates, delivered to customers over a two week period.” Rio Tinto confirmed it would plant a winter crop and said it was committed to the project longer term. The Hamersley Agricultural Project, which began in 2012, uses good quality surplus water generated from dewatering activity at the Nammuldi and Marandoo mines on the Hamersley pastoral lease, to grow hay for pastoral purposes. The hay is considered a valuable local supply by pastoralists in the region, a major benefit being far lower freight than hay grown in the wheatbelt.

Rio Tinto keeps making hay while virus looms

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