NRW Holdings has been awarded a bulk earthworks contract at Rio Tinto’s new ‘Intelligent Mine’, Koodaideri, in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The A$65 million ($46 million) work of works included bulk earthworks and drainage, the ASX-listed contractor said, adding that it was expected to run for 11 months, commencing on site in April.

Koodaideri is set to deliver a new production hub for Rio’s iron ore business and is 35 km northwest of the Yandicoogina mine in the east Pilbara.

In December, it was announced that Perth-based Pindan will build a 780-room construction camp at Koodaideri as part of a A$45 million contract award.

Construction on Koodaideri Phase 1 will start this year with first production expected in late 2021. Once complete, the $2.6 billion mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt, underpinning production of the company’s flagship iron ore product, Pilbara Blend.

In addition to mine infrastructure and the accommodation camp, an airport and mine support facilities will be built. Throughout the construction period, Rio expects to employ over 2,000 people with 600 permanent roles created once the mine is operational.