RCR Mining Technologies has continued its strong start under the guidance of new owner NRW Holdings, winning a “significant” original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment package from Rio Tinto for the miner’s Koodaideri iron ore project in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The new order is for the supply of three large apron feeders, 11 slide gates and two belt feeders, to a combined value in excess of A$18 million ($12.2 million), NRW said.

NRW signed a deal with RCR Tomlinson’s administrators, back in January, to acquire the mining and heat treatment businesses of RCR for A$10 million in cash. Back then, NRW said the purchase of the international OEM and innovative materials handling designer would allow the company to provide incremental services, in line with its strategic objectives, to several core clients common to both NRW and the RCR businesses.

Ian Gibbs, Executive General Manager of RCRMT, said: “RCRMT has a long and proud history of supplying major equipment to Rio Tinto and the WA mining industry.

“Since transitioning to NRW ownership, we have been able to secure orders for all the current major iron ore projects to retain our status as the market leader in the design and manufacture of apron and belt feeders, which is an exciting achievement against a highly regarded multinational supply market.”

NRW CEO and Managing Director, Jules Pemberton, said: “The award represents further validation of our acquisition approach to provide clients with a broader service offering. I’d also like to acknowledge Ian Gibbs and his team who have worked hard to secure this work which will further support activity at both the Bunbury and Welshpool sites.”

NRW’s businesses have already won two contracts on the Koodaideri project – one for rail formation work and another for bulk earthworks.