The Western Australian Government is joining forces with Rio Tinto to complete Stage 1 and 2 of the $1.1 billion Dampier seawater desalination plant.

The Cook Government is entering into the project through a $606 million investment, doubling the plant’s capacity to eight gigalitres (GL) per year.

Rio Tinto has commenced construction on Stage 1 of the plant, with the initial 4GL delivery of water to be unlocked later this year. Construction on Stage 2 of the plant (also 4GL) has also commenced, with first flows expected in 2027.

Water from the plant will feed the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme and ease the pressure on a region that’s experienced below-average rainfall over the last five years. This will see groundwater abstraction from culturally and ecologically sensitive locations such as the Bungaroo and Millstream borefields reduced.

“We understand water is a scarce resource, especially in the Pilbara,” Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Matthew Holcz said. “Bringing on the Dampier seawater desalination plant is an important step as we work to reduce our reliance on groundwater abstraction.”

WA Minister for Water Don Punch echoed Holcz’s sentiment.

“This investment by the Cook Government is a significant step in safeguarding long‑term water security for West Pilbara communities, while also creating the foundations for sustained economic growth and future development across the region,” he said.

“Reduced rainfall is placing increasing pressure on both our surface water and groundwater systems, as well as the ecosystems and cultural landscapes that rely on them.”

Operated by Water Corporation, the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme supplies the towns of Karratha, Wickham, Dampier and Roebourne as well as the industrial areas of Cape Lambert and the Burrup Peninsula.

The Dampier desalination plant was first announced in June 2023 by Rio Tinto, which pledged to commit an initial $395 million.

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