Automation and robotics solutions provider, Scott Technology (NZX: SCT), has been awarded a further multi-million dollar
contract by Rio Tinto to provide and commission the equipment for a new sample preparation and analysis laboratory at
the Robe Valley mine site in Western Australia.
This is the second significant iron-ore sample laboratory project awarded to Scott Technology by Rio Tinto in 2020. It
builds on the decades-long relationship between the two businesses and Scott’s expertise and experience in this area.
The Robe Valley project scope comprises of equipment from Scott Technology’s Rocklabs business as well as third party
supply. Work has begun on the development and planning for the new laboratory, which is expected to commence operation
in June 2021.
CEO of Scott Technology, John Kippenberger, said: “Scott has demonstrated success at many iron-ore mine site
laboratories in recent years, with our Rocklabs crushers and mills providing safe, reliable, productive operation for
our clients. We are excited to be working with the Rio Tinto team on another important mining laboratory project. This
comes on the back of the positive Rio Tinto Koodaideri project work, which is currently underway and also in Western
Australia. As recently announced, building work and site mobilisation has commenced at Koodaideri, in line with the
original timetable.
“This latest contract award further cements Scott’s evolution in the mining sector from a world leading supplier of
sample preparation equipment, to a complete end-to-end automation and analysis solution provider. The iron-ore sector is
continuing to experience positive interest and investment in automation given the underlying strength in demand across
precious metals and iron ore. We see an increasing opportunity for our business, for more projects of the same scale
with both existing and new customers as they seek increased safety and greater productivity."About the Robe Valley mine site:
The Robe Valley produces ore from operations at Mesa A hub and Mesa J hub. Coarse ore from both Mesa A and Mesa J is
processed to lump and fines in the process plant at Cape Lambert. The Robe Valley is located approximately 140
kilometres southwest of Karratha in the Pilbara region of WA.
The Robe Valley deposits are owned by the Robe JV which is 53% owned by Rio Tinto, 33% by Mitsui Iron Ore Development
and 14% by Nippon Steel Sumitomo Metals Corporation. The primary requirement of the Robe Valley Sustaining Project (RVS)
is to sustain production from the Robe Valley from the year 2020.About Rio Tinto:
Rio Tinto is one of world’s largest mining companies and operates in 35 different countries. Scott has a proud history
of close collaboration with Rio Tinto in developing, delivering and maintaining successful solutions across iron ore,
diamonds and copper operations.