91ºÚÁÏÍø

The Winu Project is a copper-gold deposit located in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, approximately 320 kilometres east of Port Hedland.
 
Since discovering mineralisation at the site in 2017, we’ve been working closely with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to develop a greenfield mining project. 

Our planned operations are located on Nyangumarta Country, and the Karlkayn Airstrip servicing the Winu site is located on the traditional lands of Martu. We continue to work closely with both Traditional Owner groups on all aspects of Winu’s planning to minimise our impact on Country. 
 
As temporary stewards of the land, we’re already planning for responsible mine closure, considering issues like how we will manage waste, minimise disruption to the local community and economy, and remediate and manage the site and local environment after closure.  

We’re also planning to power Winu’s operations largely through renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, supported by battery storage. 

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Copper

Copper has many important jobs. It’s found in everything from pots and pans, to the water pipes in our homes and the radiators in our cars. It also plays an essential role in computers, smartphones, electronics, appliances and construction.  
 
Used as a tiny antenna in many hearing aids, copper helps people hear for the first time. And bonus: it has antimicrobial properties, meaning it helps keep bacteria away.  
 
Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity on the planet. So it’s found in everything from the electrical wiring in your house to renewable power sources like wind turbines. And because it can , it’s going to play an important part in a more sustainable future. 

Working with Traditional Owners on Country  

Throughout all aspects of the project, we’ve been working with the land’s Traditional Owners to understand the aesthetic, cultural and economic importance of the landscape and minimise our impact on Country.  
 
If approved, Winu would be the first mining operation to be developed on Nyangumarta Country, where the proposed mine’s infrastructure will be built. We’re also working closely with the Martu People, on whose Country an airstrip servicing the mine is located and where potential water sources are being discussed.  

In 2023, we signed initial agreements with both Nyangumarta and Martu People, establishing arrangements for Winu’s planning activities to continue while we work with each group towards formal land use and access agreements. Under these agreements, all aspects of planning continue to be informed by Traditional Owner voices. 

Mining will not proceed unless we obtain the Free, Prior and Informed Consent of Traditional Owners. 

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Our joint venture partnership 

In November 2025, we finalised a joint venture partnership with experienced copper miner, . The partnership, which is based on shared values around safety, respect for land-connected peoples and minimising our environmental impact, will provide additional resources and expertise to support the development of Winu.  

Under the agreement, we will continue to develop and operate Winu as the managing partner, while SMM will hold a 30% equity interest. 

Environmental approvals

In November 2023, we started formal environmental approvals with the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), with the project being subject to the highest level of environmental assessment – a Public Environmental Review.  

To support this assessment process, Winu has worked constructively with the EPA to prepare a comprehensive Environmental Review Document (ERD) that clearly explains the proposed project, the environmental studies undertaken, potential impacts assessed, and the measures proposed to avoid, minimise, manage and, where required, offset residual impacts during construction, operations and closure. 

The ERD reflects the findings of extensive survey work undertaken with the Traditional Owners to understand what the biology of the land means for their social, cultural and spiritual connections to Country, and how this can best be protected. 

As part of the EPA assessment process, Winu’s ERD will be available for public comment. Interested parties can view and comment on the ERD on the EPA’s website during the public review period, which closes on 22 October 2026. A copy is also available below.

Winu is also progressing approvals through the Commonwealth environmental assessment process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. A separate opportunity for public comment under the EPBC Act will occur in the future, in line with the assessment pathway and timing determined by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). 

Community feedback 

We are open to community feedback about all aspects of Winu’s operations. Our Communities and Social Performance (CSP) team oversees a grievance management procedure to handle any concerns or complaints in a timely way. Read more about .

Lodge a complaint or concern

Contact our CSP team

Winu CSP Team
91ºÚÁÏÍø – Central Park 
Level 18, 152-158 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000

E: WinuCSPteam@riotinto.com
T: +61 474 438 557

Contact Winu

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