Rio Tinto's General Manager (Yandicoogina Operations) Mark Rodgers, pictured on site at the Yandicoogina mine, which is located on the land of our Traditional Owners.

When it comes to impressive track records and dedication at Rio Tinto Iron Ore, they don’t come any better than Mark Rodgers. The General Manager of the Yandicoogina (Yandi) mine - Australia’s largest-producing iron ore mine - and with 600-plus workers under his wings, Mark has dedicated half of his 22 year mining career to Rio Tinto.

But, in a recent interview with Gumala News, the Scottish-born, energetic General Manager took time out to emphasis Rio Tinto’s strong relationship with Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) and the mining giant’s continued commitment to employ more GAC Members at Yandicoogina.

As all Members know, the historic Yandi Land Use Agreement secured by GAC in 1997 enabled the development of the Yandicoogina mine to proceed. That landmark agreement ensures that benefits are delivered to the Banyjima, Nyiyapali and Innawonga people for the life of the mine and beyond.

Mark Rodgers has been General Manager of the Yandicoogina mine operations for three years, having been initially involved in Yandi during the development of the mine’s Junction South East expansion. He has previously managed the Marandoo and Brockman mines, and was the Study Manager at Brockman 4.

Born in Glasgow and moving to Western Australia with his parents in the 1980s, the former mineral processing engineer has worked for 22 years in the mining industry, including 11 years at Rio Tinto.

“Our relationship with Gumala, which has been developing over a number of years, is very important to us,” Mark told Gumala News. “And we will continue to build on this relationship.

“As both organisations have matured, the relationship has matured. I would describe the relationship we have with Gumala as very professional.”

Mark said there are currently 23 full time indigenous employees at Yandicoogina, and Rio Tinto’s aim is to increase the number of traditional owners working at the mine.

“If your Members have the relevant work experience, they should send in their resume to us. If they are capable and are willing to work hard, they can have an employment future with us.”

Rio Tinto also has 10 indigenous trainees involved in a training program to get them work-ready, and is encouraging Gumala Members to follow a similar path.

“We are very keen to get more traditional owners on board at Yandicoogina,” Mark said.

The Junction South East expansion in 2007 and 2008 has brought Yandicoogina’s nameplate annual capacity up to 52 million tonnes. Three plants operate at Yandi, with 38 to 40 trains per week (each train carries 27,000 tonnes) transporting iron ore to Cape Lambert for export.

Last December Yandicoogina became the first mine in Australia to produce 50 million tonnes a year. This was a significant milestone, especially considering the global financial crisis, the slump in demand for iron ore in early 2009 and last year’s severe flood-damage to rail operations. Rio Tinto plans to open up new areas at Yandi, starting with Junction South West.

Yandicoogina is situated in a rich channel iron deposit in the heart of the Pilbara. When the mine was commissioned in 1998, its capacity was 15 million tonnes per annum. Its first full year of operations produced 10.7 million tonnes.

Yandicoogina ore is marketed separately from Rio Tinto’s Pilbara Blend and Robe River products.

The pisolite ore is highly sought after by steel mills for its ability to improve the smelting of other ores. It is successfully marketed in Rio Tinto’s major Asian destinations, where its sinter-efficient properties enhance its value in use in smelting fines.