Rio Tinto Ltd plans to accelerate its Pilbara iron ore expansion program in Western Australia by spending $US350 million ($A329 million) on early works and procurement.
The global mining giant said that iron ore production capacity would reach 333 million tonnes a year in the first half of 2015, six months earlier than planned.
A total of $US676 million would be spent by the participants in the project, with Rio's share being $US350 million, to bring forward engineering work for the port and rail infrastructure.
Rio's chief executive for iron ore and Australia Sam Walsh said the latest spending would mean the company would bring extra iron ore to market earlier.
"The demand outlook continues to be strong with supply lagging elsewhere in the industry and we are seeing new supplies proving slower to materialise than predicted," Mr Walsh said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We are taking the opportunity to bring forward the next phase of our major capacity expansion to reap the benefits early and at no additional cost."
The mining giant began to implement its Pilbara expansion plan in 2010. The aim is to lift capacity by 50 per cent over five years in 2010.
Rio flagged the fast-tracking to analysts during a site tour last week.
The early port works mostly include extra accommodation, dredging, marine works and stockyard earth works and the purchase of equipment.
The rail-related funding will enable early engineering and faster procurement of long-lead items such as rail plant, Rio Tinto said.
Studies will continue in 2011 to determine the best mine development path to meet the schedule, as will studies for supporting infrastructure such as utilities, fuel and accommodation, the company said.
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