Kerman Contracting has secured a $170 million design and construction (D&C) contract from Rio Tinto for the delivery of non-process infrastructure at the Hope Downs 1 mine in the Pilbara.
The contract follows a collaborative Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, where Kerman partnered with Rio Tinto to develop the preliminary design and engineering scope for mine infrastructure supporting fleet maintenance, servicing, and administrative operations.
Kerman will now undertake the detailed design, engineering and procurement through 2025, with on-site works scheduled to commence by the end of the first quarter in 2026. Completion is targeted for mid-2027.
“Kerman Contracting is reputedly the premier provider of non-process infrastructure to the mining industry in WA with decades long history operating in this sector and region, and this contract award by Rio Tinto is very important to us as a business,” Kerman’s managing director Mark Nagle said. “The Hope Downs 2 Project is exciting, and it adds to our significant pipeline of upcoming projects.”
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“We look forward to working with Rio Tinto and their team to deliver a successful project to support their mining operations.”
Founded in 1981, Kerman specialises in the design and construction of non-process infrastructure and bulk materials handling facilities for the mining and agriculture sectors.
The company has grown steadily through strong financial management and a commitment to excellence, with total project values now exceeding $1 billion.
The Hope Downs 1 mine is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting, located around 100 kilometres northwest of Newman.
This latest contract reinforces Kerman’s strong reputation as a trusted partner in the delivery of critical infrastructure for major mining operations in the region.