[8] Rio Tinto iron ore operations in the Pilbara began in 1966.

[9] Ore from the mine is then transported to the coast through the Hamersley & Robe River railway, where it is loaded onto ships.

After a two-year construction period and expenses of A$1 billion, the mine began operation in February 2010.

[citation needed] Robe River Iron, owner of the mine, is jointly owned by the following companies:[2] Robe River Iron operates the West Angelas, Mesa A and Mesa J mines.

[1] Rio Tinto acquired its share of 53% in late 2000, when it took over mining company North Limited.