The Pilbara is home to some of the oldest rock formations on the planet, dating back more than three billion years. In essence, when you’re in the Pilbara, you’re looking at a part of the Earth’s crust as it was billions of years ago before even plate tectonics began. For reference, that’s extremely rare to find.
Even rarer was the 2007 discovery of ancient, fossilised sulphur-consuming bacteria dating back around 3.4 billion years, representing some of the earliest known evidence of life ever found on the planet(Pilbara | Outback, Iron Ore & Mining | Britannica, n.d.).
The banded iron hematite that the Pilbara is famous for is very old indeed, though its age is debated anywhere between 2.5 billion and 541 million years ago. The red rocks the region is known for are an indication of high levels of iron oxide throughout.
One of the most prominent players in the Pilbara mining industry is BHP, a multinational mining and metals company that has been operating in the region for decades. BHP’s enormous network of iron ore mines, rail infrastructure, and port facilities have made it a dominant force in the region. Just as an example, the Mount Whaleback named above is now host to two mines that make up Newman Operations: Newman East and Newman West. The two operations alone combine for 78 million tonnes in iron ore production.
Another major presence in the region is Rio Tinto, another global mining giant with a massive stake in the region. Rio Tinto similarly operates a wide network of iron ore mines, rail lines, and port facilities. The company is also a major employer in the region, providing jobs for thousands of residents. For those curious, Rio Tinto operates 17 mines, 3 port terminals, and 2,000 kilometres of rail network in the region. Consequently, the company accounts for a significant portion of the Pilbara’s total ore output.
Fortescue also has one of the largest presences in the region, with 3 iron ore operations and 760 kilometres of rail lines to match. Fortescue has also invested heavily in solar energy for their mining operations, aiming to deliver 25% of the company’s stationary energy requirements by FY2025. The company has shipped north than 2 billion tonnes of iron ore on its 8 ore carriers since 2008(Brief History of Pilbara Mining | KW Civil & Construction, n.d.) .
Reference:
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Brief History of Pilbara Mining | KW Civil & Construction. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://kwcivil.com.au/brief-history-of-pilbara-mining/
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Pilbara | Outback, Iron Ore & Mining | Britannica. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Pilbara
