Rio Tinto is taking decisive steps to prioritize the safety of its personnel as Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which has escalated to a Category 5 system, approaches the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the cyclone is expected to make landfall between Port Hedland and Karratha on Friday, local time, bringing with it the potential for severe weather events, including strong winds and heavy rainfall.
In preparation for the impending storm, both Cape Lambert and Dampier Ports have been fully evacuated, and all maritime and rail operations have been suspended to ensure the safety of workers and resources. Additionally, operations at Dampier Salt facilities located in Port Hedland and Dampier have been temporarily halted. The company is closely monitoring the situation and will implement further safety measures as needed, prioritizing the well-being of its employees and the surrounding community.