← Hancock knowledge base

Operating · Mine hub

Hope Downs

A major Hancock investment operated through Rio Tinto's integrated Pilbara system rather than Hancock Iron Ore.

Product
Hematite iron ore
Location
East Pilbara, north-west of Newman
Traditional Country
Banjima and Nyiyaparli Country
Opened
First production 2007

Site profile

How the operation fits Hancock's iron ore interests.

Operations

Hope Downs 1 and 4 are established producers. Hope Downs 2 and Bedded Hilltop are being developed for 31 Mtpa combined, with first ore scheduled for 2027.

Ownership

50:50 joint venture between Hancock Prospecting and Rio Tinto

Automation & technology

The hub uses Rio Tinto's autonomous mine, processing, AutoHaul rail and port network. The new deposits reuse Hope Downs 1 infrastructure.

Workforce context

Hope Downs 2 is expected to create more than 950 construction jobs and help sustain about 1,000 full-time-equivalent roles across the Greater Hope Downs hub.

LATITUDE22.93° S
LONGITUDE119.13° E
STATUSOperating
PRIMARY PRODUCTHematite iron ore
Approximate regional coordinates only — not a site entrance, travel or navigation reference.

Financial context

Ownership matters when reading the numbers.

Hancock Prospecting is private and does not publish a complete standalone profit-and-loss statement for Hope Downs in the same way an ASX-listed operator reports segments. Roy Hill, the former Atlas portfolio and Hope Downs also have different ownership structures.

Open Hancock financial snapshot

Primary source

Verify the operational detail.

This independent profile was compiled from Hancock Prospecting, Hancock Iron Ore and relevant project information. Facts can change with mine plans, approvals and reporting periods.

Open primary source ↗

Continue through the Pilbara

Related profiles.