Minister for State Development Bill Marmion approved the $247 million Oxbow deposit at Yandicoogina, and the $120 million Deposit F at West Angelas.
The two developments are expected to create around 340 construction jobs.
“This is great news for the resources sector and will create opportunities for workers and contractors who are doing it tough in the current climate,” Marmion said.
“These approvals will allow Rio Tinto to maintain its current level of production at two sites, Yandicoogina and West Angelas.”
Rio requires the developments to maintain current production levels of 330-340 million tonnes per annum.
The company is planning to start mining at Deposit F this year and Oxbow next year.
A development decision on the $US1 billion, 20Mtpa Silvergrass greenfields development will be made by the Rio board this year.
Shares in Rio were A79c lower at $43.90.
