The move follows state government approval for $880 million worth of expansions by Rio, including a ramp-up of production at West Angelas from 29 million tonnes per annum to 35Mtpa.

The mine is also expected to extend its life by about 13 years.

Under the contract, the Brierty-Karlayura joint venture will construct about 11km of access roads.

Works will include pavement upgrades for the main access, village and airport access roads for service vehicles and new construction at the mine site.

The project is planned to begin this month and take eight months to complete.

It represents the first major contract for the JV, established in July last year to focus on works in WA’s Pilbara region.

Brierty managing director Peter McBain said the project was also a means for his company to assist in the development of an independent Pilbara Aboriginal contracting company.

“We are very proud of our achievements in supporting Aboriginal employment and business opportunities in the Pilbara, which is an important element of our reconciliation action plan,” he said.

Development of West Angelas is part of Rio’s plan to increase its annual iron ore production in the Pilbara to 360Mt.

The program is expected to create around 290 jobs during construction, with the ongoing operations workforce expanding by 200 to a total of 1300.

Shares in Rio last closed at $63.37 while Brierty shares last closed at 35.5c.