ОРЕАНДА-НОВОСТИ. Rio Tinto joined with the Shire of Ashburton and the Pilbara Development Commission on Saturday to celebrate the opening of the new $4.6 million Paraburdoo Childcare Centre.

General manager Paraburdoo Operations Gabe Iwanow said “Rio Tinto is proud to have contributed $3 million towards the construction of the childcare centre.

“This new and modern centre will support the learning and growth of local kids and opens up the opportunity for more parents to return to work,” Ms Iwanow said.

“Since 2013, we have also provided over $3.5 million to support community events, programmes and initiatives, and community development in Paraburdoo, Pannawonica and Tom Price,” Ms Iwanow said.

Since 2006, Rio Tinto has paid more than $13 billion in royalties. This has fed the Royalties for Regions scheme and allowed the West Australian Government to build major infrastructure and improve services right across the State.

Rio Tinto spends on average more than $10 billion a year with local goods and services contracts, and contributes approximately $30 million to community initiatives in areas such as health and education.