Rinehart unveils mega-miner merger

Hancock Prospecting is uniting two of WA’s iron ore giants, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron, under a new banner as part of a major operational reform.

The rebrand, effective as of July 1, will see the companies combine strengths and experience as Hancock Iron Ore.

Roy Hill is one of Australia’s leading iron ore miners, shipping more than 64mt annually to overseas steelmaking markets and employing more than 2,800 workers.

Atlas Iron was acquired by Hancock in 2018 and has since accelerated its growth, now mining and exporting more than 10mt of iron ore annually.

Together, Roy Hill and Atlas have delivered more than $11.5b in royalties and taxes to the WA Government, supporting many local businesses and communities.

Hancock Prospecting executive chairwoman Dr Gina Rinehart says the merger is not just a rebrand.

“We are building on the exceptional legacy and remarkable achievements of all at Roy Hill, Atlas Iron and Hancock,” she said.

“Roy, Atlas and Hancock have been recognised with many prestigious awards, including for operational excellence, outstanding safety practices, the use of innovation and new technologies like AI — leading the way and setting new standards for others in the industry to aspire to.”

The company is anticipating a major milestone of shipping 500mt or iron ore to global markets in the coming days.

Hancock Iron Ore chief executive Gerhard Veldsman says the world of iron ore is evolving and so is the company.

“Atlas Iron and Roy Hill are joining forces to become Hancock Iron Ore — bringing together our experience and combined strengths, and continuing to support many small, medium and larger businesses in WA and across Australia,” he said.

A new headquarters is planned in West Perth and occupancy is scheduled for 2026.

The name change will not affect customer, vendor or partner contractual obligations with both companies remaining under the same trading entities.