Nippon Steel Corporation and Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. announced they have decided to invest to expand capacity at Cape Lambert by 70 million tons per year. They will also replace existing port facilities which are jointly operated with the Rio Tinto group in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

While Cape Lambert is currently under construction to increase its nameplate capacity from 80 million tons to 133 million tons per year, this new port expansion will further increase its nameplate capacity to 203 million tons per year. The first ore shipment is scheduled for the first half of 2015. The expansion project is subject to Robe River JV partner approval.

The Robe River JV is also studying a mine expansion and is continuously enhancing its ability to supply iron ore to its customers.

About the Robe River JV:
1. History:

• 1972: Commenced the shipment of iron ore from Robe River
• 1977: Participation in a JV by Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metals
• 2000: Participation by Rio Tinto in a JV after the "North" TOB
• 2002: Commenced the shipment of iron ore from West Angelas
• 2009: Expanded Cape Lambert from 57 million tons to 80 million tons per year
• 2010: Commenced the shipment of iron ore from Mesa A
• 2010: Recorded the shipment of a total of 1 billion tons
• 2010: Approved the expansion of Cape Lambert from 80 million tons to 133 million tons per year

2. Shares in the Robe River JV:

• Rio Tinto 53%
• Mitsui Iron Ore Development 33%
• Nippon Steel Australia 10.5%
• Sumitomo Metal Australia 3.5%