Yindjibarndi majority-owned water business, Yindjibarndi Water, is set to lead a transaction to acquire and operate the 8-gigalitre-per-year Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant (DSDP) in the West Pilbara, having reached agreements with Rio Tinto and the Western Australian Government.
Perth-based firm Affinity Capital Group partnered with Yindjibarndi Water’s nominee entity, Yindjibarndi WaterCo, to raise the capital to purchase the DSDP, through its funds management arm, the Pilbara Water Fund.
The acquisition reflects the Yindjibarndi People’s ambition to create long-term economic opportunities for the Yindjibarndi People, and to deliver an enduring, climate-independent solution that protects the cultural and ecological values of the Millstream Aquifer while meeting the water needs of West Pilbara coastal communities and industry, including Rio Tinto’s operations.
In addition, the agreement establishes a platform for Yindjibarndi Water to develop capability to operate desalination water infrastructure while securing long-term economic returns for the Yindjibarndi People and the potential to develop additional sustainable sources of groundwater.
Comments attributable to Yindjibarndi Water Chairperson, Mr Michael Woodley:
“This agreement results from the Yindjibarndi People’s longstanding drive to protect water on our Ngurra (Country), and our goal to build shared understanding and shared responsibility.
“As witnesses of the impacts of groundwater over-abstraction on cultural sites and the ecology at Millstream, Yindjibarndi Elders have always put water on the agenda of every discussion.
“We formed Yindjibarndi Water as a majority Yindjibarndi-owned entity in 2021 to find a solution to over-abstraction from Millstream for the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme, knowing that this would be particularly challenging given the region’s critical water needs for both public use and industry.
“Yindjibarndi Water conducted independent scientific and cultural studies at Millstream and presented these to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in 2024, leading last year to a partnership agreement with the State Government and the Water Corporation under which groundwater bores would be relocated away from culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.
“Those studies also identified additional sustainable groundwater sources on Yindjibarndi country that may be able to meet some of that future demand.
“The Yindjibarndi People’s longstanding concerns about over-abstraction have always been coupled with an aspiration to offer positive solutions through respectful and collaborative partnerships.
“We warmly acknowledge the Western Australian Government and Rio Tinto – our partners in this agreement – and our capability partners, The Right Water Company and Affinity Capital Group, for delivering this significant milestone.
“This agreement will strengthen water security in the West Pilbara; sustainably diversify water supplies for the Water Corporation and Rio Tinto; and deliver much-needed environmental relief while preserving Yindjibarndi cultural heritage at Millstream.
“This is another step on the Yindjibarndi path to self-determination by delivering a secure, long-term economic return and, over time, enabling us to grow operational capability through employment, training and contracting arrangements.”
Further information:
• Rio Tinto remains responsible for managing the construction activities for the DSDP, which is expected to be fully operational in 2027, producing up to 8gigalitres of water a year. Water from the plant will supply the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme, operated by the Water Corporation, which distributes drinking water to homes and businesses across Karratha, Wickham, Roebourne, Dampier, and surrounding areas, as well as major industry.
• Yindjibarndi Water is 60% owned by the Yindjibarndi People through Yindjibarndi Wealth Pty Ltd, with The Right Water Company Pty Ltd owning the remaining 40% as a minority shareholder.
• In May, Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), a partnership between Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and ACEN Corporation, achieved financial close on a 75 MW solar project in the West Pilbara and signed a 30-year power purchase agreement with Rio Tinto (details here).
Photos (credit Yindjibarndi Water):
- Yindjibarndi Nation, Yindjibarndi Water and Affinity Capital Group representatives at the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant site, Monday 27 July 2026.
- Water lilies, Millstream
More photos available on request.
For further information, email: media@yindjibarndi.org.au
