Stock Markets February 2, 2026

NRW Holdings Shares Rise After Securing A$175m Rio Tinto Earthworks Contract

Win in Western Australia adds to recent project awards for the engineering and mining services firm

By Maya Rios RIO
NRW Holdings Shares Rise After Securing A$175m Rio Tinto Earthworks Contract
RIO

NRW Holdings has been awarded a bulk earthworks contract from Rio Tinto valued at about A$175 million for the West Angelas Sustaining Project, prompting a near 7% rise in its shares. The Sydney-listed contractor also reported additional civil and port-related contract wins, with work expected to begin in early 2026 and extend into 2027.

Key Points

  • NRW was awarded a bulk earthworks contract from Rio Tinto for the West Angelas Sustaining Project valued at about A$175 million - impacts the mining services and construction sectors.
  • The Rio Tinto project work is expected to begin in early 2026 and run through 2027, with a peak workforce of around 220 people - relevant to labour and project delivery considerations.
  • NRW additionally won a A$46 million construct-only road contract from Main Roads Western Australia and a roughly A$49 million contract via a 50:50 joint venture for the Dampier Link Bridge - affecting infrastructure and port works activity.

Shares of Australia-listed NRW Holdings (ASX:NWH) climbed on Tuesday following confirmation that the engineering and mining services group has secured a significant contract from Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO). The award adds to a string of recent project wins for the company.

NRW said the Rio Tinto engagement is a bulk earthworks contract for the West Angelas Sustaining Project in Western Australia, with a contract value of roughly A$175 million. The scope includes creating access to five satellite mining pits and will incorporate haul road construction, a concrete overpass arch and associated infrastructure works.

Market reaction was immediate: NRW shares rose almost 7% to A$5.52 as of 01:02 GMT.

According to the company, activity on the Rio Tinto project is scheduled to commence in early 2026 and continue through 2027. The work is expected to reach a peak headcount of approximately 220 personnel during the programme.

NRW also reported two separate contract awards. Its wholly owned subsidiary, NRW Contracting, was chosen by Main Roads Western Australia for a construct-only contract covering the reconstruction and realignment of Toodyay Road. That contract carries an initial value of A$46 million.

In addition, NRW said it has secured a contract of around A$49 million via a 50:50 joint venture for the Dampier Link Bridge project for Pilbara Ports.

The company emphasised that the civil contracts do not require any material capital outlay.


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Risks

  • Timing and execution risk - the Rio Tinto project is expected to begin in early 2026 and proceed through 2027, creating reliance on schedule adherence for delivery and revenue recognition.
  • Workforce and operational scaling - the project anticipates a peak workforce of about 220 people, which introduces execution and resourcing demands for the company and its contractors.
  • Joint-venture and contract structure considerations - one of the identified contracts is held via a 50:50 joint venture and another is a construct-only engagement, which may affect margin profiles and cash flow dynamics for NRW.

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