BHP Billiton is to invest US$570M in its Western Australian iron ore production.

The investment expands on BHP Billiton's investment of US$1.73bn in January and will facilitate ongoing development of port, rail and Jimblebar mine infrastructure.

BHP Billiton iron ore president Ian Ashby said: “The investment further progresses our conveyor belt of Rapid Growth Projects and ensures the company is well positioned to deliver production growth into a tight and growing market.

"Our volume maximising strategy remains unchanged as we continue to update our longer term growth plans.”

BHP Billito’s partners in its Pilbara iron ore operations are: Itochu Minerals & Energy of Australia Pty Ltd, Mitsui-Itochu Iron Pty Ltd and Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation Pty Ltd.