A key Kumba asset is the joint venture with Hancock Prospecting at the Hope Downs iron ore deposit in the Pilbara. The deposit of 400 million tonnes could underpin a development capable of producing 25 million tonnes a year. Any new mine outside the BHP Billiton/Rio Tinto stables is likely to be welcomed by Asian steel-making customers. Apart from depriving BHP Billiton/Rio Tinto of additional market share, Hope Downs would also force the pair to adjust their own growth plans to maintain strong iron ore prices.