What's Happening?
Rio Tinto has announced a $276 million investment to develop the Norman Creek area at its Amrun bauxite operations in Queensland. The project includes the construction of key infrastructure such as a 19km haul road, camp accommodation, and a communications tower. This development will enable mining in the Norman Creek region, which contains approximately half of Amrun's 978 million tonnes of declared ore reserves. The first production is expected in 2027, with full construction completion targeted for 2028. Armando Torres, managing director of Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium, emphasized the project's importance in securing the long-term future of Weipa operations and supporting local communities.
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Why It's Important?
The investment in Norman Creek is crucial for maintaining jobs in the region and ensuring continuity for the Weipa community. It reflects the quality of Western Cape York's world-class bauxite deposits and Rio Tinto's confidence in investing for the long term. The project is expected to sustain employment in the area through at least the middle of the century, providing economic stability and growth opportunities for local communities. Additionally, the expansion aligns with Rio Tinto's strategic goals to enhance production capacity and replace output from aging mines.
What's Next?
Following the Norman Creek investment, Rio Tinto plans to continue early works and feasibility studies for the proposed Kangwinan project, which aims to further expand production capacity at Amrun. The Kangwinan project could increase production by up to 20 million tonnes annually, supplementing the current 23 million tonnes. First production from Kangwinan is anticipated as early as 2029, replacing output from the Andoom and Gove mines expected to close by the end of the decade.
