WORK has begun on Rio Tinto’s Norman Creek access project at the world-class Amrun bauxite mine on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula.
An initial investment of US$180 million has been made by the company to enable mining of the Norman Creek region of Amrun, which holds approximately half of the currently declared Amrun Ore Reserves of 978 million tonnes.
An announcement by Rio Tinto said construction is underway on key infrastructure, including a 19-kilometre haul road, camp accommodation and a communications tower.
First production from Norman Creek is targeted for 2027, with full construction completed in 2028.
Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium Managing Director Armando Torres said: “Norman Creek is another important step in securing the long-term future of our Weipa operations, and the benefits that mining brings to communities in the region, Queensland, and the nation.
“It will maintain jobs in the region through to at least the middle of this century, ensuring continuity for our people and the Weipa community.
“The decision to approve Norman Creek reflects the quality of Western Cape York’s world-class bauxite deposits, combined with the strong operational improvements our people are making at Amrun that are bolstering our confidence to invest for the long-term.”
The statement from Rio said that in addition to the Norman Creek project, it had started early works and a final feasibility study on the Kangwinan project, which includes early works and final engineering studies to increase production capacity at the Amrun bauxite mine.
“If approved, Kangwinan would increase annual bauxite production capacity from Rio Tinto’s Weipa Southern operations, by up to 20 million tonnes, in addition to the current 23 million tonnes, and expand export capacity through the Amrun port. The project was named Kangwinan at the request of Traditional Owners, the Wik Waya people,” the notice said.
“Production from the Kangwinan project would replace output from the Andoom mine on Cape York and the Gove mine in the Northern Territory, which are both expected to close toward the end of the current decade. First output from the Kangwinan project could be as early as 2029.
“The Norman Creek investment is expected to be classified as replacement capital and has been factored into the Group’s capital guidance.”