Rio Tinto approves US$1.9b project

Following the approval of the US$1.9 billion Amrun project, Rio Tinto will expand the output of one of the worlds premier bauxite deposits. The yearly output is estimated at 22.8 million tonnes, replacing the East Weipa mine which is nearing depletion and further increasing Cape York's exports by an approximated 10 million tonnes. 

"It is the single largest private investment that we have seen outside the southeast of our state in many, many years,"

- Ms Palaszczuk.

Project facts 

Cost: US$1.9 billion

Location: Queensland, 40km south of Weipa and 40km north of Aurukun

Duration: approximately 3 years

Workforce: construction is expected to provide work for around 1100 people 

Economic contribution: AU$1.3 billion annually to the Queensland economy. Once opperational, Amrun will help support the employment of the existing 1400 employees and contractors at Rio Tinto’s Cape York bauxite operations.  

Rio Tinto have 100% ownership of the mine and refineries in Gladstone which will export mostly to China. This project is set to increase Weipa mine life by approximately 40 years. The project is set to take an estimated 3 years, with bauxite production and exports to commence early 2019. 

Scope of works

• Open-cut mine
• Processing plant and bauxite stockpiles
• Power station
• Warehouses
• Port facilities 
• Dam tialings storage facility 
• Roads 
• Ferry terminal

With such extensive works this project will provide employment to 1100 people with an average construction workforce of 600 people and sustaining employment for the area for up to 40 years. The employment of the current 1400 based in Weipa will be continued throughout and after the contruction. This project is a great example of the benefits mining can bring to remote locations, with one in four workers being indigenous and one in four being women, ensuring all people of the area are given the opportunity for employment. 

Get involved

This project will bring an array of opportunities both local and interstate construction firms, and represents a great chance to be involved in a project which will continue to bring benefits for many decades to come.

• Suppliers have the ability to express their interest at Rio Tinto's website. Be sure to have a look at their fact sheet outlining how to become a supplier. 
• To work on the project and see what other opportunities are available check out Rio Tinto's Employment information.