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.
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.
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.
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.