Global mining giant Rio Tinto has announced the commencement of early works and final engineering studies for a significant expansion of its bauxite operations on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula. This strategic move, driven by the need to replace output from aging mines, aims to almost double production capacity at the Amrun mine and secure the long-term future of bauxite mining in the region.

The ambitious project, named "Kangwinan" at the request of the Traditional Owners, the Wik Waya people, envisions the construction of a new mine site and a substantial expansion of the existing port facilities. If approved, the first output from Kangwinan is anticipated as early as 2029.

The Kangwinan project is poised to become a vital replacement for the production currently sourced from the Andoom mine in Cape York and the Gove mine in the Northern Territory, both of which are slated for closure towards the end of the current decade. This ensures a seamless transition and sustained supply of bauxite for Rio Tinto's integrated aluminium value chain.

Armando Torres, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium, underscored the significance of the undertaking, stating, “This feasibility study will explore a new bauxite operation at our Weipa Operations and represents a strong vote of confidence in the world-class bauxite deposits on the Western Cape York Peninsula, our bauxite operations, and the local community.” He further emphasized its importance in securing the long-term viability of their Cape York operations, the associated economic benefits for regional communities, and the continued security of supply for both Australian refineries and international customers.

The proposed expansion would establish a new mining centre approximately 15 kilometres south-east of the existing Amrun mine, which commenced operations in 2018 following a $1.9 billion investment. The project is designed to boost annual bauxite production capacity from Rio Tinto’s Weipa Southern operations by an additional 20 million tonnes, supplementing the current 23 million tonnes. This significant increase will largely compensate for the tonnages that will be lost as the Gove and Andoom mines reach the end of their operational lives.

Beyond its industrial implications, the Kangwinan project promises substantial economic benefits. It is projected to generate over 800 jobs during the construction phase and is crucial for maintaining the existing workforce currently employed at Weipa’s mines slated for closure, thus safeguarding local employment.

The recently approved early works include the construction of a 250-room camp at Amrun Village to accommodate the influx of construction workers, along with the development of an initial access road leading to the Kangwinan area.