Rio Tinto has approved a US$180 million investment for the Norman Creek access project at its Amrun bauxite mine on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula. The company has started construction on infrastructure such as a 19-kilometre haul road, camp accommodation, and a communications tower.
The Norman Creek region contains about half of the currently declared Amrun Ore Reserves, which total 978 million tonnes. These reserves were reported according to the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) and the ASX Listing Rules. More details can be found in Rio Tinto’s release to the ASX dated 19 February 2025 titled “Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves updates: supporting information and Table 1 checklists” at riotinto.com.
First production from Norman Creek is expected in 2027, with full construction scheduled for completion in 2028.
Armando Torres, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium, 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.”
Alongside this project, Rio Tinto recently began early works and a final feasibility study on another initiative called Kangwinan. This project aims to increase annual bauxite production capacity from Rio Tinto’s Weipa Southern operations by up to 20 million tonnes beyond its current capacity of 23 million tonnes. The Kangwinan project was named at the request of Traditional Owners, the Wik Waya people.
If approved, Kangwinan would replace output from mines expected to close later this decade—specifically Andoom on Cape York and Gove in Northern Territory—with first output possible as early as 2029.
The Norman Creek investment is considered replacement capital within Rio Tinto’s broader capital guidance.
For further details see https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250806935233/en/.
