Rio Tinto is set to commence preliminary works and final engineering studies to expand production at its Amrun bauxite mine located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. The project, named Kangwinan by the Wik Waya people, aims to begin output as early as 2029.
The development involves constructing a new mine and enhancing the existing port facilities to nearly double bauxite production from Rio Tinto’s Weipa Southern operations. This initiative will compensate for the anticipated closure of the Andoom mine in Cape York and the Gove mine in the Northern Territory towards the end of this decade.
Armando Torres, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium, stated: “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.”
Torres added: “It’s an important step toward securing the long-term future of our operations at Cape York, and the benefits that mining brings to communities in the region, while ensuring security of supply to our Australian refineries and to our customers.”
If approved, Kangwinan would establish a mining center 15 kilometers southeast of Amrun. The expansion could increase annual production capacity by up to 20 million tonnes beyond the current 23 million tonnes from Weipa Southern operations. It would also enhance export capabilities through Amrun port.
The project is expected to create over 800 construction jobs while sustaining employment levels at mines scheduled for closure in Weipa. Early works approved include setting up a 250-room camp for construction workers at Amrun Village and developing an initial access road to Kangwinan.
A final investment decision is anticipated by 2026 following cultural heritage consultations with Traditional Owners and completion of various studies and regulatory approvals.
Kangwinan holds significance as it protects sacred protocols of the Wik Waya tribe. The name also refers to a black female crow, which is a tribal totem.
Rio Tinto operates an integrated aluminium value chain across Australia and New Zealand starting with bauxite mined at Weipa. Bauxite is refined into alumina at Gladstone, Queensland before being processed into aluminium at smelters in several locations including New South Wales, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Mining activities began in Cape York back in 1963 under companies now owned by Rio Tinto.
