Queensland Government rejects bauxite-mining project at Aurukun

The Queensland Government has deferred the multi-billion dollar plans of developing Cape York’s Aurukun Bauxite resource. According to the government, the benefits given to the local communities were not sufficient. It also said the project delivery time was very long.

It is expected that bauxite deposit near Watson River at Aurukun will cost more than $25 billion in unused resources.

While announcing the name of companies shortlisted for presenting proposals for the venture the previous year, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said development of bauxite resource was important for creating a vibrant economic future for Aurukun community as well as the native titleholders.

It was expected that with the construction of the mine, Aurukun would turn into a mining boom town. As a result, it will spread the benefits as well as returns from the project to native titleholders – the Wik & Wik Way people represented by Ngan Aak-Kunch Aboriginal Corporation (NAK) and Aurukun Shire Council.

Yesterday it was confirmed that proposals by Glencore and Australian Indigenous Resources backed by the Indigenous had been rejected.

“After carefully considering the proposals, the Government is not satisfied that either bid – from the Australian Indigenous Resources Pty Ltd (AIR) or Glencore International AG – could deliver what the Government had hoped for in a timely manner,” Seeney said.

The decision was a huge disappointment for the local community who had been depending on the deposit finally being mined.