Australia allows mining on proposed world heritage site

Australian Environment Minister Tony Burke has approved Rio Tinto Alcan’s new South of Embley bauxite mine on Cape York, the Queensland peninsula that the Australian government intends to propose as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Announcing the approval May 15, Burke said with the 76 strict conditions he has placed on the development, he is satisfied that the bauxite mine and port project in western Cape York “can go ahead without unacceptable impacts on the environment.”

“My decision comes after a rigorous environmental assessment, and the conditions I have placed on the project will ensure that the region is protected,” Burke said. “My decision has taken into account public comments, the advice of my department and independent advice from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.”

The project calls for Rio Tinto Alcan to extend bauxite mining on an existing mining lease south of its current operations near Weipa. The Montreal-based company will build new infrastructure, including a power station, processing plant, warehouses, workshops, barge and ferry facilities and ship loading facilities.

The A$1 billion-plus project will underpin the continued operation of Rio Tinto Alcan’s alumina refinery operations in Gladstone, support the expansion of the Yarwun alumina refinery and provide the ability to grow the company’s bauxite export capability.