Bauxite mining project to likely create 45 local jobs

Production at a proposed new bauxite mine in the state's North could start midway through next year, creating up to 45 jobs.

A Chinese company has invested in two projects, the other being based in at Goulburn South, in southern New South Wales.

Australian Bauxite Limited and Chinese aluminium company Xinfa Group have commenced negotiations in relation to the projects.

ABx chief executive Ian Levy said the company would fill the workforce, expected to be between 35 and 45, with Tasmanian employees.

"We will completely source (the workforce) locally," he said.

"Tasmania has the best (mining) workforce in Australia so why would we go anywhere else?"

The project is subject to relevant approvals, and a mining lease application for the project, which will be ABx's first in Tasmania, is well under way.

Mr Levy said he expected the application would be lodged later this month.

He said the life of the mine would be about five or six years, adding that there were other bauxite deposits in Tasmania that ABx was interested in.

Xinfa is to acquire a 50 per cent interest in the projects through providing marketing management, and taking at least 50 per cent of bauxite production from the projects.

Mr Levy said the companies would utilise the nearby Bell Bay port, about 100 kilometres north of the proposed mine site.