Bauxite Resources Limited community advisory group established for Bauxite Mining

A Bauxite Mining Community Advisory Group (BMCAG) has been established as an initiative of Bauxite Alumina Joint Ventures (BAJV) and Bauxite Resources Limited, to develop the Felicitas and Fortuna bauxite mining projects North of Wundowie.

The Fortuna Project is 100 per cent owned by BRL, has recently completed a scoping study and is undertaking follow-up studies in relation to obtaining port access required for direct shipment of bauxite. The Felicitas Project is being developed by BAJV, in which BRL is a partner, and is currently in feasibility stage. The Felicitas Project has a resource of approximately 230 million tonnes of bauxite and the Fortuna Project has a resource of 40 million tonnes of bauxite. Both projects offer significant benefits for the local community including local employment, opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.

The purpose of the Bauxite Mining Community Advisory Group is to facilitate formal community discussions, ensure a broad range of viewpoints are heard and enable community representatives to contribute to the Felicitas and Fortuna projects.

The group held its first meeting on Tuesday (May 12th) and will conduct its first "working meeting" in June. Information on BMCAG is available at: www.bauxitemining.com.au

Leigh Hardingham has been appointed as the independent Chair to facilitate discussion and outcomes during meetings. Ms Hardingham has more than 30 years of experience managing social and economic development projects across the public and private sectors.

"A rigorous process has been undertaken to ensure a good cross section of community viewpoints are represented," Ms Hardingham said.

"The group's formation is a positive initiative and allows BRL and BAJV to hear feedback that can be considered during the development of the mine. I believe the group are looking forward to coming together and being informed on the relevant aspects of the projects in development and into operations. It's an opportunity to actively participate, ask questions and contribute in a meaningful way," Ms Hardingham said.

Both the Felicitas and Fortuna projects will be subject to strict environmental and statutory regulations and both companies are committed to ensuring good outcomes.

Chief Executive of Bauxite Resources Limited, Peter Canterbury, said the group's formation was a positive initiative as BRL and BAJV relied on working with local communities to ensure sustainable outcomes, both during project design and later in operations.

"We are looking forward to working with the group so all parties are fully informed on the relevant aspects of the projects and the community has the opportunity to actively participate, ask questions and contribute in a meaningful way," Mr Canterbury said.

"Ultimately, BRL and BAJV are seeking to engage with other members of this community, sharing information on our activities with the community groups so they can be confident that the interests of the community are taken into account. Both projects are in the early stages so it can be difficult to provide detailed information. However, working with the Community Advisory Group will enable us to discuss local issues and provide feedback into the process."

Bauxite Alumina Joint Ventures General Manger Bill Moss said with both companies working together the synergies generated would improve outcomes for the companies and the community. The BMCAG will help reduce any confusion and help facilitate better feedback into the design and operations of both projects.