Bauxite Resources pushes for mining leases

ASX-listed explorer Bauxite Resources on Tuesday told shareholders that it would push for the granting of three additional exploration licences, despite the Western Australian mining warden making recommendations that the licences be refused.

In a June 15 statement, the mining warden suggested that if the minister of mines were minded to grant the licences, that it should be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority, and that the Warden’s hearing report should be included in this referral.

Bauxite Resources said on Monday that the minister of mines was expected to make a decision after taking into consideration advice from his department and submissions from affected parties.

The bauxite explorer currently holds exploration licences over 59 tenement areas in the south-west of Western Australia, and made an application for an additional three licences south of Bridgetown.

Meanwhile, the company on Monday also reported that CEO and executive director Scott Donaldson would step down by the end of this year to pursue other business interest.

Donaldson has been in the dual role for the past two years and in that time has overseen the establishment of the joint venture with Yankuang Resources, a 700% increase in the company’s Joint Ore Reserves Commitee-compliant resource, and started an exploration programme for other nonbauxite minerals on the company’s tenement holdings.