Rio celebrates 50 years of Weipa mine and 500 million tonnes of bauxite shipped

Rio Tinto Alcan invites Weipa residents to its final community forum for the year, and to join in celebrating 50 years of operating and 500 million tonnes of bauxite shipped.

Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa general manager, Operations, Gareth Manderson said this is the third year these mine tours have been run for the community.

"At the end of 2012 we received some really positive feedback from the community members who were able to catch a glimpse into our operation, so we will run the tours again this year as a part of the final community forum," Mr Manderson said.

"The tours are a great way for residents and their families to learn more about the mining process and see up close some of the equipment we use."

The mine tours will be held on Saturday 30 November, departing from the Western Cape Cultural Centre, located in Evans Landing, from 9am.

The mine tours will take residents onto the mining lease where they will see the mining operation, beneficiation process and learn about the final stages of the operation - from the train to the ship-loader.

While on site, the participants will be able to travel alongside the bottom-dumping haul trucks the mine uses, which are unique to the Weipa operations.

"The tour will finish back at the Western Cape Cultural Centre for lunch and we will provide an update on our operations for the year," Mr Manderson said.

"As always, we will ensure there is an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback or ask questions on any aspects of our business, such as production, environmental programmes and employment opportunities."

There are limited spaces on the tour so residents will need to register their attendance by phoning the freecall feedback hotline 1800 707 633 or email RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com