Rio spends more than $900 million in contract for Amrun bauxite mine project

<p>Metals and mining giant Rio Tinto proclaimed on Tuesday, March 21, that the company has given more than $900 million in contracts for the development of Amrun bauxite mine project to Queensland suppliers in the Cape York Peninsula, Australia. The company has given nearly two thirds of the total $1.38 billion in contracts till date.</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/Amrun-team-photo_for-web.jpg" alt="news" width="517" height="226" /></p> <p>Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said that the company has set strict guidelines for the suppliers those vying for contracts more than $1 million. They must complete a Local and Indigenous Participation Plan as part of the procurement process. &nbsp;</p> <p>Jean stated: &ldquo;They must demonstrate they are commercially competitive, technically competent and most importantly, align with the safety standards of our group.&rdquo;</p> <p>&ldquo;Rio Tinto is a substantial contributor to the Queensland economy paying $1.3 billion in state taxes and royalties over the past 5 years.&rdquo;</p> <p>{googleAdsense}</p> <p>Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said &ldquo;Rio Tinto&rsquo;s significant investment in local and regional suppliers will provide a tremendous boost to the economy of Queensland. It is a best practice example of encouraging local and Indigenous participation with substantial employment targets already agreed with many key suppliers.&rdquo;</p> <p>The Amrun project involves a mine, processing plant and bauxite stockpiles, a power station, warehouses, as well as new barge, ferry and ship loading facilities.</p>