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Rio Tinto gets nod for Queensland bauxite expansion
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
1 min read
Rio Tinto is a step closer to expanding its bauxite operations in far north Queensland, after a controversial $1.45 billion project was given approval to proceed by the Queensland Government.
While Federal Government approvals are still outstanding, the “South of Embley” project near Weipa was given the green light by Campbell Newman's pro-mining Queensland Government.
The project was controversially delayed when Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke stepped in over concerns about shipping numbers through the Great Barrier Reef.
That intervention has delayed the project by at least one year, and the incident was cited by Rio boss Tom Albanese during his recent Australian visit as an example of the difficulties in doing business in Australia.
South of Embley will involve a new open cut mine, a power station, ship loaders and other infrastructure, and Rio said it could create up to 1200 jobs once operating.
But environmentalists remain opposed to the project, particularly given the state and federal governments are still considering the local area for World Heritage nomination.
“We don't think there should be any new development proposals until the World Heritage assessment is complete early next year,” said Wilderness Society spokesman Gavan McFadzean.
While Federal Government approvals are still outstanding, the “South of Embley” project near Weipa was given the green light by Campbell Newman's pro-mining Queensland Government.
The project was controversially delayed when Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke stepped in over concerns about shipping numbers through the Great Barrier Reef.
That intervention has delayed the project by at least one year, and the incident was cited by Rio boss Tom Albanese during his recent Australian visit as an example of the difficulties in doing business in Australia.
South of Embley will involve a new open cut mine, a power station, ship loaders and other infrastructure, and Rio said it could create up to 1200 jobs once operating.
But environmentalists remain opposed to the project, particularly given the state and federal governments are still considering the local area for World Heritage nomination.
“We don't think there should be any new development proposals until the World Heritage assessment is complete early next year,” said Wilderness Society spokesman Gavan McFadzean.
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