The Queensland Coordinator-General has announced the approval of Rio Tinto’s planned $1.45 billion South of the Embley bauxite mining extension on Cape York. The project is expected to enxtend the life of the bauxite mining operations for another 40 years.

 

The proposal will see the mining operations expanded with a new open-cut bauxite mine, processing facilities, barge and ferry terminals and a new port and stockpile facility near Boyd Point.

 

Queensland Minister for State Development, Jeff Seeney, said the project will provide 950 jobs during construction and up to 1,275 ongoing operational jobs with initial production of 22.5 million tonnes, with a potential to increase to 50 million tonnes.

 

Queensland Coordinator-General Barry Broe said his conditional approval of the project came after more than three years of rigorous environmental assessments and public consultation. 

“I have imposed conditions which establish clear principles and procedures on matters including post-mining land use and rehabilitation, local and indigenous employment, training and skills development and mitigation of potential social impacts of the mine.
 

The Coordinator-General’s report can be accessed at: 
www.deedi.qld.gov.au/cg/south-of-the-embley-project.html