The Australian Aluminium Council welcomes the Aurukun Bauxite Project as its newest member in its exploration membership class. The Aurukun Bauxite Project (the Project) is a joint venture between Glencore and MDP Bauxite Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd). The Project is assessing the feasibility of developing a new bauxite mine near Aurukun on the west coast of Cape York, Queensland. The Project could produce more than 8 Mt per annum of bauxite, over a mine life of more than 20 years.
The Project requires government and regulatory approvals in addition to an agreement with the Traditional Owners before an investment decision can be considered. If successful, the mine is expected to employ up to 300 people during the two-year construction phase, with an average operational workforce of around 400 people.
Australia’s bauxite mining industry has almost 60 years of experience in sustainable bauxite mining practices. The Project is the Council’s second member in the bauxite exploration class, demonstrating the importance of sharing this industry experience with new entrants before mining even starts.
