Wedoany.com Report-May 23, Rio Tinto has initiated preliminary works and final engineering studies to significantly expand production at its Amrun bauxite mine in far north Queensland, Australia, with a target completion by 2029. Named Kangwinan at the request of the Wik Waya traditional owners, the project includes constructing a new mine and expanding the existing port to boost the annual bauxite production capacity at the Weipa Southern operations by up to 20 million tonnes, in addition to the current 23 million tonnes.

An FID on the project is expected in 2026.

The Amrun mine, developed at a cost of $1.9 billion (A$2.96 billion) and operational since 2018, will see the Kangwinan project replace output from the Andoom mine in Cape York and the Gove mine in the Northern Territory, both slated for closure by the end of the decade. The expansion is expected to create over 800 construction jobs and maintain the existing workforce at Weipa’s mines, supporting local employment.

Initial approved works include building a 250-room camp for construction workers at Amrun Village and developing an access road to the Kangwinan site. A final investment decision is anticipated in 2026, subject to consultations with traditional owners, completion of engineering, cultural heritage, and environmental studies, and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

Armando Torres, Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium managing director, stated: “This feasibility study will explore a new bauxite operation at our Weipa Operations and represents a strong vote of confidence in the world-class bauxite deposits on the Western Cape York Peninsula, our bauxite operations and the local community. It is an important step toward securing the long-term future of our operations at Cape York, and the benefits that mining brings to communities in the region, while ensuring security of supply to our Australian refineries and to our customers.” The project underscores Rio Tinto’s commitment to sustainable operations and community engagement.

Additionally, in early May 2025, Rio Tinto entered into agreements with Codelco to form a joint venture for the Salar de Maricunga lithium project in Chile, further diversifying its portfolio. The Kangwinan project strengthens Rio Tinto’s position in the global bauxite market while supporting regional economic and environmental goals.