Name of the Project
Amrun (formerly South of Embley) bauxite project.

Location
The project involves the expansion of output from one of the world’s premier bauxite deposits on the Cape York Peninsula, in north Queensland, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto.

Project Description
The planned initial output of the mine is 22.8-million tonnes a year.

The mine and associated processing and port facilities will replace production from Rio’s depleting East Weipa mine and increase bauxite export capacity by about ten-million tonnes a year, at a time when higher-grade bauxite is becoming scarcer globally.

The project’s design provides options for future expansion to 50-million tonnes a year.

The project includes the construction of the mine, processing plant, bauxite stockpiles, a power station and warehouses, as well as a new barge, ferry and shiploading facilities.

Potential Job Creation
More than 1 600 people have been engaged by contractors to work on the project so far. About 77% are from Queensland and 70% are new appointments.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
A$2.6-billion. The bulk of the capital expendi­ture for the Amrun project is scheduled for 2017 and 2018.

Planned Start/End Date
Production and shipping are expected to start in the first half of 2019, ramping up to full production by the end of that year.

Latest Developments
Rio Tinto has completed the commissioning of its Amrun bauxite mine.

Amrun’s first shipment was made in December 2018, six weeks ahead of schedule.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, email amrun.enquiries@riotinto.com.