Rio Tinto Commits $1.9 Billion to Kangwinan Bauxite Project in Queensland
Rio Tinto invests $1.9 billion to develop Queensland's Kangwinan bauxite project, securing Weipa operations and targeting first production for 2029.
POLICY WIRE — Melbourne, Australia — Mining giant Rio Tinto announced a $1.9 billion financial commitment to advance the Kangwinan bauxite project situated on the Western Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.
The strategic investment is designed to supplant production from the retiring Andoom mine while expanding annual capacity at the company’s established Weipa Operations to maintain reliable output for international and domestic alumina customers.
Company officials on Friday detailed plans to initiate preliminary construction and comprehensive engineering assessments aimed at scaling capacity at the Amrun bauxite mine on the Cape York Peninsula, with initial production targeted to commence as early as 2029.
Described as the most substantial new mining investment witnessed in Queensland in recent years, the initiative underscores the corporate dedication of Rio Tinto toward its regional bauxite operations, the state economy, and its workforce.
The total financial allocation encompasses a US$1.9 billion commitment, which translates to $2.7 billion in local currency, and incorporates US$150 million previously sanctioned for early development tasks during 2025 ahead of a broader construction ramp-up scheduled for 2027.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
