- Crisafulli Government welcomes Rio Tinto’s $2.6 billion investment in Kangwinan bauxite project at groundbreaking ceremony in Weipa.
- The project is expected to support more than 1,300 construction jobs and help sustain around 1,500 local jobs based in Western Cape York.
- The Crisafulli Government is backing the resources sector to drive investment, support regional jobs and strengthen Queensland’s economy.
The Crisafulli Government has welcomed Rio Tinto’s $2.6 billion investment in the Kangwinan bauxite project with the major milestone marked with a groundbreaking ceremony near Weipa.
The investment is a clear vote of confidence in Queensland’s resources industry and will secure the long-term future of mining operations in Weipa and associated processing infrastructure throughout Queensland.
With Rio Tinto’s Weipa Operations among the largest bauxite operations in the world, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of activity at the new Kangwinan site and the next phase of Rio Tinto’s development plans in the region.
The Kangwinan project will support more than 1,300 construction jobs and secure a future for Rio Tinto’s residentially based 1,500-strong workforce in Western Cape York, adding 20 million tonnes of annual bauxite production and increasing operational capacity to 44 million tonnes per year.
First production from Kangwinan is targeted for 2029, with full production expected by 2032, delivering future security for Queensland’s integrated aluminium value chain as global demand for aluminium continues to climb.
The announcement follows a strong year of investment across Queensland’s resources industry including major acquisitions of Queensland Bowen Basin coal assets and critical minerals expansions across North Queensland.
Acting Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Tony Perrett said the investment was a strong vote of confidence in Queensland’s resources sector and the future of Weipa.
“Queensland is uniquely positioned to capitalise on global resources demand with its existing integrated aluminium value chain,” Acting Minister Perrett said.
“We have been clear that we want Queensland’s resources working for Queenslanders and this investment reflects Rio Tinto’s ongoing commitment to developing the highly prospective region.
“Rio Tinto is a proven operator in Western Cape York and has the existing infrastructure, residentially based workforce and enduring community relationships needed to successfully bring the Kangwinan project online.
“We know investment follows confidence and this announcement is exactly what happens when government delivers a stable regulatory environment and backs resource companies.
“The Crisafulli Government won’t shy away from its support for the resources industry, and we are focused on creating the right conditions for investment by streamlining approvals and supporting regional development.
“Under the former Labor Government, investment in our mining industry was driven away and regional Queensland jobs were at risk.
“Queensland is open for business, and I would like to congratulate Rio Tinto on their $2.6 billion investment – one of the most significant in recent Queensland mining history.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the investment was critical to securing a future for the entire Weipa community.
“This investment is significant for Weipa and the far north. We know that resource projects deliver benefits well beyond the mine gate – creating jobs, supporting local businesses and driving economic growth in our regions,” Mr Kempton said.
“Weipa has a long history of bauxite mining, and I have seen firsthand the economic and community benefits from these operations that employ thousands of locals in Western Cape York.
“Investments of this magnitude are only possible when you have a government that backs industry to get on with the job and deliver prosperity for the regions.
Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Managing Director Armando Torres said the investment demonstrated Rio Tinto’s long-term commitment to the future of its Weipa Operations.
“For more than 60 years, we’ve operated in Western Cape York, building a world-class bauxite business and strong, enduring relationships with Traditional Owners and local communities,” Mr Torres said.
“Kangwinan and our proposed Aurukun acquisition reflect our commitment to Weipa and recognise the capability of our people.
“These investments will help sustain local jobs and create new opportunities for regional businesses and communities across Western Cape York.
“We welcome the Queensland Government’s support for the resources sector and look forward to continue working with the government, Traditional Owners and local communities to create lasting value for the region.”
