South of Embley project

In June 2008 Rio Tinto Alcan announced a US$30 million feasibility study to develop a new bauxite operation to the south of the existing Weipa bauxite mine and port. This is the first step towards significantly expanding Rio Tinto's operations at Weipa in Cape York, Queensland, Australia.

With the approval of the new operation, Weipa's total bauxite production would increase from 18.2 million tonnes in 2007 to 35 million tonnes giving the group increased capacity to supply bauxite to customers globally and to Rio Tinto Alcan-owned refineries.

The new development would eventually replace the existing east Weipa mine and provide a platform for extension of the mine to take advantage of the large bauxite reserves and resources in the region south of the Weipa peninsula.

The two year feasibility study and EIS process will assess the viability of mining south of the Embley River, on part of an existing mining lease, and look at the possible impacts and consequences of mining this area. A decision to proceed with the development will depend on Rio Tinto Alcan achieving government and regulatory approvals.

Mining in this part of the lease would require construction of new infrastructure approximately 50 kilometres to the south of the Weipa township, including a beneficiation plant (that washes the bauxite before we load it onto ships), power station, warehouses, workshops, barge and ferry facilities and a port and ship loading facilities. Rio Tinto Alcan is planning to have our operational workforce remain based in Weipa and commute to site on a daily basis.

The mine extension would take two to three years to construct, and more than 350 jobs will be created during construction. Production at the South of the Embley operation would replace production from the depleted East Weipa reserves. The operational workforce would transition across as production increases at South of the Embley.

Rio Tinto Alcan will undertake extensive community consultation about the project, distribute information and respond to feedback. Comprehensive environmental studies will take place, ensuring impacts can be minimised.

If you have any questions about the project, please email infoEIS@riotintoalcan.com or telephone 1800 308 938.

South of Embley project newsletter - June 2008