Glencore International AG has been appointed by the Queensland Government as Preferred Proponent for the development of the Aurukun bauxite deposit in Western Cape York.
According to the media statement issued by Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, The Honourable Jeff Seeney, the Government is set on unlocking the economic potential of the valuable bauxite deposit.
Cape York is rich in bauxite which is refined into alumina and then converted to aluminium through smelting.
The government has been in discussions about the Aurukun Bauxite Resource for almost two years. Last March, two other proposals were ruled out, but the interest to develop the mine remained strong as it will surely result in improved employment, health and educational opportunities for the people of Aurukun.
“After continuing discussions with a number of parties, the Queensland Government considers Glencore is best placed in terms of both technical capability and financial strength to successfully take on this challenging development,” the Minister said.
“Selecting Glencore as Preferred Proponent is our best opportunity to see this resource developed and to provide economic benefits not only for the people of Aurukun and Cape York Peninsula, but for all Queenslanders. As I have said previously, our government is determined to avoid the mistakes of the past, where companies were granted rights but were later unable to deliver on the commitments they made.”
The Government and Glencore will collaborate closely on the finalisation of the commercial arrangements in the coming months.
“Our highest priority through this process will be that this development delivers genuine outcomes for the community of Aurukun and other Cape communities. Glencore has discussed an improved works schedule and has committed to milestones in the development of the deposit,” said Mr Seeney.
