Rio Tinto has agreed to acquire the Aurukun bauxite project on Cape York from Glencore and joint venture partner Mitsubishi for an undisclosed price.

Rio, which already holds major bauxite operations in the region, said the deal remained subject to relevant Queensland Government and other regulatory approvals.  

Under the plans advanced by Glencore and Mitsubishi, the project would produce up to 15Mtpa of run-of-mine bauxite ore, which would equate to up to 8 million dry tonnes per annum (Mdtpa) of product bauxite for export.

The greenfields project, located 23km north-east of Aurukun and about 35km south of Weipa, is covered by a mineral development licence – with a mining lease yet to be granted. 

“If the acquisition proceeds, Rio Tinto would also assess the appropriate regulatory approvals pathway, in consultation with State and Commonwealth agencies, and work closely with Traditional Owners throughout the next stages of planning and development,” a Rio Tinto spokesman said. 

Glencore said the joint venture had invested significant resources over many years to progress design, development and approval for the project.

“Following recent progress on regulatory approvals by the Queensland and Commonwealth governments, together with updated designs and cost estimate, the joint venture proactively considered a wide range of options that could support investment in, and development of, the Aurukun bauxite resource,” a company spokesman said.

“After assessing these options, the joint venture believes the introduction of Rio Tinto, as owner of the project, provides the best opportunity for the future development of the resource given their existing bauxite operations in the region.

“Any future development remains subject to regulatory approvals and any relevant stakeholder consultations, approvals or agreements.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to the Traditional Owner and local community members for their long-running and constructive engagement with the joint venture across the years.”

The EIS assessment report released for the project last year showed it would generate about $482 million net benefit to Queensland and 350-406 jobs during mine operation.