Aurukun bauxite opened for development

The Newman Government today opened an Expressions of Interest process for the development rights to the Aurukun bauxite resource on Cape York. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the government was going to the open market to find proponents with the capability, capacity and experience to develop a bauxite mine and associated infrastructure. 

“On September 16 the Premier and I announced that the Government would take this course of action regarding the Aurukun bauxite resource,” Mr Seeney said. 

“The Government’s key objective is to maximise the benefits and returns from the project to the Aurukun community and native title holders, as well as maximising the financial returns to the State.

“We’ll also ensure the project is delivered in a timely manner at no cost and no risk to the State.

“Our decision to revisit the development of the Aurukun bauxite resource has the backing of the Aurukun community and traditional owners and has drawn strong corporate interest from Australia and overseas. 

“I’ve held discussions with the Mayor of the Aurukun Shire Council Mr Derek Walpo, councillors and the directors of the Ngan Aak Kunch Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the native title holders — the Wik and Wik Way people. 

“They have voiced their strong support for development of the resource, knowing it will mean jobs, better infrastructure and flow-on benefits through the many business enterprises that could be established to service the mine.” 

The Member for Cook, David Kempton, applauded today’s announcement saying it heralded a new era of consulting with and involving indigenous communities in the economic development of Cape York. 

Mr Kempton said the communities interests would be taken into account in the development of this exciting opportunity. 

“The eventual development of this mine will bring enormous benefits to the people of Aurukun,” Mr Kempton said. 

“I know the mine is something that the local people and traditional owners in the area are keen to see go ahead and I fully support their enthusiasm.” 

The Deputy Premier said the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning would manage the competitive bid process and the evaluation of EOIs would be conducted within an established probity framework.

“Proponents must be able to demonstrate experience in development and management of mines and associated infrastructure, experience in working with indigenous communities and traditional owners to negotiate outcomes, and the financial capacity to take on this scale of project,” Mr Seeney said. 

“Interested companies are required to lodge their response to the EOI by 15 February, 2013.

“The Government intends to short-list up to five proponents to develop detailed proposals for the resource.

“Though the scope and configuration of proposals will be a matter for each proponent, it is not a requirement of this Government that proposals include an alumina refinery.

“The previous government’s botched strategy of wanting to lease the bauxite to a company under the condition it established a refinery or expanded refinery capacity was never going to work.

“Ultimately we’d like to see a preferred proponent selected by the end of next year," Mr Seeney said.

The invitation for expressions of interest can be viewed at the Queensland Government website - http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/development-planning/aurukun-project.html

[ENDS] 27 November 2012

Media Contact: John Wiseman – 0409 791 281