Chalco sees prosperity in Queensland
Published Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
The Queensland Government today moved a step closer to securing nearly $3 billion of investment from Chinese aluminum giant Chalco.
Premier Anna Bligh today met with Chalco chairman and CEO Mr Xiao Yaqing to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and Chalco for a study into a $2.2 billion alumina refinery at Abbot Point, near Bowen.
“We welcome Chalco’s further investigation and see it as another step forward,” said Ms Bligh.
“Chalco’s move further supports its proposed bauxite mining operations near Aurukun on Cape York Peninsula.”
Ms Bligh announced last September that Chalco had secured a mineral development licence for a 40,000 hectare site on the Cape.
Chalco is currently undertaking a two-year feasibility study which includes a significant financial commitment to the traditional owners of the Aurukun community.
“Our friends from China have already invested in community development at Aurukun and this further investigation fosters even more confidence in economic development across North Queensland,” she said.
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said that today’s MOU for a study into a refinery at Abbott Point reinforces the Bowen/Whitsunday area as an exciting place for investment.
“We still have a long way to go with this, but projects of this size are rare and ultimately mean local jobs and unheard-of opportunity,” said Ms Jarratt.
“The Co-Coordinator General can now begin work on the public consultation strategy of the environmental assessment and everyone should have their say,” she said.
Mr Xiao said the company was pleased to continue their association with Queensland.
“Chalco’s feasibility study can now progress at full speed and a final decision on the project is expected to be toward the end of 2009,” Mr Xiao said.
Chalco was granted preferred developer status in September 2006 following an international bidding process involving 10 bidders.
The Chalco Bauxite Project’s mine and plant at Aurukun could produce over 6 million tonnes a year of bauxite, and the associated alumina refinery could produce more than 2 million tonnes of alumina a year.
Today’s MOU signing follows last week’s State Government announcement that 16,230 hectares at Abbot Point is designated as a State Development Area, ideal for major industrial use, establishing the Bowen area as Queensland’s newest industrial powerhouse.
Studies by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning identified that Abbot Point, about 25 km north-west of Bowen, was strategically located for industry and offered competitive advantages due to its location and access to a deep water port.
The State Government has already made a significant investment in the Abbot Point area recently announcing an additional $250 million to increase its coal terminal capacity to 50 million tonnes per annum.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh today met with Chalco chairman and CEO Mr Xiao Yaqing to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and Chalco for a study into a $2.2 billion alumina refinery at Abbot Point, near Bowen.
“We welcome Chalco’s further investigation and see it as another step forward,” said Ms Bligh.
“Chalco’s move further supports its proposed bauxite mining operations near Aurukun on Cape York Peninsula.”
Ms Bligh announced last September that Chalco had secured a mineral development licence for a 40,000 hectare site on the Cape.
Chalco is currently undertaking a two-year feasibility study which includes a significant financial commitment to the traditional owners of the Aurukun community.
“Our friends from China have already invested in community development at Aurukun and this further investigation fosters even more confidence in economic development across North Queensland,” she said.
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said that today’s MOU for a study into a refinery at Abbott Point reinforces the Bowen/Whitsunday area as an exciting place for investment.
“We still have a long way to go with this, but projects of this size are rare and ultimately mean local jobs and unheard-of opportunity,” said Ms Jarratt.
“The Co-Coordinator General can now begin work on the public consultation strategy of the environmental assessment and everyone should have their say,” she said.
Mr Xiao said the company was pleased to continue their association with Queensland.
“Chalco’s feasibility study can now progress at full speed and a final decision on the project is expected to be toward the end of 2009,” Mr Xiao said.
Chalco was granted preferred developer status in September 2006 following an international bidding process involving 10 bidders.
The Chalco Bauxite Project’s mine and plant at Aurukun could produce over 6 million tonnes a year of bauxite, and the associated alumina refinery could produce more than 2 million tonnes of alumina a year.
Today’s MOU signing follows last week’s State Government announcement that 16,230 hectares at Abbot Point is designated as a State Development Area, ideal for major industrial use, establishing the Bowen area as Queensland’s newest industrial powerhouse.
Studies by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning identified that Abbot Point, about 25 km north-west of Bowen, was strategically located for industry and offered competitive advantages due to its location and access to a deep water port.
The State Government has already made a significant investment in the Abbot Point area recently announcing an additional $250 million to increase its coal terminal capacity to 50 million tonnes per annum.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500