Rio Tinto said it will invest 1.9 billion dollars in the Kangwinan bauxite project, a new production centre 15 kilometres southeast of its Amrun mine on the Western Cape York Peninsula, with a 15 kilometre conveyor to expanded stockyards and the Amrun wharf, which will be enlarged to take capesize vessels. The project adds 20 million tonnes of annual capacity, taking Weipa to about 44 million tonnes from around 38 million tonnes today, replacing output from the Andoom mine as it reaches the end of its life and offsetting the planned end of production at Gove in the Northern Territory in 2029. First production is targeted for 2029 and full production for 2032, construction ramps up in 2027 with more than 1,300 construction jobs expected, the capital estimate includes 150 million dollars of early works pre-approved in 2025, and environmental permits were already secured under the South of Embley assessment.
Rio Tinto approves $1.9 billion Kangwinan bauxite project in Queensland
Rio Tinto will invest 1.9 billion dollars to develop the Kangwinan bauxite project on Queensland's Western Cape York Peninsula, adding 20 million tonnes of annual capacity and lifting its Weipa operations to about 44 million tonnes a year.
Why it matters: Kangwinan replaces the ageing Andoom mine and offsets the planned 2029 closure of Gove, and with the pending Aurukun acquisition it is the spending that keeps Rio Tinto's Australian bauxite business, the feedstock for its alumina refineries, running beyond the middle of the century.
Data as of Rio Tinto announcement of October 23, 2026 via Business Wire, and E&MJ report of October 23, 2026, both read in full; Reuters reporting of October 23, 2026 carried the same capacity, replacement and timeline figures. Developing item.
Sources
- Rio Tinto to invest $1.9 billion to develop the Kangwinan bauxite project in Western Cape York, Queensland - Rio Tinto via Business Wire - 2026-10-23
- Rio Tinto Plans $1.9B Bauxite Investment for Queensland - E&MJ - 2026-10-23