Rio Tinto, a leading global mining group, holds various projects, aiming to enhance its Amrun bauxite operations in the far north of Queensland. Due to the rising operational improvements at Amrun operations, bauxite production in 2025 saw an increase of 6 per cent, reaching a total of 62.4 million tonnes.
The enhancement includes an economic improvement to the crude ore circuit, which not only stabilises the feed but also boosts the overall production by 900 thousand tonnes. Additionally, the firm has also started its Safe Production System across the site to improve operational efficiency and minimise variability.
The firm, moreover, is currently in the early stages and is undergoing finalisation of the engineering studies for the Kangwinan project. This project shall include the construction of a new mine as well as the expansion of the existing ports, aiming to double its bauxite production from the Weipa Southern operations.
Additionally, the company has greenlit a hefty USD 180 million investment in the Norman Creek area, containing about half of Amrun’s declared ore reserves.
The company’s latest annual report highlighted that the CEO, Simon Trott, shares that his main aim during the initial months of his leadership has been to create a “stronger, sharper and simpler way of working.”
Trott adds, “My 26 years with this business have shown me that when Rio Tinto is at its best, it is extraordinary. Our mission is to move Rio Tinto into a new era of delivery and growth, and become the most valued metals and mining business.”
The annual report further reveals that each initiative is designed to maintain strong operational performance and ensure that production levels at Amrun remain high as the firm moves forward with additional projects like Kangwinan and Norman Creek.