Rio Tinto has announced a A$180m ($116.9m) investment to commence the Norman Creek access project at the Amrun bauxite mine in Queensland, Australia.
This project is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the mine, which holds approximately half of the declared Amrun ore reserves, around 978 million tonnes (mt).
Construction has begun on essential infrastructure including a 19km haul road, workforce accommodation and a communications tower.
First production from Norman Creek is scheduled for 2027, with the project's completion expected in 2028.
The Norman Creek project is part of a broader initiative by Rio Tinto to bolster its bauxite operations.
Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium managing director Armando Torres said: “Norman Creek is another important step in securing the long-term future of our Weipa operations, and the benefits that mining brings to communities in the region, Queensland and the nation.
“It will maintain jobs in the region through to at least the middle of this century, ensuring continuity for our people and the Weipa community.
“The decision to approve Norman Creek reflects the quality of Western Cape York’s world-class bauxite deposits, combined with the strong operational improvements our people are making at Amrun that are bolstering our confidence to invest for the long term.”
The company has also initiated early works and a final feasibility study on the Kangwinan project, aiming to enhance production capacity at Amrun.
If it goes ahead, Kangwinan could augment annual bauxite production by up to 20mt, on top of the current 23mt, and expand export capabilities via the Amrun port.
Kangwinan, named by the Traditional Owners, the Wik Waya people, is set to replace production from the closing Andoom and Gove mines by the end of the decade, with the first output expected as early as 2029.
The investment in Norman Creek is set to be accounted for as replacement capital, in line with the Group's capital guidance.
Despite these forward-looking projects, Rio Tinto has faced financial challenges.
The company reported a 22% decline in net earnings to $4.53bn (£3.37bn) in the first half of 2025, down from $5.81bn in the same period the previous year.
This was attributed to lower commodity prices, increased capital expenditure and tariffs. Additionally, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell to $11.55bn from $12.09bn, while net cash from operations saw a slight decrease of 1.9% to $6.92bn.
