Rio Tinto PLCRio Tinto agrees to acquire the Aurukun bauxite project, expanding regional bauxite operations but facing Queensland approvals and Traditional Owner consultation hurdles.
Rio Tinto Group has agreed to acquire the Aurukun Bauxite Project in Western Cape York, Queensland, from a joint venture between Glencore and Mitsubishi Development. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the transaction remains subject to approval from the Queensland government and other Australian regulators. The acquisition would expand Rio Tinto's existing bauxite operations in the region, although Aurukun is still held under a Mineral Development License and has yet to receive a Mining Lease. Glencore said the joint venture had invested significantly in advancing the project's design, development and approvals and concluded that Rio Tinto's existing regional bauxite operations gave it the best opportunity to develop the resource. Traditional Owners, the Wik Waya people, have raised concerns about the adequacy of consultation, adding another potential hurdle to development. Rio Tinto shares were down about 0.7% at A$176.17 when Reuters reported the deal.
Rio Tinto PLCRio Tinto agrees to acquire the Aurukun bauxite project, expanding regional bauxite operations but facing Queensland approvals and Traditional Owner consultation hurdles.
Glencore PLCGlencore's JV sells the Aurukun bauxite project to Rio Tinto, exiting an asset it deemed better developed by Rio's regional operations.
Novo Nordisk A/SMitsubishi Development's JV with Glencore sells the Aurukun bauxite project to Rio Tinto.