Rio Tinto will invest $1.9 billion to develop the Kangwinan bauxite project in Queensland, Australia, reinforcing its commitment to its aluminum business. The project is intended to replace production from the aging Andoom mine and help offset the planned closure of the Gove mine in 2029.
Rio expects the project to add 20 million tonnes of annual bauxite production capacity to its Weipa operations. The company also expects total annual capacity to rise from about 38 million to 44 million tonnes.
First output is targeted for 2029, with full production expected by 2032. Construction is set to ramp up in 2027 and create more than 1,300 jobs.