The Queensland Government has opened Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the development rights to the Aurukun bauxite resource on Cape York.

 

Minister for State Development, Jeff Seeney, said the Government is searching for proponents with the capacity, capability and experience to develop the mine and associated infrastructure.

 

“On September 16 the Premier and I announced that the Government would take this course of action regarding the Aurukun bauxite resource,” Mr Seeney said. 

 

“The Government’s key objective is to maximise the benefits and returns from the project to the Aurukun community and native title holders, as well as maximising the financial returns to the State.

 

The Deputy Premier said the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning would manage the competitive bid process and the evaluation of EOIs would be conducted within an established probity framework.

 

“Proponents must be able to demonstrate experience in development and management of mines and associated infrastructure, experience in working with indigenous communities and traditional owners to negotiate outcomes, and the financial capacity to take on this scale of project,” Mr Seeney said. 

 

“Interested companies are required to lodge their response to the EOI by 15 February, 2013.”

 

More information can be found here