❓ Hon John Fischer asks about the status of the Mitchell Plateau bauxite deposit, given interest from RusA1. Hon Ken Travers responds that existing joint venturers have requested an extension due to viability concerns, and the state agreement prevents other parties from accessing the deposits.
AnsweredQoN 1697Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
An article in the Western Australian Business News of 11-17 December 2003 states - The State Government has less than three weeks to decide the fate of an untapped bauxite deposit in the Kimberley . . . It is understood Russian giant RusA1 has expressed an interest in the 370 million tonne deposit near the scenic Mitchell Plateau. Can the minister advise the House of the current state of activity in this regard? Hon KEN TRAVERS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I am advised that the Alumina Refinery (Mitchell Plateau) Agreement Act 1971 requires the joint venturers - Comalco, Alcoa of Australia Ltd and Anglo Gold - to submit development proposals by a certain date. The last date was 30 June 2003, just prior to which the joint venturers sought a further extension of time, as they believe the project is not viable at this time. The minister has received several approaches from other parties interested in securing access to the Mitchell Plateau deposits should they become available. While the state agreement remains in force, the deposits are not available to any other party. The minister is waiting further advice from the joint venturers regarding their intentions for development of the project before deciding on their request for an extension of time.
It is understood Russian giant RusA1 has expressed an interest in the 370 million tonne deposit near the scenic Mitchell Plateau.
Hon KEN TRAVERS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I am advised that the Alumina Refinery (Mitchell Plateau) Agreement Act 1971 requires the joint venturers - Comalco, Alcoa of Australia Ltd and Anglo Gold - to submit development proposals by a certain date. The last date was 30 June 2003, just prior to which the joint venturers sought a further extension of time, as they believe the project is not viable at this time. The minister has received several approaches from other parties interested in securing access to the Mitchell Plateau deposits should they become available. While the state agreement remains in force, the deposits are not available to any other party. The minister is waiting further advice from the joint venturers regarding their intentions for development of the project before deciding on their request for an extension of time.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I am advised that the Alumina Refinery (Mitchell Plateau) Agreement Act 1971 requires the joint venturers - Comalco, Alcoa of Australia Ltd and Anglo Gold - to submit development proposals by a certain date. The last date was 30 June 2003, just prior to which the joint venturers sought a further extension of time, as they believe the project is not viable at this time. The minister has received several approaches from other parties interested in securing access to the Mitchell Plateau deposits should they become available. While the state agreement remains in force, the deposits are not available to any other party. The minister is waiting further advice from the joint venturers regarding their intentions for development of the project before deciding on their request for an extension of time.
It is understood Russian giant RusA1 has expressed an interest in the 370 million tonne deposit near the scenic Mitchell Plateau.
Hon KEN TRAVERS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I am advised that the Alumina Refinery (Mitchell Plateau) Agreement Act 1971 requires the joint venturers - Comalco, Alcoa of Australia Ltd and Anglo Gold - to submit development proposals by a certain date. The last date was 30 June 2003, just prior to which the joint venturers sought a further extension of time, as they believe the project is not viable at this time. The minister has received several approaches from other parties interested in securing access to the Mitchell Plateau deposits should they become available. While the state agreement remains in force, the deposits are not available to any other party. The minister is waiting further advice from the joint venturers regarding their intentions for development of the project before deciding on their request for an extension of time.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I am advised that the Alumina Refinery (Mitchell Plateau) Agreement Act 1971 requires the joint venturers - Comalco, Alcoa of Australia Ltd and Anglo Gold - to submit development proposals by a certain date. The last date was 30 June 2003, just prior to which the joint venturers sought a further extension of time, as they believe the project is not viable at this time. The minister has received several approaches from other parties interested in securing access to the Mitchell Plateau deposits should they become available. While the state agreement remains in force, the deposits are not available to any other party. The minister is waiting further advice from the joint venturers regarding their intentions for development of the project before deciding on their request for an extension of time.
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