Australian Bauxite Limited to lodge mining lease application for Binjour in early 2020

According to a recent report, Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) announced today, on December 16, that it would lodge a mining lease application early next year and if approved, it would ship unrefined bauxite produced at Binjour bauxite project from the port of Bundaberg in bulk tonnages.

“A mining lease application will be lodged in early 2020, commencing with pre-­lodgement discussions with government departments as soon as practicable,” the company said.

Australian Bauxite has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Port of Bundaberg to investigate the opportunity to export bauxite in bulk tonnages through the port.

ABL considers its Binjour bauxite project to be the best source of gibbsite-trihydrate (THA) metallurgical grade bauxite in Queensland, which is ideal for low-temperature alumina refineries.

The company said, “Unlike other Queensland bauxite, Binjour bauxite is ideal for low-temperature alumina refineries being high grade, low silica and carbon-free.”

It also said, “Since discovery in 2010, ABX has worked with landholders, local and state government, port authorities, operator and logistics contractors, market specialists and customers to develop an optimum strategy for the Binjour Project.”

In the initial production phase for the first 10 to 15 years, the focus will be on high-grade zones that require little processing.

ABX’s marketing partner, Rawmin Mining of India, has agreed to fund all pre-production and working capital costs for the Binjour Bauxite Project and will be entitled to a 50 per cent joint venture interest. ABX will be the project operator.