New bauxite mine for Tasmania
The Tasmanian government has given a green light to a new bauxite mining operation, the first of its kind to be approved in Australia in more than three decades.
ASX-listed Australian Bauxite Limited made the announcement on Monday after Resources Minister Paul Harriss gave the nod to the Bald Hill project in the state's northeast.
"More than 1.6 million tonnes of bauxite, the world's main source of aluminium, is expected to be mined for domestic and international markets," Mr Harriss said, adding that 30 jobs should be created at the three-pit site.
About 41 hectares will be disturbed by the mine.
"This is the first new bauxite mine in Australia for over 35 years and will introduce a new supply into the seaborne bauxite market," company chief executive Leon Hawker said.
Production is expected to get under way before the end of 2014.
