Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty : Townsville to be the centre of $20 million manufacturing contract for Rio Tinto Amrun bauxite project

The Townsville division of leading plastic pipe and fittings solutions provider Vinidex have secured a $20 million contract to supply Rio Tinto's world leading $2.6 billion Amrun bauxite project in Western Cape York, Queensland.

Vinidex will manufacture over 26 kilometres of high-density pipes and associated fittings required to connect water between the dam and mine processing infrastructure across the Amrun site.

Vinidex Chief Executive Officer Colin Weatherstone said 'We are delighted to be given the opportunity to supply the pipe required for such a large project from our North Queensland manufacturing facilities.'

Amrun Project general manager Marcia Hanrahan said 'This contract is another example of Rio Tinto supporting the Australian manufacturing industry. Recently we announced Australian supplied and fabricated steel would be used in the construction of the Amrun Project's processing facilities.

'It's fantastic to see Far North Queensland manufacturers competing for and winning work on the project. In addition to their strategic location, Vinidex's commitment to health, safety, quality and their innovative approach to product development were key factors in their winning this contract.'

Notes to editors

Rio Tinto announced its $2.6 billion investment in the Amrun project in late 2015. The project is about 40 kilometres south of Rio Tinto's existing East Weipa and Andoom mines on the Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland and involves the construction of a bauxite mine, processing and port facilities.

Production and shipping are expected to commence in the first half of 2019, ramping up to full production by the end of the year.

At its peak, construction of the project is expected to provide work for around 1100 people. Once operational, Amrun will help to support ongoing employment for the existing workforce of around 1400 employees and contractors at Rio Tinto's Cape York bauxite operations.

Rio Tinto has a long history of partnering with Traditional Owners on Cape York. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up around 24 per cent of employees and the Amrun project will continue creating opportunities for indigenous people from Cape York and the surrounding region.