PRESS RELEASE: So far, the project has spent A$1 billion with Queensland suppliers and offered almost 1,000 jobs on-site.

The Amrun project involves a mine, processing plant and bauxite stockpiles, a power station, warehouses, as well as new barge, ferry and ship-loading facilities.

Meeting with Rio Tinto CEO Jean-Sébastien Jacques in Cairns on July 12, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said construction of the Amrun project is almost a third complete and on track for the start of bauxite shipments in the first quarter of 2019.

Palaszczuk commented: “Queensland suppliers represent more than two-thirds (68%) of all supply for the project. There are currently 930 construction workers on-site, with 96 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.

“I welcome Rio Tinto's commitment to the Cape, far north Queensland and our state.”