South of Embley project bauxite mine, Cape York
The South of Embley bauxite mine and port development on Western Cape York, proposed by Rio Tinto Weipa Pty Ltd (EPBC 2010/5642), is being assessed under national environment law because of its potential impacts on matters of national environmental significance.
The public were invited to comment for 10 days on the project's draft environmental impact statement (EIS) from 1 August until 12 September 2011.
Request for Reconsideration (Section 78 of the EPBC Act)
The original referral decision included assessment of potential impacts on listed threatened species and communities, listed migratory species and the Commonwealth marine area.
In November 2011, the Australian Government Environment Minister received a request to reconsider the referral decision on the basis of new information presented in the draft EIS related to shipping activities through the Great Barrier Reef. This information was not provided by the proponent at the time of the referral decision.
On 15 March 2012, the Minister revoked the original referral decision and substituted it with one that takes impacts on the Great Barrier Reef into account. In making his decision, the Minister considered advice from the department, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Rio Tinto, and the submissions received during the public comment period on the reconsideration, which was open from 12-25 January 2012.
The decision means the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, World Heritage properties and National Heritage Places will now also be included in the assessment of whether or not the project can proceed under national environment law.
Rio Tinto Weipa Pty Ltd must now prepare a new draft EIS, which will be available for public comment before being finalised.
Unless more information is required, the Minister or his delegate will then have 40 business days to make a decision on whether or not this proposal can go ahead under national environment law.
The Queensland Government will make a decision under state legislation.
Further information
- Project documentation
- Great Barrier Reef shipping impacts to be considered in mine proposal - media release 16 March 2012
Resources
Search and create reports
Quick links
Before you download
Some documents are available as PDF files. You will need a PDF reader to view PDF files.
List of PDF readers
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.