Bauxite JV withdraws EPA application

A joint venture between Bauxite Resources and Chinese conglomerate Yankuang Resources has withdrawn its application to the Environmental Protection Authority to secure approvals for a controversial bauxite mining project in the Darling Range.

Bauxite applied to the EPA in 2010 for a proposal to mine 2 million tonnes of bauxite per annum over a five-year period at a site in north Bindoon.

The EPA ruled that the project would be subject to a high-scrutiny public environmental review.

Bauxite said today that it would turn its attention to developing other resource deposits in the area. 

"Since the EPA application was lodged in 2010, Bauxite and our JV partners have proved up significant bauxite resources in the Darling Range," Bauxite chief executive Peter Canterbury said.

"These additional resources provide the company and its joint venture partners a range of attractive opportunities for development.

"They have in no way been affected by the decision to withdraw the EPA referral for the North Bindoon mining proposal."

Bauxite said the joint venture had relinquished more than 3,000 square kilometres of its holdings as part of a drive to concentrate on its more prospective areas.