Bauxite project for northern Kimberley

A private business has lodged documents with the environmental regulator for a new bauxite mine in the Kimberley, a project estimated to be worth around $35 million.

Leederville-based Valperlon hopes to build the mine near Kalumburu, near the northernmost tip of Western Australia, and is seeking Environmental Protection Authority approval.

The company is privately held, with directors including former Deloitte corporate financier Ryan de Franck and Donegal Resources co-founder and 40under40 winner, Ian Junk.

Mr Junk formerly headed Kimberley Metals Group, which exported iron ore through Wyndham, in what was known as the Ridges project.

Rick de Franck, who founded recruiting business Global Resources Network and sold out in a $20 million deal in 2011, is also on the board.

About 6 million tonnes of ore will be mined annually, the company said, with a 10-year mine life.

The project will also involve a beneficiation plant, haul road and transhipping facility, with construction to begin in April 2021.

Valperlon holds two exploration licences, with Mr de Franck telling Business News the main licence was granted in 2016.

“We have conducted a staged program of heritage and environmental surveys, drilling and bulk sampling since 2016,” he said.

Mr de Franck said the company would not disclose its capital estimates but said another similar project in Queensland had cost $35 million.

Consultation with indigenous owners is ongoing.