Pisolite Hills project (lapsed)
The proponent for the Pisolite Hills Project is Cape Alumina Pty Ltd. The project would involve the development of a greenfield bauxite mine producing eight to twelve million tonnes of run of mine bauxite ore per year for export through a loading facility in Port Musgrave. The project site (Mining Lease Application 20572, 20573 & 20574 & EPM 15984) is located approximately 50km north-east of Weipa on the western side of Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland. The proposed Pisolite Hills Mine would use open cut methods to extract the bauxite. The mined ore would be crushed and washed prior to conveying by truck 34km to a stockpile and barge loading facility to be located on Port Musgrave. Barges would be used to transfer the ore to ships moored in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Water requirements for the project would be between 3500 to 6000ML per year and could be sourced from the Wenlock River, deep groundwater bores and dams. A dedicated tailings storage facility may be required on the mine site. The mine is expected to operate for 10 to 15 years.
Commonwealth assessment process
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The project is a controlled action under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The State's EIS process has been accredited for the assessment under Part 8 of the EPBC Act in accordance with the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Queensland (2004). The controlling provisions are sections 18 and 18A (Listed threatened species and communities), sections 20 and 20A (listed migratory species), and sections 23 and 24A (Commonwealth Marine Areas).
Queensland assessment process
Environmental Protection Act 1994
Under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), the proponent was required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project.
The final terms of reference (TOR) for the EIS was issued to the proponent on 25 September 2008. Cape Alumina was required to submit the EIS within two years. Following an application from Cape Alumina in July 210, the period for submission of the EIS was extended by a year to 26 September 2011. Under section 47 of the EP Act the final terms of reference cease to have effect and the EIS process has lapsed.
Documents
- Final terms of reference (September 2008)
- Draft terms of reference (May 2008)
- Initial advice statement describing the project (May 2008)
Further information
For further information about the EIS process for the Pisolite Hills Project, contact the EIS Coordinator on 13QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@des.qld.gov.au.