The Project

The project is planned as a staged operation with an initial export capacity of approximately six million tonnes of beneficiated bauxite per year. Mining will focus first on resources close to the Watson River, allowing for efficient transport by barge to offshore transhipping facilities in the Gulf of Carpentaria, reducing the need for large-scale road and port infrastructure.

  • Indigenous ownership has been embedded into the project’s structure from the outset. Traditional Owners hold a direct equity interest in the business and are represented in governance arrangements, ensuring meaningful involvement in decision-making.

    The project has been developed in close partnership with Ngan Aak-Kunch Aboriginal Corporation (NAK) and Aurukun Shire Council, with negotiated agreements covering land access, cultural heritage management, employment, training, and community development. ABD has also committed to gifting an equity stake to a not-for-profit entity dedicated to improving education, health, housing, and cultural outcomes for Indigenous people in Cape York.

    The project will generate real economic and social dividends for the Aurukun community, and for Queensland, creating 1500 jobs over the life of the project, 15% direct Indigenous equity holding, and $3.6 billion in anticipated royalty revenue.

  • Training - Specific job training programs will commence to ensure maximum opportunity for local Aurukun People.

    Local businesses - ABD will assist in identifying and providing business models for local enterprise to support the mining operation.

    Rehabilitation - The direct involvement of the local community together with ABD’s experienced and expert advisors are committed to setting new standards in rehabilitation.

  • ABD has developed a fit-for-purpose governance structure which combines very strong industry and technical experience, a strong investor base and significant shareholder representation for the people of Aurukun. That structure uniquely positions ABD to develop the bauxite resource in Aurukun.