A mining lease has been granted for a new bauxite mine near Campbell Town that promises to create 30 jobs.
The lease, which I have granted to Australian Bauxite, covers an area of 205 hectares adjacent to Macquarie Road, with a maximum disturbed area of 41 hectares.
More than 1.6 million tonnes of bauxite, the world's main source of aluminium, is expected to be mined for domestic and international markets from three pits on the lease site.
The bauxite will be panel mined across the top of small hills, from west to east, and topsoil will then be replaced on to the disturbed areas, while there will be no waste rock dump or tailings dump required.
The ore will be shipped through Bell Bay, and some is of such quality that it will not need to be upgraded by screening.
This is an exciting project that will both create jobs and economic activity, while showcasing the mineral diversity and potential of Tasmania.
It will also provide a lead-in to the company's other prospective sites.
Subject to other necessary approvals, the company expects that preliminary work will start next month and the new mine will commence operations by December.