(MENAFN- ABN Newswire) http://www.abnnewswire.net/rss2/menafn/abn_menafn_en.asp
Australian bauxite explorer, Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) (ASX:ABX), has been granted its first mining lease, ML1961 at its Bald Hill Project in Northern Tasmania. Bald Hill is located 60 kms southwest of Launceston.
The Company's CEO, Ian Levy, said granting of the mining lease comes after 5 years of exploration along Australia's eastern seaboard. Tasmania provides an ideal environment to host the Company's first mine - good quality bauxite; near infrastructure connected to export ports; & free of socio-environmental constraints.
"Bald Hill is our first mining lease. We have delineated two more in Northern Tasmania and are actively investigating other prospective bauxite areas.
"Production at Bald Hill is planned to commence at the end of 2014. Discussions are well advanced with local mining and transport contractors, in line with our policy of creating economic opportunities that benefit the local community. Our expectation is at least 30 jobs will be created as a consequence.
"Contracts will be settled following the 28 days public display of the Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan," said Ian Levy.
Spearheading the development of the Tasmanian projects is Leon Hawker, ABx's Chief Operating Officer, who said:
"This is the first new bauxite mine in Australia for over 35 years and will introduce a new bauxite supply into the seaborne bauxite market.
"We look forward to continuing and further developing the relationships that have been built in Tasmania. I particularly wish to acknowledge the work undertaken and the support of the Mineral Resources Tasmania, a division of the Department of State Growth and the EPA and recognise the strong community support we enjoy.
"ABx can only operate with a strong social licence and however modest our contribution to local jobs, industry and the economy may be, we will make every effort to meet the expectations of our diverse stakeholders."
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