The mine, plant and export facility were approved in 2015, with a targeted start date of 2019. Rio Tinto made Amrun's first shipment in December 2018, six weeks ahead of schedule. At full production, the site will have capacity of 22.8 million tonnes a year, with options to expand. 

The mine and associated processing and port facilities will replace production from Rio Tinto's depleting East Weipa mine and increase annual bauxite export capacity by around 10 million tonnes.

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said: "Amrun was completed early and under budget, demonstrating Rio Tinto's productivity and innovation capabilities. By applying fresh thinking we also delivered safety, environmental, cost and timing benefits.

"Amrun will provide jobs, support businesses and contribute to growth in the region for the next 50 years, building on $A2.2 billion of contracts with local, State and national businesses [during construction]."