Steve Dunstone, Mick Turk, Freda Chen, Armando Torres, Steve Badenhorst, Byron Godfrey, Shiona Budby and Colin Vallance inspect the new belly-dump bauxite haul trailer after the 215-tonne behemoth was delivered to the Amrun mine last week. Photo: Supplied.
With a purple and white colour scheme that contrasts the bauxite-rich landscape it operates in, and tipping the scales at a hefty 215 tonnes, the newest member of the Rio Tinto Weipa team is set to make its presence felt.
Key stakeholders from Rio Tinto and its Chinese manufacturing partner RHM converged on the Amrun mine on 24 June to unveil and commission the first custom-built belly-dump bauxite haul trailer planned for the mining giant’s southern Weipa operation.
The delivery of the trailer marks a significant step forward in haulage efficiency by increasing the number of trucks operating at Amrun.
Designed specifically for Rio Tinto’s operational needs, the long-haul trailer enables faster travel and more efficient loading and unloading compared to standard rear tippers, delivering immediate operational improvements at site.
RHM project manager Freda Chen joined Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations’ managing director Armando Torres, chief operating officer Steve Badenhorst, integrated operations general manager Affonso Bizon and Weipa operations general manager Steve Dunstone for the commissioning.
Mr Badenhorst said the trailer’s delivery reflected the miner’s commitment not only to innovation, but to western Cape York.
“The successful commissioning of the first 215t trailer from RHM is a testament to the strength of our partnership with RHM, and shared commitment to efficiency and innovation,” he said.
“This collaboration supports the future of our Amrun operations and also reflects our confidence in the capabilities of our suppliers.
“With more trailers on the way, we’re investing in both the future of western Cape York and strengthening the supplier relationships that deliver world-class mining operations.”
RHM vice-general manager Emily Wu said the partnership represented a “strategic mutual trust” between the Chinese manufacturer and Rio Tinto.
“As the first Chinese supplier, RHM meticulously delivered the inaugural 215t bauxite trailer to Rio Tinto’s full satisfaction, injecting strong momentum into bauxite industry upgrading,” she said.
“This achievement stands as a testament to the strategic mutual trust between the two parties and verifies RHM’s international contract performance capabilities, marking a significant milestone in China-Australia premium equipment co-operation.”
RHM project manager Freda Chen and Rio Tinto’s Pacific Operations Aluminium managing director Armando Torres cut the ribbon to welcome the 215-tonne bauxite trailer into operation on 24 June. Photo: Supplied.
