Metallica Minerals is awaiting approval for a haul road to bring its Urquhart bauxite project online on Cape York after the granting of its mining lease this week.

The company said its project was fully funded, with a mining and haulage contractor appointed and ready to mobilise to site.

It still requires approval to construct a road linking the project to port infrastructure at Hey Point to allow production to begin.

“The haul road now becomes the clear focus,” chief executive officer Simon Slesarewich said.

“The company remains confident of gaining the approval and transitioning into production, although the timing of that transition is unknown due to ongoing negotiations with the stakeholders.

“Once all approvals have been received, the four-to-six week development period will commence immediately.”

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said thegranting of the mining lease would support up to 26 jobs and allow the new mine to produce  bauxite for export until 2033.

“This mining lease builds on the existing bauxite operations in the Cape which include Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa mines and Amrun project under development and the Bauxite Hills mine under construction by Metro Mining Limited,” he said.

“The Urquhart bauxite project adds to the project pipeline and follows the recent granting of the mineral development licence to Glencore for 283-million tonne Aurukun bauxite project.” The granting of that licence allows Glencore to begin feasibility studies for the site.