Rio Tinto bauxite mine in Cape York approved AFTER a delay of more than a year, Rio Tinto has received environmental approval for a $US1 billion-plus bauxite mining project in Queensland, although it must meet conditions imposed by the federal government aimed at protecting marine wildlife and the Great Barrier Reef from shipping. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today said he was satisfied that with strict conditions the project could go ahead. The review process was halted in March last year and Rio Tinto ordered to consider the possible impact its activities could have on the protected reef that runs along the coast of Queensland.