Weipa airport set for a cool change

A new, air-conditioned departure lounge at Weipa airport is on track for completion in June, Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa general manager operations Jo-Anne Scarini said today.

The new departure area is required in order for the airport to meet new state government security requirements that come into effect from 1 July 2012 which require the screening of all passenger luggage.

Ms Scarini said the as well as meeting State Government airport security requirements that come into effect from 1 July 2012, the $2.5 million upgrade would result in more comfortable departure area for up to 116 passengers.

"We have worked with the Office of Transport Security to confirm upgrade options to fulfil the Government's requirement of full security screening for Q400 planes by the July deadline," Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa general manager operations Jo-Anne Scarini said.

"This will mean the new departure lounge will have an x-ray, walk-through metal detector, explosive trace detection machine and hand-held scanners.

"I'm also pleased that we have been able to introduce facilities such as air-conditioning for outbound passengers."

Ms Scarini said they are refurbishing the building next to the existing airport terminal to minimise impact of current airport operations.

"By refurbishing the Air Services building, we will have optimum room for passengers to check-in, go through the security equipment and sit in the air-conditioned departure lounge" Ms Scarini said.

"We will then use the existing facility as an arrival terminal only."

Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa will display the new departure terminal and check-in processes for public view at the existing airport.

For more information about the airport security upgrade, please contact Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa's community feedback hotline 1800 707 633.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

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