Rio Tinto pulls out of Abbot Point
THE FUTURE of the $6.2 billion Abbot Point Coal Terminal expansion is under a cloud after mining giant Rio Tinto announced they have pulled out of the deal.
Whitsunday mayor Mike Brunker said the news was not a major blow.
"It's cutting the weak from the strong," Mr Brunker said.
"I think it's nothing to panic about."
Member for Dawson George Christensen said delayed government approvals were to blame for the company's actions.
"One things Rio Tinto cited was regulatory approvals," Mr Christensen said.
"Those approvals have been with the Federal Government since December 2010 until now."
