Alcoa‘s decision to curtail operations at Kwinana Alumina Refinery will not impact Australia’s and Western Australia’s alumina production capacity, as the company will continue operations at Wagerup and Pinjarra refineries, Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said.
“I have been assured by Alcoa that the curtailment of production at the Kwinana refinery will not affect the broader supply chain of alumina, which is essential for our future transition towards net zero emissions,” Minister King stated.
On 8 January, Alcoa announced its decision to fully curtail operation at the Kwinana refinery in 2024, citing the facility’s age, scale, operating costs, current bauxite grades, and current market conditions as factors for the decision.
Minister King has expressed her disappointment over the decision.
“As the local member representing many of the workers at Alcoa Kwinana, I am extremely disappointed and my thoughts are with those workers and their families as they are the people most severely affected by the decision,” the Minister said.
Minister King expects Alcoa to provide all necessary support to affected workers and their families during this challenging period.
“I want to acknowledge the work of the WA State Government in ensuring there are measures to assist affected workers during this challenging time, including through the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre and South Metropolitan TAFE,” she added.
The Australian Government has deemed High Purity Alumina a critical mineral and aluminium a strategic material.
