The US aluminium powerhouse plans to close its Kwinana alumina refinery, citing environmental concerns

The refinery, which produces alumina from bauxite for shipment to aluminium smelters, employs around 1200 people, including 900 employees and 300 contractors. The announcement comes barely two weeks after spokesperson in Australia said that the company has no intentions to cut output at Kwinana further.

"They're working very aggressively to identify savings, we've got a great pipeline of opportunities. This is our top priority, we're making progress. We have the right team in place for success, and we understand the improvements that our stakeholders are expecting," said one of the members of the company.

The refinery has operated at a capacity utilisation rate of 80 per cent for about a year. This reduction in production was initially caused by a scarcity of gas supply and subsequently prolonged owing to the unavailability of higher-quality bauxite grades. The company’s inability to get clearance for clearing additional sections of Jarrah forest contributed to this situation.