Rio Tinto to Scale Down Yarwun Alumina Refinery Output

The decision is likely to affect around 180 roles at the refinery.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Rio Tinto has revealed plans to significantly reduce output at its Yarwun Alumina Refinery in Gladstone, Queensland, starting October next year. The company confirmed that production will be cut by approximately 40% as part of a strategic effort to extend the refinery’s lifespan through 2035 while exploring long-term improvement and modernization pathways.

According to the official announcement, the refinery’s existing tailings storage facility is projected to reach full capacity by 2031 under current production levels. The reduced output is expected to provide an additional four years of operational runway, enabling Rio Tinto to evaluate and potentially develop new technical solutions that could prolong the life of the asset beyond the targeted timeline.

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The decision will impact an estimated 180 jobs at the facility, with the company indicating that workforce changes will be implemented gradually and in consultation with employees. The production scale-down is expected to lower annual alumina output by approximately 1.2 million tonnes. However, Rio Tinto noted that related bauxite mines and aluminium smelters will continue operating at full capacity, ensuring stability across the broader supply chain.

Armando Torres, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations, emphasized that the company has pursued numerous options to secure a secondary tailings facility over several years. However, the required capital investment is currently not financially viable. He stated that scaling back production offers the most practical route to maintain ongoing alumina output until 2035, while continuing to investigate alternative solutions for long-term sustainability.

“This is a difficult but necessary decision to safeguard Yarwun’s future and retain jobs in the region for as long as possible,” Torres said.