Alcoa Announced Permanent Shutdown of Alumina Refinery

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Kwinana alumina refinery in Western Australia will be permanently closed, according to a statement released by Alcoa Corporation. In June this year, the refinery had reduced output.

Since curtailment, the firm has conducted a number of research and assessments to ascertain the refinery's future, including resumption and closure. After taking into account a number of variables, including the facility's age, scale and operating costs, market conditions, and bauxite grade difficulties, the decision was made to close the operation.

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In order to ensure a safe and responsible closure of the refinery and related residual storage locations, Alcoa said it will collaborate closely with all pertinent parties. In collaboration with the State Government of Western Australia, it will also start preparing the site for potential new economic development opportunities.

Alcoa's port and related rail infrastructure at Kwinana will remain operational in the interim. The business will also continue to operate at its other facilities in Victoria and Western Australia.

With the closure of the Kwinana refinery, which produces 2.2 million metric tons annually, the company's total global refining capacity will reach 11.7 million metric tons. Over the course of 2026, the refinery facility's existing workforce of 220 will be progressively reduced. To get the land ready for future redevelopment, a few staff members will stay after 2026.