Mining group Rio Tino has released revealed it will reduce production at the Yarwun Alumina Refinery to extend operational life.
The company will cut down production by 40 per cent starting in October 2026, to extend the operation’s life until 2035 and allow time to explore further life-extension and modernisation outputs.
Rio Tino aluminium pacific operations managing director Armando Torres said that while the company explored multiple avenues to develop a second tailings facility for Yarwun, the scale of investment required is substantial and not economically viable.
“Reducing production from October 2026 enables us to continue alumina production until 2035 and trial pathways to secure the longer-term future of Yarwun,” he said.
“We are committed to our alumina and aluminium operations in Gladstone and will work closely with employees, contractors, and suppliers to manage this transition. It is a difficult but necessary decision that preserves future operations for the site and supports continued economic contribution.”
Rio Tino will redeploy the roles of those impacted by the production scale back, with 180 positions expected to be affected.
The decision will reduce annual alumina production by roughly 1.2 million tonnes. Rio Tino claims there will be no impact to customer requirements or its other operations, with bauxite mines and aluminium smelters continuing to run as normal.