Kwinana Alumina Refinery cuts production due to gas shortage

Following increased gas supply into the Western Australian domestic gas market, Alcoa has reverted to using gas to fuel 100 per cent of the powerhouse boilers at the Kwinana and Pinjarra alumina refineries. Diesel was introduced as a temporary fuel source for some operational needs last week.

Despite this development, Santos continues to experience production constraints at two gas facilities, resulting in ongoing uncertainty in the gas market. On this basis, the Kwinana refinery continues to operate with one production unit offline and reduced process flows.

We continue to monitor the situation closely and will consider the need for additional actions as the situation evolves.

The Pinjarra and Kwinana refineries have been using diesel as a temporary fuel source for some operational needs. This switch to diesel was made on 6 January as an immediate response to the domestic gas issue prompted by production challenges being experienced by key gas suppliers.

Alcoa Australia continues to look for opportunities to manage its energy position while maintaining safe and efficient production at its refineries.