Kwinana alumina refinery to shut permanently: Alcoa

Alcoa has announced it will permanently shut the Kwinana alumina refinery, which fully curtailed production last year, following “numerous studies and analyses” on the future of the site.

According to a statement from the bauxite, alumina and aluminium company on Tuesday, factors behind the decision included the refinery’s age, scale and operating costs, as well as market conditions and bauxite grade challenges.

It said Kwinana has about 220 employees currently, which will be reduced during 2026 as the closure progresses, with “certain employees” staying on past 2026 “to prepare the site for future redevelopment.”

Alcoa expects to record restructuring and related charges of approximately $US 890 million ($1,353 million) related to the permanent closure, including approximately $US 375 million ($570 million) of non-cash asset impairment charges. 

Matt Reed, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Alcoa, said: “We appreciate the dedication and support of our Kwinana employees, contractors and suppliers who have made a major contribution to Western Australia’s economic development and prosperity over more than six decades.”

The facility has a 2.2 million metric ton per annum capacity.

Alcoa operates two other Western Australian alumina refineries at Pinjarra and Wagerup. It added that the permanent closure of Kwinana brings its global consolidated refining capacity to 11.7 million metric tons.

Picture: credit Alcoa

Further reading

Alcoa to cease operations at Kwinana Alumina Refinery