Overview
- The curtailment begins in October 2026 and removes about 1.2 million tonnes of alumina from annual output.
- About 180 roles will be affected, with redeployment planning underway across Rio Tinto’s Gladstone sites.
- The refinery’s tailings storage is projected to reach capacity in 2031, and lower production is intended to stretch operations to 2035 while technical options are trialed.
- Rio Tinto says a second tailings facility at Yarwun was assessed as not economically viable after extensive study.
- The move follows other recent regional changes including a potential earlier closure of Gladstone Power Station, with the company stating it remains committed to its Gladstone alumina and aluminium operations.