Gas shortage prompts production cut at Alcoa’s Kwinana Alumina Refinery

Update 01/11/2023: Western Australia gas supply issues

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.

01/09/2023: Gas shortage prompts production cut at Alcoa’s Kwinana Alumina Refinery

In light of ongoing gas supply challenges in Western Australia, a production unit has been taken offline at Alcoa’s Kwinana Alumina Refinery. In addition, process flows at the refinery have been reduced. These actions represent an approximate 30 percent reduction in production at the refinery. At this stage, no timeline has been identified for restoring full production.

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 Friday (6 January) as an immediate response to the domestic gas issue prompted by production challenges being experienced by key gas suppliers.

We continue to look for opportunities to manage our energy position while maintaining safe and efficient production at our refineries.

We remain committed to working with the State Government and relevant stakeholders as this situation evolves.