Rio Tinto to reduce production at Yarwun Alumina Refinery

Rio Tinto (RIO) will reduce production at the Yarwun Alumina Refinery in Gladstone by 40% from October 2026, to extend the operation’s life until 2035 and allow time to explore further life-extension and modernisation options. With Yarwun’s tailings facility expected to reach capacity by 2031 at current production rates, this curtailment will allow another four years to explore and develop technical solutions that could further extend the refinery’s life. Scaling back production will affect around 180 roles at the refinery, with redeployment planning underway across Rio Tinto sites in Gladstone as a key priority. The decision will reduce annual alumina production by around 1.2 million tons. There will be no impact to customer requirements or Rio Tinto’s other operations, with bauxite mines and aluminium smelters continuing to operate at full capacity. The company will continue to focus on innovative tailings solutions at the operation, including neutralisation and centrifuge-based dry tailings. It will also continue to prioritise decarbonisation technologies. Yarwun currently employs about 725 people and produces around 3 million tons of alumina per year, used as a feedstock for Rio Tinto aluminium smelters and international customers.