Response to Rio Tinto announcement regarding Yarwun Alumina Refinery

Published on 18 November 2025

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett says there is reason to remain optimistic following Rio Tinto’s decision to reduce production at its Yarwun Alumina Refinery by 40 per cent from October 2026.

Rio Tinto says the decision to scale back production was made due to the Yarwun tailings facility (red mud dam) expected to reach capacity by 2031, based at current production rates.

Rio Tinto added that by reducing production at Yarwun Alumina Refinery, they could extend its operation another four years to 2035, allowing more time to “explore and develop technical solutions that could further extend the refinery’s life.”

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said while the announcement was concerning, affecting approximately 180 roles at the refinery, there are reasons to remain positive.

“It’s encouraging that Rio Tinto is committed to redeploying employees at its other Gladstone sites – including Boyne Smelters and QAL – and is focussed on extending the life of the Yarwun facility, rather than closing it early,” Mayor Burnett said.

“If Rio Tinto wanted to close Yarwun early, they would go full steam ahead towards 2031, but that isn’t the case, and they are actively exploring new technologies to keep the facility open and viable.

“Rio Tinto has been a long-term employer in Gladstone for decades and I trust they will do the right thing by the people and workers of Gladstone, who have supported their operations since 1967.”