Questions and Answers
In this area, we have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions relating to the Pinjarra Refinery Efficiency Upgrade Project.
As the project continues, new questions and answers will be posted to these pages.
Air Quality
Alcoa devotes substantial resources each year to monitor air emissions from the Pinjarra refinery. This monitoring helps us understand our emissions and the effectiveness of our emissions control work. It also helps us develop improvements to ensure that over the longer term, air emissions are reduced.
Bauxite Mining
Pinjarra was the second of Alcoa's refineries to be constructed in Western Australia with alumina production beginning in 1972. It is currently the second largest refinery in the world. The Pinjarra refinery was established close to major bauxite deposits in the Darling Range and to transport infrastructure. Alcoa has a policy of maximising the life of its alumina production facilities consistent with environment, social and economic considerations.
Dust Control
Alcoa’s Pinjarra refinery is the second largest alumina refinery in the world. An operation of this size requires the movement of thousands of tonnes of bauxite and bauxite residue, and alumina, all of which can produce dust. Alcoa devotes significant resources to monitoring and controlling dust both in the workplace and to prevent it from annoying neighbours.
Energy Consumption
Alumina production requires significant amounts of energy. Alcoa constantly reviews its energy usage and works towards reducing energy consumption. Internationally, Alcoa is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by employing the most advanced technology in energy efficiency.
Freight movements
Many products and materials needed to run an alumina refinery are transported into the refinery on a daily basis. Each year there are thousands of freight movements to and from the Pinjarra refinery by road and rail. Alcoa works with contracted companies to ensure the freight movements are kept to a minimum, and comply with strict government regulations ensuring high safety levels are maintained.
Land Use
Managing bauxite residue requires long-term planning and Alcoa is working with stakeholders to ensure this is done responsibly. Alcoa is committed to a long term strategy to ensure the environmental and social impact of residue is minimised and significant research and development resources are devoted to finding new technology options and alternative uses for residue.
Mine Rehabilitation
Alcoa sets a high standard for rehabilitation of areas cleared for bauxite mining. The company employs a large number of environmental specialists and consultants and works closely with the Department of Conservation and Land Management and Water Corporation to minimise the impact of mining on the environment and to ensure that affected areas are restored to a self sustaining jarrah forest.
Noise Control
As a major mining and industrial company, Alcoa recognises that noise can be a significant community issue. As a result, controlling noise is a priority for Alcoa and the company has an ongoing commitment to reduce noise levels at its mining and refinery operations. Alcoa implements current best practices in noise control and works closely with the Department of Environment to ensure its facilities adhere to strict governmental regulations covering noise control.
Water Quality
The production of alumina requires a considerable amount of water. Alcoa fully appreciates that water is a valuable community resource in Western Australia and as a company has demonstrated a strong commitment to water conservation. Alcoa is assessing water conservation carefully as part of the Pinjarra Efficiency Upgrade.
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