Discussions continue on Portland Aluminium smelter

Alcoa of Australia Managing Director, Michael Parker, said today that the company remained in constructive discussions with the Victorian and Commonwealth governments regarding the Portland aluminium smelter. Commercial discussions also continue on a new power supply agreement.

“We very much appreciate the constructive working relationship with all parties involved in this complex situation,” Mr Parker said, “including our joint venture partners in the smelter.

“Since the power outage on 1 December last year, Alcoa and the government have done a great deal of analysis of Portland and our employees, contractors, suppliers, customers and the Portland community can be assured that every possible option is being considered.

“Our goal is for the smelter to be viable in its own right without the need for government support, but clearly in the current environment that remains a significant challenge,” Mr Parker said.

The smelter employs approximately 500 permanent employees and 160 contractors. Portland Aluminium contributes more than $120 million to the local economy each year in wages and salaries and local supply contracts.
The Portland Aluminium smelter is a joint venture between Alcoa of Australia Limited (55%), CITIC (22.5%), and Marubeni Aluminium Australia (22.5%).