Alumina Operations.
Western Australia's alumina sector is a cornerstone of the state's resources economy, generating billions in export revenue annually. Anchored by large-scale refineries at Kwinana, Pinjarra, and Wagerup, WA processes vast bauxite reserves into alumina for global aluminium smelters, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Get your business in front of the teams sourcing for Alumina operations across WA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is alumina mined and refined in Western Australia?
Bauxite is primarily mined in the Darling Range south of Perth, with major refineries operated by Alcoa and South32 located at Kwinana, Pinjarra, and Wagerup. These facilities convert raw bauxite into alumina using the Bayer refining process before export.
What is the difference between bauxite, alumina, and aluminium?
Bauxite is the raw ore mined from the ground. It is refined into alumina (aluminium oxide) through the Bayer process. Alumina is then smelted using electrolysis to produce aluminium metal, the final product used in manufacturing and construction industries worldwide.
How significant is Western Australia's alumina industry to the global market?
Western Australia is one of the world's largest alumina exporters, accounting for a substantial share of global supply. The state's refineries have a combined annual production capacity exceeding 10 million tonnes, making WA a critical supplier to aluminium smelters across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.