Key Facts:
The aluminium industry has been operating in Australia since 1955, and over the decades has been a significant contributor to the national economy. It includes six mines which collectively produce over 100 Mt per annum making Australia one of the world's largest producers of bauxite. Australia is the world's largest exporter of alumina with five alumina refineries producing around 17 Mt per annum of alumina. Australia is the seventh largest producer of aluminium, with four aluminium smelters and additional downstream processing industries including more than 20 extrusion presses. Aluminium is Australia's highest earning manufacturing export. The industry directly employs more than 20,000 people. It also indirectly supports a further 55,000 families predominantly in regional Australia at pay rates 60% above the national manufacturing average. The industry contributes more than A$18 billion to Australia's economy with annual export revenue in excess of A$15 billion.
The Australian Aluminium Council welcomes the announcement of power and support agreements for Bell Bay Aluminium.
"A new era is dawning for Tasmania, with today's announcement providing certainty for Bell Bay Aluminium for the next five years," said Australian Aluminium Council CEO Marghanita Johnson. "Bell Bay Aluminium supports more than 550 direct skilled jobs and contributes over $250 million annually to the Tasmanian economy, making it a critical driver of the state's prosperity."
"While Bell Bay has played a significant role in the history of Australia's sovereign industrial capability, today it has secured its place in Australia's industrial future through to the end of 2031," Ms Johnson said. "Established more than 70 years ago to support secure aluminium supply following World War II, it was the first smelter in the Southern Hemisphere. Bell Bay Aluminium will now continue to provide supply to both domestic customers and Australia's trading partners, who seek safe and reliable aluminium supply chains in an uncertain geopolitical environment."
Ms Johnson said the announcement recognised the significance of Australia's aluminium industry. "Today's commitment from the Tasmanian and Federal Governments demonstrates recognition of aluminium's strategic importance to Australia's economy, manufacturing base and national interest".
"Australia's aluminium industry competes not only with global companies, but with governments actively backing their own industries."
Reliable, competitive energy is critical to the future of Australian aluminium. This supports not only Tasmania's economy but also Australia's industrial capability in an increasingly competitive global market.
Ms Johnson said aluminium remains an essential foundation of Australia's economy and industrial capability. "Aluminium is essential to Australia's transport, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, defence capability and emerging technologies," she said.
Strong, coordinated policy settings are needed to restore competitiveness, support value-added industry, and strengthen Australia's position in trusted global supply chains for the long term.
About us:
The Australian Aluminium Council is the peak industry association representing Australia's integrated bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry. The Council provides a unified voice across the value chain, working with governments, industry and communities to support a resilient, competitive and sustainable sector that underpins Australia's economic strength, industrial capability and energy transition.
