Alcoa Australia extends lime supply contract to Cockburn Cement

Alcoa of Australia Ltd, which operates one of the world's largest integrated bauxite mining, alumina refining has extended its supply contract of lime to AdBri subsidiary Cockburn Cement until January 2023.

The calcium-containing inorganic mineral lime is extensively used as an additive in alumina production by the Bayer process, as it provides higher alumina recovery and lowers caustic soda consumption, controlling impurities and reducing the inhibiting effect of sodium titanates, promoting settling and filtering properties of the red mud.

As per our sources, it has been reported that the value of the extension is US$18m – $25.3 million. Alcoa of Australia diverted towards using imported lime at its Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup alumina refineries in Western Australia from June 2020. However, previously, it procured a total of US$50.50 million worth of lime from Cockburn Cement.

Nick Miller, the Managing Director of Adbri said, "The extension reinforces our position as a reliable and high-quality supplier of lime through our local manufacturing and distribution network across Western Australia, supporting local manufacturing jobs, the resources sector and the broader Western Australia economy."

Adbri is Australia’s largest manufacturer of lime with a production capacity of over 1 million tonnes annually. Generally, it supplies to utility operators, industrial facilities, farmers, infrastructure owners and mining operators the lime products that are helping build a better Australia now and in the future.