Alcoa celebrates one billionth milestone in bauxite mining

Alcoa’s workforce is celebrating an historic milestone after achieving one billion tonnes of bauxite mined, following 53 years of operation in Western Australia.

President Alcoa Mining Garret Dixon saluted the hard work and tireless efforts of past and present employees who have worked across its mining operations at Jarrahdale, Huntly and Willowdale.

“We’re very proud of this achievement and also our decades-long, internationally recognised land rehabilitation program - one of the most critical parts of the mining process which sees jarrah forest ecosystems restored,” said Mr Dixon.

Mr Dixon said Alcoa had built a world-class integrated mining, refining and smelting system in Australia with a strong sustainability record.

“In Australia, our bauxite is used to produce alumina to supply approximately eight per cent of world alumina demand and we make alumina as low as one third of the greenhouse footprint per tonne of product of some of our Asian competitors,” he said.

Alcoa’s value-add refining and smelting businesses in Australia meant the company has made a significant economic and social contribution. Adding to this, the mining business will realise the opportunity to export bauxite into new markets in 2016.

“Alcoa injects billions of dollars each year into Peel and South-West communities, the State and the nation. In Western Australia alone, we employ approximately 4,000 people and inject more than $2.2 billion per annum in local procurement and payroll. We also invest millions of dollars and thousands of volunteering hours each year into local community groups and projects. We thank all our local communities, suppliers, contractors and government stakeholders for their support.”

The company celebrated its success with past and present employees, key stakeholders and the Hon Nigel Hallett MLC, representing Premier Barnett, at a special event in Mandurah on Thursday. Huntly mine’s Jim Blacklock, Alcoa’s longest serving mining employee, also joined the celebrations.

“Since joining the company in December 1971 (44 years ago), I’ve seen huge change. The automation of processes and the volume of production are what impress me the most. But by far it is the people who have given me the greatest enjoyment; they’re brilliant,” said Mr Blacklock.

Alcoa named a mining road after Jim Blacklock in recognition of his commitment to the company. Other long-serving employees have had roads named in their honour too, with Alcoa’s first WA Manager of Mines, Jim Langford, having the popular Langford Park, located at Alcoa’s rehabilitated Jarrahdale mine site, named after him. Langford Park opened in 1975 and is a popular family picnic spot with mountain bike and bridle trails.