United States mining giant Alcoa has announced it will halt production at one of its three West Australian alumina refineries. 750 workers at the Kwinana plant, south of Perth, are set to lose their jobs.
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00:00 After 60 years, more than 60 years in operation, the Karnana plant behind me here will stop
00:07 producing alumina, the raw material which is used to make aluminium, in September.
00:14 Now this will lead to the loss of more than 500 direct jobs and a further 200 in the next
00:20 12 months, with just 50 positions remaining.
00:24 Some of the workers will be redeployed to other Alcoa refineries such as Punjara and
00:29 Wagerup, but the decision has been described by WA's Premier Roger Cook, who is also the
00:34 local member for Karnana, as disappointing.
00:37 He said it will be a very difficult day for the workers in his local community.
00:41 And what's led to this move, Doreena?
00:46 Well, the Executive Vice President Matt Reid said there were several factors involved and
00:52 that include the plant's age, the operating costs, as well as the current financial market.
00:59 This particular plant suffered a net loss of nearly $130 million, which is about $193
01:08 Australian dollars.
01:09 million dollars.
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