Portland smelter escapes review

WHILE 600 jobs at Alcoa’s Point Henry smelter in Geelong are at risk, workers at Portland’s smelter are not facing the same uncertain future.
Alcoa this week announced a major review of the ageing Point Henry smelter labelling it uncompetitive, but operations at Portland Aluminium are not under investigation.
The review to be completed by the end of June could result in production curtailment and job losses due to the low price of base metals, high input costs and the high Australian dollar.
But Alcoa of Australia managing director Alan Cransberg was quick to say the review will not include the Portland smelter, in which Alcoa holds a 55 per cent stake.
“Together with our employees, we have worked hard to minimise costs and improve margins, but the current situation makes it difficult for Point Henry to be globally competitive in the foreseeable future.
“We will do all we can to ensure the smelter is competitive,” Mr Cransberg said.
Read the full article in Friday’s edition of the Portland Observer.

Huw Cushing

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