Worsley Alumina job cuts expected

BHP Billiton has confirmed a review of its processes will lead to job cuts at Worsley Alumina.

The company could not confirm how many jobs would be made redundant, but has confirmed the completion of a four-year efficiency and growth project, which has lead to a review of the number of roles needed for operation.

More than 1200 people are employed at Worsley Alumina, with many jobs created through the employment of sub-contractors, and support from local businesses and suppliers.

A company spokeswoman said following the completion of the major expansion of Worsley Alumina’s operations last year, the business had moved into a stabilisation phase.

“With no new projects planned for the next five years, the organisational structure of Worsley is under review, ” she said.

“This includes reviewing the nature and number of roles needed to support safe and efficient production and ensure Worsley has a sustainable future.

“We don’t intend to provide any detail about specific adjustments, but clearly there may be some impact on jobs in some areas. The review is ongoing and no operational disruptions are anticipated.”

Construction of the mine site and refinery began in 1980 and in May 2000 Worsley completed a $1 billion expansion.

Since then production has increased to 3.1 million tonnes a year, where it is carted by rail and exported through the Port of Bunbury.

Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries chief executive officer Ray Philp said the impending job losses were because of a change of phase and Worsley was still a major employer of the region.

“It is about a change of roles, from a construction to an operation workforce so the construction workers aren’t required anymore, ” he said.

“I think people who are in the construction workforce are used to working based on the projects as they happen.”