Bauxite and Alumina
As the world’s largest and most efficient producer of alumina, together with the availability of competitively priced energy and well-established infrastructure, Western Australia (WA) is an attractive location to invest in the aluminium industry. WA’s proximity to expanding Asian markets and the continued growth in the aluminium sector for the foreseeable future, make the State an ideal site for the establishment of an aluminium smelter.
Projects and Deposits in WA (Bauxite/Alumina)
Western Australia is the world’s largest and most efficient producer of alumina.
Four alumina refineries are currently operating in the South West region of the State – three at Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup which are owned by Alcoa and a fourth at Worsley near Collie, which is owned by the Worsley Joint Venture. Three refineries are among the most efficient alumina refineries and rated in the top five worldwide in terms of operating costs.
Bauxite ore, the principal input into these refineries, is sourced from extensive deposits along the Darling Ranges from Perth down to Worsley and beyond. Reserves are sufficient to last more than 50 years at current production levels. There are also extensive undeveloped bauxite deposits on the Mitchell Plateau in the State’s northern Kimberley region.
There is an opportunity for the establishment of an aluminium smelter.
Location Options and Infrastructure
Western Australia (WA) has excellent infrastructure available for investors, including rail, ports, airports and roads.
Large world-class industrial estates are available throughout the State, including the Burrup and Boodarie Industrial Estates (Pilbara Region), Narngulu and Oakajee Industrial Estates (Mid West Region), Kemerton Industrial Estate (South West Region) and Mungari Industrial Estate (Goldfields-Esperance Region). The Perth Metropolitan Area has a Heavy Industrial Estate (HIA) located at Kwinana, close to the Fremantle Port.
WA has extensive supplies of cost effective energy available. There are approximately 116 trillion cubic feet of natural gas available offshore for long term contracts (for electricity generation, heating and mineral processing) and abundant coal reserves (for base load electricity generation and mineral processing), estimated to last for around 1070 years at current production rates.
The proximity of Asian markets provides the State with a shipping advantage over any other locations. Numerous ports are located throughout the State.
The State's Regional Development Commissions (external link) detailed information on living and doing business in the regions, including information on location options and infrastructure.
Investment Opportunities
Please refer to the right hand panel for documents providing information on investing in Western Australia.
Further Information
For information on exploration; land use, title and tenements; project approval processes; royalties; statistics and economics; geoscience services; and environmental services refer to the Minerals and Petroleum section of this website.
The Department's online database, MINEDEX (refer to Online Systems), provides information on:
- Project and current ownership (corporate)
- Sites, site type and development status
- Locality data (coordinates and map sheets)
- Notice of intent for development
- Contact details of each project
An ebookshop is available that provides a vast range of publications (including reports, maps and bulletins) on minerals and petroleum in WA.
The Business and Industry section of this website provides more detailed information on heavy industrial land and infrastructure and services.
For general information about living and working in Western Australia, refer to:
The State's Regional Development Commissions (external link) provide region-specific information on living and doing business in the chosen region.
