Gas Shortage Forces Rio Tinto to Declare Force Majeure on Queensland Alumina Cargoes
Rio Tinto Group has declared force majeure on alumina shipments from its refineries in Queensland, Australia, due to a gas shortage impacting its operations, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The company notified clients on Monday, the sources said, requesting anonymity due to the private nature of the information. Rio Tinto produces alumina, the raw material for aluminum, at its Yarwun refinery and at Queensland Alumina, a joint venture with Russia’s United Co. Rusal International.
The refineries have struggled to maintain operations because of a regional gas shortage. In March, Rio Tinto had announced it was assessing the impact of fires in Queensland on the gas pipeline supplying the plant.
The force majeure will affect only sales of alumina to third parties and will not impact Rio Tinto’s own aluminum operations, the sources added.
