Rio Tinto warns of job cuts at Weipa bauxite operations

Mining giant Rio Tinto is flagging job cuts at its Weipa bauxite operations.

The company has not revealed exact numbers yet, but has written to all personnel, warning them of job losses as part of a review to cut costs ­because of falling aluminium prices and competition.

The operation employs 1400 staff and contractors. It is not expected to impact the ­separate $2.6 billion South of Embley expansion, now known as Amrun.

Construction has started on the extension with up to 1100 people to be employed at its peak over three years. Many of the current staff are expected to move to the new operation.

Weipa bauxite operations general manager Gareth Manderson told staff they “need to transform our business during 2016 in order to build resilience ­irrespective of market cycle”.

“The work we have completed together over the past few years to improve our safety performance, productivity and cost position has positioned us well, however global market conditions, increased competitor activity and lower prices (particularly alumina) requires that we continue this work at an increased the pace,” he said.

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