Alcoa Faces Regulatory Pressure at Wagerup Refinery Due to Increased Mercury Emissions

Published: Apr 13, 2026 11:49

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[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alcoa is facing regulatory pressure at its Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia, highlighting risks to upstream aluminum supply. Mercury emissions linked directly to bauxite refining which have nearly doubled since 2022 to ~400kg in 2025, driven by higher alumina production, ore quality, and equipment issues. While regulators say emissions remain within acceptable limits, environmental groups have appealed the refinery’s license, raising the risk of tighter operating conditions for a key alumina asset.

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