00:00 After 60 years, more than 60 years in operation, the Karnana plant behind me here will stop
00:07 producing alumina, the raw material which is used to make aluminium, in September.
00:14 Now this will lead to the loss of more than 500 direct jobs and a further 200 in the next
00:20 12 months, with just 50 positions remaining.
00:24 Some of the workers will be redeployed to other Alcoa refineries such as Punjara and
00:29 Wagerup, but the decision has been described by WA's Premier Roger Cook, who is also the
00:34 local member for Karnana, as disappointing.
00:37 He said it will be a very difficult day for the workers in his local community.
00:41 And what's led to this move, Doreena?
00:46 Well, the Executive Vice President Matt Reid said there were several factors involved and
00:52 that include the plant's age, the operating costs, as well as the current financial market.
00:59 This particular plant suffered a net loss of nearly $130 million, which is about $193
01:08 Australian dollars.
01:09 million dollars.
01:10 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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