Rio Tinto : Alumina 2018 conference to shine spotlight on Gladstone

Rio Tinto will host a global alumina industry conference in Gladstone next September.

Alumina 2018, organised by the Alumina Quality Workshop (AQW), is set to attract 300 industry producers and suppliers to the city from all over the world.

The chair for Alumina 2018 is Rio Tinto manager, refinery support bauxite & alumina, Dr Anthony Canfell.

Anthony said 'Rio Tinto is delighted to confirm this prestigious event will take place in Gladstone - the centre of the alumina industry here in Australia.'

'The conference is normally located in a capital city, so it is an exciting change for us to hold it in Gladstone and an opportunity to showcase both the regional location and the Yarwun and QAL alumina refineries.'

Rio Tinto Yarwun general manager operations, Colin McGibbon said 'We receive so much support from our local community here in Gladstone. It is our pleasure to give back as the organiser and major sponsor of this conference.

'We look forward to sharing with our international visitors that our city is a great place to visit, live and invest.'

The annual conference began almost 30 years ago as a forum to share knowledge with the aim to improve alumina product quality.

QAL general manager operations, Mike Dunstan said 'It has been exciting to see this conference evolve through the years from a small alumina quality workshop to an internationally-recognised symposium covering all aspects and issues relating to the production of alumina from bauxite.'

Pictured: (L-R) Anthony Canfell, Mayor Matt Burnett, Mike Dunstan, Colin McGibbon

About Alumina 2018

The event is held once every three years in different cities within Australia. The conference will take place at the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre in September 2018.

The AQW executive committee consists of representatives from major Australian alumina producers with the host and chair rotating for each conference.

Aside from the conference, AQW undertakes technical investigations, research and the promotion of tertiary education, in support of the future needs and betterment of the alumina refining and smelting industries.

For more information please visit aqw.com.au