Alcoa Corporation has appointed BHP veteran Elsabe Muller as its new Australia president and vice president of operations. Starting in October, Muller will oversee Alcoa’s bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminium smelting activities in Western Australia and Victoria.
Muller, currently BHP’s group HSE officer responsible for health, safety, security, and environmental practices, will succeed interim Australia president Tanya Simmonds. Her appointment comes as Alcoa prepares to finalize its $3.4 billion acquisition of JV partner Alumina Limited, expected in August.
Alcoa executive vice president and chief operations officer Matt Reed, who previously held Muller’s new role, praised her extensive experience and leadership in operational excellence and environmental stewardship. “Elsabe has a track record of delivering results across many areas of focus for Alcoa, including environmental stewardship and safety, as well as operational excellence,” Reed said.
Muller, who has spent 30 years with BHP, has held various senior roles, including asset president at BHP Mitsui Coal and NSW Energy Coal. She expressed her enthusiasm for leading Alcoa’s integrated resources operations and emphasized the company’s history of responsible mining and downstream processing.
The transition comes at a crucial time for Alcoa. The company announced the closure of its 60-year-old alumina refinery in January due to high operating costs, low bauxite input grades, and market conditions. Additionally, Alcoa has faced increased scrutiny over its mining licenses at the Willowdale and Huntly mines in Western Australia’s South West.
In December, Alcoa received approval to continue operating in the area under conditions, including a transition from a 60-year-old state agreement to an Environmental Protection Authority review. Premier Roger Cook supported the decision despite concerns from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation regarding the company’s plans to protect local water, flora, and fauna.
Alcoa operates two bauxite mines and three refineries in Western Australia, including the Kwinana refinery, which is currently being closed. Muller’s leadership is expected to drive continuous improvement in line with evolving stakeholder expectations as Alcoa navigates these transitions and its significant acquisition. 
