Rio Tinto is currently assessing the consequences of a recent incident at its Queensland gas pipeline, which was reported by Australian media to involve a fire disrupting gas supplies. The mining giant is in discussions with Jemena, the energy provider, to gauge the impact on its alumina and aluminium production facilities in Gladstone.
Australian news outlets disclosed that a blaze erupted on Tuesday within a section of the pipeline, prompting a call for industrial gas consumers to reduce their usage, ensuring that household supplies remain unaffected. Jemena has initiated preliminary repair efforts on the damaged pipeline segment, with further details on the restoration process and timeline expected soon after the initial assessment.
Rio Tinto’s operations in Gladstone comprise the Yarwun and Queensland alumina refineries, in addition to the Boyne aluminium smelter. The company, along with Jemena and the Australian Energy Market operator, is diligently working to understand the full extent of the disruption caused by the pipeline incident and its potential ramifications for these critical facilities. 
