Capral Ltd (ASX:CAA) has reaffirmed support for ongoing aluminium smelting in Australia amid national scrutiny of the Tomago Aluminium Smelter’s future, calling the facility vital to the strength of the country’s manufacturing base.
“As a business that proudly sources Australian aluminium for our local extrusion operations, we understand the importance of maintaining a strong domestic smelting capability,” Capral CEO Tony Dragicevich said. “While our billet supply chain remains secure and diverse, sustaining local production is essential to preserving Australia’s industrial capability and manufacturing independence.”
The company noted Australia’s aluminium sector operates as a vertically integrated chain—from bauxite mining and alumina refining through to smelting, extrusion and downstream manufacturing—generating about $18 billion in annual economic value and supporting more than 75,000 jobs nationwide. The industry also underpins a number of regional economies.
Capral said coordinated action between government, industry and energy providers will be needed to ensure the sector’s long-term viability and the jobs it supports.