One of the early tours by Alcoa at its WA operations.
Camera IconOne of the early tours by Alcoa at its WA operations. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Alcoa tours have shown more than 630,000 visitors its operations in WA over past 40 years

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

MORE than 630,000 visitors have toured Alcoa’s operation in WA over the last 40 years – a similar number to the entire population of the Gold Coast.

Since 1978, Alcoa has been offering tours of its bauxite mining and rehabilitation sites along the Darling Scarp, stretching between Jarrahdale to Waroona, and its three refineries near Kwinana, Pinjarra and Waroona.

Visitors ranging from Prime Ministers and high profile international organisations through to students and curious members of the public have been given a first hand insight into Alcoa’s mining and refining processes.

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Chairman and managing director Michael Parker said Alcoa’s commitment to tours was integral to Alcoa continuing to be a welcomed and valued member of the WA community.

Alcoa offers tours to primary, secondary and tertiary students with resources and activities linked to their curriculum.

Universities across the world – including the UK, US, Thailand ands Singapore – regularly bring their students to WA to take part in Alcoa tours.

Free public tours are offered weekly.

They currently take in the Pinjarra Alumina Refinery and Huntly Bauxite Mine or the Wagerup Alumina Refinery and Willow Bauxite Mine.

Tailored tours are also offered to visiting interest groups and VIPS.

In recent years, they have included the Prime Minister of Niger Brigi Rafini who visited with a large entourage last year and high powered international representatives from the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum who visited in 2007.

To find out more about Alcoa tours or book a spot on the next bus, contact 9530 2400 or tourcentre@alcoa.com.au.

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