Mining giant Rio Tinto Limited
(ASX:RIO) is reportedly reviewing its alumina operations in the Northern Territory, after it failed to broker a deal with the state government for the supply of gas to the plant at the end of last year.
According to Fairfax Media, Rio’s Pacific Aluminium business is considering increasing its bauxite exports or suspending operations at the plant until economic conditions improve.
The company says it is continuing its discussions with the Northern Territory and federal governments.
The Alumina plant is one of the largest employers in the region.
Rio Tinto reported a net profit of almost $6 billion in the first half of the 2012 financial year.
