Rio Tinto Limited
(ASX:RIO) is struggling to find Queensland gas suppliers for a major alumina plant, according to media reports.
The mining giant reportedly told media it was concerned as to whether there would be enough gas to fuel its recently expanded Yarwun alumina plant in Gladstone.
Domestic buyers are competing with Asian investors, who have shown a willingness to pay around triple the price of traditional Australian gas prices.
It is not known when Rio’s Yarwun contracts expire, but reports say it is likely to be in the next few years.
Rio Tinto delivered a net profit of $1.8 billion in the first half of fiscal 2013.
