Rio Tinto has revealed it will slash alumina production at its Queensland refinery by 40 per cent, following concerns about the future viability of the facility.

The company said it would reduce production at Gladstone's Yarwun Alumina Refinery from October next year, which would allow it to extend the site's operations until 2035.

At current production rates, the Yarwun tailings facility was predicted to reach capacity in 2031.

"This curtailment will allow another four years to explore and develop technical solutions that could further extend the refinery's life," it said.

The cut will reduce annual alumina production by about 1.2 million tonnes and impact about 180 jobs at the refinery.

Rio Tinto said redeployment planning was underway across its sites in the city.

Rio Tinto's alum

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