Rio Tinto Group has declared force majeure on alumina cargoes from its refineries in Queensland, Australia, due to shortages of gas to power its operations, according to people familiar with the matter.
The company notified clients on Monday, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information. Rio produces alumina — the raw material for making aluminum — at its Yarwun refinery and at Queensland Alumina, a joint-venture it owns with Russia’s United Co. Rusal International.