THE go-ahead for a $225 million upgrade of the Worsley alumina refinery has moved a step closer with engineering firm Worley named as preferred contractor.
The appointment extends Worley’s ‘alliance’ relationship with Worsley, where it oversees capital works worth about $60 million a year. BHP Billiton, the majority owner of the Worsley refinery, is expected to make a final investment decision late next month.
The 18-month upgrade would lift output to 3.5 million tonnes a year, with further expansions a possibility.