Grant Vernon

Boyne Smelters Limited

Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL) has been operating since 1982 and is proud to be Australia's second largest aluminium smelter. The smelter is situated on a 60 hectare site at Boyne Island in Central Queensland and produces more than half a million tonnes of aluminium each year. The smelter directly employs approximatley 900 people, while also provides employment for over 120 various contract employees. Production activities at the smelter include three main production areas which include the manufacturing of carbon anodes in the carbon plant, aluminium production (smelting) in reduction lines, and casting of molten metal into aluminium products. In June 2012, the company completed a $720 million upgrade consisting of a number of projects to increase efficiency, improve environmental performance and extend the lifespan of the smelter. This included re-building one of three existing carbon bake furnaces and decommissioning its two other carbon bake furnaces with a new furnace. The new furnace, costing over $330 million alone, is more energy efficient and has greatly reduced onsite greenhouse gas emissions. The upgrade project also included additional improvements in the reduction lines part of the plant, with the replacement of overhead cranes, a crane runway upgrade and improved alumina transport system to the reduction cells. The majority of aluminium produced at the smelter is cast into ingot and billet, which is consumed in Australia and exported to countries all over the world to make aluminium casting and extruded products such as window frames, yacht masts and door frames. At BSL we are focused on operating sustainably through ensuring the health and safety of employees, minimising our environmental impact and maintaining strong relationships with the community. Our success is primarily due to the men and women who shaped not only the smelter, but the community in which we operate