Alcoa has confirmed it will cease production at its Kwinana refinery, with at least half of the 1,200 workers expected to lose their jobs by September.

The company says certain processes will continue until late next year, when direct staff numbers will fall to just 50.

WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam told Sean Cowan on 6PR Mornings there’s layers of issues that have lead to the decision.

“While they welcomed environmental oversight, the administrative delays had been a significant issue; but let’s also not forget the challenges at an energy level as well, where the closure of their operation at Kwinana last year as a result of issues with gas supply had led to not only the closure of their operation at that time, temporarily,” Ms Mettam said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the significant planned closure