Rusal Aughinis, based in Aughinish in West Limerick, has said it is to cut its production to 1.175 million tonnes of alumina.
A spokesperson said the company had been forced to adjust its production volumes due to a considerable oversupply of alumina on the global market.
In a statement, the company added that the global crisis had seriously affected the aluminium industry resulting in a decline of aluminium production and alumina demand as well as a major drop in prices.
The company said the change of output will not affect the permanent staff of the refinery but that it may result in a reduced amount of services required from contractors and suppliers.
It added that it will continue to monitor the market situation and reserve the right to further adjust its business activities accordingly.
Aughinish Alumina is the largest alumina refinery in Europe. It employs over 480 people at the facility and it is estimated by the company that they contribute over €100m to the local economy every year.
