Central Qld smelter giant cuts 90 jobs

Australia's largest aluminium smelter says the carbon tax is not to blame for job cuts at its central Queensland plant.

Boyne Smelter Limited (BSL) yesterday announced it would cut 90 leadership and support jobs from its 1,200-strong workforce.

Acting general manager Joe Rea says low metal prices and the high Australian dollar are the two main reasons for the restructure.

"We're going through a consultation process in giving these employees every opportunity to put their hand up for other roles in the smelter," he said.

"If there's no roles available at BSL we'll certainly look within Rio Tinto for other opportunities, as well as in the local Gladstone region which is experiencing a skills shortage at the moment."

Mr Rea says while the carbon tax is also impacting the company's bottom line, it is not the main reason for the job losses.

"Look, it certainly hasn't helped but it's not the main issue we have," he said.

"The London Metal Exchange price hit a two-year low in June.

"It's certainly not been easy with that sort of price to compete on a global sense and the Australian dollar on $1.05 US is certainly not helping us."