Known technologies could reduce emissions from Australia’s alumina refining industry by 98 per cent, but a report commissioned by the government’s renewable energy agency says substantial cuts are unlikely to be made before 2030.

About 3 per cent of Australia’s total emissions are generated by the six refineries that turn bauxite ore into a white powder called alumina, and the carbon footprint increases further when that white powder is smelted to make aluminium metal for cars, window frames, beer cans and other common products.