JOB losses in the hundreds are likely to occur at BHP Billiton Worsley Alumina following the completion of a major expansion of operations.
A Worsley spokeswoman said they did not intend to provide any detail about specific adjustments but clearly there may be some impact on jobs in some areas with the business moving into a stabilisation phase.
"With no new projects planned for the next five years, the organisational structure of Worsley is under review," she said.
"This includes reviewing the nature and number of roles needed to support safe and efficient production and ensure Worsley has a sustainable future."
The major expansion was a four-year efficiency and growth project and the biggest Worsley has embarked on.
It included the extension of Worsley's mining operations near Boddington, an increase in capacity at its Collie refinery from 3.5 million tonnes per annum to 4.6 million tonnes per annum and the upgrade of Bunbury port facilities.
The project, which started in 2008, employed more than 8000 people.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray had not been briefed on the job losses this week but did say if the numbers were into the hundreds it would be felt throughout the South West.
"If this is the case then it's disappointing especially with the current state of the economy at the moment," Mr Murray said.
"It could lead to further job loses in our community.
"If you lose one industry worker local businesses will feel the pinch."
Bunbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ray Philp said any job losses were a concern but the expansion has ensured Worlsey's sustainability for the future.
"Worsley will continue to be the major employer in the region," Mr Philp said.
"This is part of the normal construction/operational cycle where there are different requirements for employee numbers. "
Collie Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Jackson said the job losses would have little effect on the Collie economy as most Worlsey workers travelled from Bunbury and were not locals.
