Abstract: A continuous feeder for feeding alumina to an aluminum reduction cell is positioned over a discharge outlet (114) of an alumina hopper. The feeder includes a flow control valve member (140) which is connected to a positioning means (132) by rod (142). The flow control valve member (140) includes a tapered section such that varying the vertical position of member (140) varies the clearance between the member (140) and an outlet orifice, which allows control over the flow rate of alumina from the hopper. The alumina flow control means is preferably mounted within an elongate tubular member (130), which is further mounted inside a housing (120). Housing (120) allows for removal of the flow control means for maintenance without having to first empty the hopper.