Rio Tinto assures community it is 'committed' to smelter
Rio Tinto says it will keep a minimum number of workers employed at a northern Tasmanian smelter until at least 2031, in return for a taxpayer-funded support package.
A senior Rio Tinto executive visited the Bell Bay Aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania after securing a five-year power deal and a $200-million government support package. According to the ABC, Rio Tinto's chief executive, Jérôme Pécresse, stated that if aluminium prices remain high, the company may not require the entire $200 million in support.
Pécresse expressed hope that the smelter would remain operational for many more decades, with around 500 jobs guaranteed through 2031. The smelter, which employs 550 people and supports 1,200 additional jobs, had been at risk of closure before the agreement. The power deal and support package were finalized on October 1, just three months before the existing deal was set to expire.
Rio Tinto aims to maintain a minimum level of employment and continue asset investment until 2031. The $200-million taxpayer-funded support package may not be fully utilized if aluminium prices remain high.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
