Mining company Rio Tinto has reached an agreement with the governments of Tasmania and Australia that secures continued operations at the Bell Bay aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania until the end of 2031. This is stated in a press release.
Under the agreement, Hydro Tasmania will continue to supply electricity to the facility until 31 December 2031, while the two governments provide additional support to strengthen the operation’s international competitiveness. The current electricity agreement expires at the end of 2026.
Bell Bay, which is wholly owned by Rio Tinto, produces around 190,000 tonnes of aluminium per year and has approximately 550 full-time employees.
