Rio Tinto reports 36,000 tonnes more spent cell lining found at Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter

Rio Tinto has reportedly estimated about 217,000 tonnes of spent cell lining at the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, around 20 per cent more than the previously reported amount of 181,000 tonnes. This additional amount was found in a report audit, which was part of the smelter’s annual financial reporting process.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters chief executive and site general manager Stew Hamilton said “We want to make sure the community is aware of the adjusted quantity.”

He also said the company is committed to removing all SCL containing concentrations of fluorides and cyanides.

Irrespective of the amount of waste material, sufficient financial provisions have been made to ensure responsible management of all SCL material stored onsite.

Stew Hamilton added, “I want to be very clear that regardless of the amount, we remain committed to removing all of the material from the site to be recycled or disposed of safely and securely in accordance with modern standards.”

NZAS decided last year that it would leave the smelter site in 2024 and the increased amount of SCL onsite would not impact the decision, according to the report.

The material is securely and safely store, as confirmed by Worksafe inspectors during their visit in February.