Rio Tinto, Tasmania Govt. inks a new working partnership at Bell Bay Aluminium to ensure sustainable future of the region

On 21^st February 2022, the global mineral and metal giant Rio Tinto signed a new partnership agreement with Tasmanian State Government at the Bell Bay Aluminium smelter towards working together to ensure a strong and sustainable future economy for George Town, the Tamar Valley region and Tasmania.

The new partnership will endeavour to propel the economic growth and employment outcomes in the State and support the Tasmanian Government’s target of doubling renewable electricity generation by 2040.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) states that the Tasmanian Government and Rio Tinto will jointly investigate in regards to the smelter’s manufacturing capability and electricity demand that can support the development of new industries and more renewable energy supply in the region.

Rio Tinto has also committed to looking at how it could further decarbonise Bell Bay Aluminium and investigate options for future investment to secure the competitiveness of the smelter.

The MOU was signed at Bell Bay Aluminium smelter by Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein and Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm.

Peter Gutwein said, “This MOU is a strong demonstration of our shared commitment to Tasmania’s economic and industrial future and reinforces the State’s renewable energy credentials.”

“Rio Tinto has been a figurehead of local industry here for some 67 years, directly employing more than 500 Tasmanians and more than 700 indirectly, and this agreement reaffirms Rio Tinto’s long-term commitment to our state.”

Jakob Stausholm said, “Aluminium is essential for the global transition to a low-carbon economy, and we are excited about the contribution our Bell Bay smelter can make both towards this transition and to the region’s future.”

“We want to help ensure a strong and vibrant future for Bell Bay, where we have been part of the community for well over half a century and where we are actively working with the Tasmanian Government on a shared vision for the future.”

Shona Markham, the General Manager of Bell Bay Aluminium said, “Bell Bay Aluminium has been an important part of George Town and the northern Tasmanian economy for nearly 70 years.”

“Today’s announcement is exciting news for our 514 direct employees, and the hundreds of other Tasmanians and Tasmanian businesses who work with us. It is a strong endorsement that Rio Tinto and the Tasmanian Government see a positive and sustainable future for Bell Bay beyond 2025.”