Rio Tinto plans further decarbonisation of aluminium smelter in Tasmania

Anglo-Australian mining group Rio Tinto Plc (LON:RIO), alongside the Tasmanian government, will look into options to further decarbonise its Bell Bay Aluminium smelter, whilst bringing additional renewable energy supply to the region.

The two sides have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly investigate how this could be achieved to the benefit of George Town and the Tamar Valley region, in addition to supporting the development of new industries.

“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,” commented Shona Markham, general manager of Bell Bay Aluminium.

The Tasmanian government is pursuing its target of doubling renewable electricity generation by 2040.

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