Agreement reached on the future of Bell Bay Aluminium

Rio Tinto, the Tasmanian Government and the Australian Government have reached agreement to secure the ongoing operation of Bell Bay Aluminium in northern Tasmania through to the end of 2031. Under the arrangements, Hydro Tasmania will continue supplying electricity to Bell Bay Aluminium until 31 December 2031, and the Australian and Tasmanian Governments will provide additional support to continue operations as Tasmania’s energy system evolves.

Rio Tinto says the additional support will help maintain Bell Bay Aluminium’s international competitiveness and its ongoing contribution to the Tasmanian economy.

“These agreements will provide Bell Bay Aluminium with an operating pathway through to 2031, and increased certainty for our people, suppliers and the northern Tasmanian community,” said Rio Tinto Aluminium & Lithium Chief Executive Jérôme Pécresse. “Bell Bay Aluminium has been part of Tasmania's heritage for 71 years, and we are proud of the jobs, exports and economic value it creates for the state.

“With these agreements in place, we can continue to safely deliver high-quality aluminium products for our customers in Australia and around the world. I would like to thank the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, Hydro Tasmania, our workers and everyone else who contributed to securing this outcome.”

Bell Bay Aluminium is 100% owned by Rio Tinto and began operating in 1955. It was the first aluminium smelter in the Southern Hemisphere and produces about 190,000 tonnes of aluminium a year.

Image credit: iStock.com/enviromantic