Rio Tinto extends Bell Bay Aluminium operations to 2031

Rio Tinto has secured agreements with the Australian and Tasmanian governments to keep its Bell Bay Aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania running through the end of 2031, with Hydro Tasmania providing electricity until December 2031.

The support package follows government backing for energy-intensive metals assets, including a A$2.5 billion pledge for the Rio Tinto-backed Tomago Aluminium beyond 2028.

Bell Bay Aluminium, wholly owned by Rio Tinto and in operation since 1955, produces about 190,000 tons of aluminium annually, employs roughly 550 full-time workers, indirectly supports more than 1,200 jobs, and spends around A$260 million a year with 180 suppliers.