Australia and Tasmania Agree A$200 Million Bell Bay Smelter Support Package
Published
The Australian and Tasmanian governments announced A$200 million in support over five years for Rio Tinto's Bell Bay aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania. The three-party agreement is intended to keep the plant operating and support its 550 direct workers. Rio Tinto said a separate power-supply agreement with Hydro Tasmania will provide electricity through December 31, 2031, extending arrangements currently due to expire on December 31, 2026. The smelter began operating in 1955 and produces about 190,000 tonnes of aluminium a year, according to the company.