New Zealand Aluminium Smelters

NZAS terminates electricity contract and plans to wind-down operations following strategic review

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 8, 2020

As a result, NZAS has given Meridian Energy notice to terminate the power contract, which will end in August 2021, when the wind-down of operations is expected to complete.

Key Points: 
  • As a result, NZAS has given Meridian Energy notice to terminate the power contract, which will end in August 2021, when the wind-down of operations is expected to complete.
  • Extensive discussions with a wide range of interested parties have failed to secure a power contract that will enable the operation to become both competitive and profitable.
  • During the next 14 months, NZAS and Rio Tinto will work closely with partners as detailed planning is undertaken to wind-down operations, and eventually close the smelter.
  • Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said We recognise the decision to wind-down operations at NZAS will have a significant impact on employees, the community and our customers.

Rio Tinto to offer independently certified responsibly produced aluminium

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 26, 2018

The certification means Rio Tinto will be the only company selling aluminium that customers can be assured has been produced to the highest environmental, social and governance standards, placing Rio Tinto at a competitive advantage.

Key Points: 
  • The certification means Rio Tinto will be the only company selling aluminium that customers can be assured has been produced to the highest environmental, social and governance standards, placing Rio Tinto at a competitive advantage.
  • Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said "Achieving this certification demonstrates Rio Tinto's commitment to the highest international production standards and offers customers the ability to provide end consumers with the confidence that the aluminium in their products has been responsibly produced.
  • Rio Tinto Aluminium vice president sales and marketing and ASI Board member Tolga Egrilmezer said "We see certified sustainable aluminium as a point of differentiation for Rio Tinto as customers become increasingly interested in ensuring that metals have been responsibly produced.
  • Rio Tinto produces some of the highest quality, lowest carbon footprint aluminium in the world at its Canadian smelters and launched the industry's first certified low carbon aluminium, RenewAlTM, in 2016.