Bluff, New Zealand

NZAS reaches deal with Meridian to extend operations to 2024

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Energy, Natural Resources, Utilities, Mining, Minerals, Bluff, New Zealand, Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter, Tiwai Point, Geography of New Zealand, Rio Tinto, Companies, Southland, New Zealand, Mining

Rio Tinto has reached an agreement on a new electricity agreement with Meridian Energy that allows New Zealands Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) to continue operating the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter until December 31, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Rio Tinto has reached an agreement on a new electricity agreement with Meridian Energy that allows New Zealands Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) to continue operating the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter until December 31, 2024.
  • The extension also provides time for detailed closure studies to be completed and for NZAS to support the government and Southland community in planning for the future.
  • This agreement improves Tiwai Points competitive position and secures the extension of operation to December 2024.
  • NZAS is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (79.36%) and Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited (20.64%).

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

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Other Natural Resources, Other Energy, Mining, Minerals, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, Energy, Other Manufacturing, Companies, Rio Tinto, Industries, Bluff, New Zealand, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, Alcan

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.