![International Bulk Journal](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/international-bulk-journal.png)
![Menu](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/showmobnav-bg.png)
(Posted on 28/10/19)
Rio Tinto will conduct a strategic review of its interest in New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) at Tiwai Point, to determine the operation’s ongoing viability and competitive position.
Under current market conditions and with high energy costs, we expect the short to medium outlook for the aluminium industry to be challenging and this asset to continue to be unprofitable. Rio Tinto intends to hold discussions with the Government of New Zealand and energy providers to explore options and identify economically viable solutions to find a pathway to profitability for the asset.
Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said “The aluminium industry is currently facing significant headwinds with historically low prices due to an over-supplied market. This means that many aluminium providers are reviewing their positions.
“Rio Tinto will work with all stakeholders including the government, suppliers, communities and employees in order to find a solution that will ensure a profitable future for this plant.”
The strategic review will consider all options, including curtailment and closure and will be complete in the first quarter in 2020.
NZAS is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (79.36%) and Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited (20.64%) and employs around 1000 people.
Rio Tinto has celebrates the shipment of four billion tonnes of iron ore from the Pilbara in Western... Read more
Capt. Pappu Sastry, CEO of Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) has said that Africa’s mining sector... Read more
All conditions have now been satisfied for Rio Tinto’s investment to develop the Simandou high... Read more
ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced that it is offering fully verified... Read more
Rio Tinto will install carbon free aluminium smelting cells at its Arvida smelter in Québec,... Read more
Moonbound Mining Ltd. has appointed Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) as its logistics contractor... Read more
ADM and Bayer have announced an extension of their collaboration, working with farmers in a bid... Read more
A House appropriations subcommittee in the USA has approved its Fiscal Year 2025 bill that includes... Read more
Rio Tinto has agreed to acquire Mitsubishi Corporation’s 11.65% interest in Boyne Smelters Ltd... Read more
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has signed a renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with Khangela Emoyeni... Read more