Peter Gutwein,Premier
Rio Tinto and the Tasmanian Government have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work collaboratively to secure long-term economic growth for our state and a secure clean energy future.
The new MoU aims to increase employment locally and add to our export income and economic bottom-line, and is underpinned by shared environmental and sustainability values.
As a first step, Rio Tinto will work to secure the long term future of its Bell Bay Aluminium operations beyond 2025 which is when its current energy contract is due to expire as it pursues the decarbonisation of its smelters and examines longer-term investment options.
Having been a figurehead of local industry for some 67 years, directly employing around 570 Tasmanians as well as supporting more than 700 indirect jobs in our community, this MoU reaffirms Rio Tinto’s long-term commitment to our state.
Importantly, this new MoU aligns with our 200 percent Renewable Energy Target by 2040 based on our existing renewable energy capacity as well as providing options for future green energy production.
Rio Tinto’s size and global reach has the potential to attract significant additional investment that will support the development of additional renewable energy generation and transmission.
The MOU includes investigating options for future investment to secure the competitiveness of the Bell Bay smelter and potential new industrial opportunities that will create even more local jobs and an economic boost to our state while encouraging the creation, expansion and uptake of innovative technologies.
This is a strong demonstration of our shared commitment to Tasmania’s economic and industrial future as well as reinforcing our recognised renewable energy credentials.
