Rio Tinto needs to decide future of Tiwai Smelter: Woods

RIO Tinto needs to put a stake in the ground and decide if Tiwai Smelter is to remain open or not, Energy Minister Megan Woods says.

Dr Woods was in Invercargill to announce a further $8 million fund to diversify the Southland economy and support new industry in the region.

‘‘It’s about making sure that this isn’t a region that is beholden to one company or one employer and that there is opportunities for growth and [for] Southland to excel.’’

She has asked Rio Tinto, the majority owner of New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelter (NZAS), to make that decision as quickly as possible.

‘‘The people of Southland need certainty. They need to know whether those jobs were staying in the region and we are asking them to make that decision as quickly as they can and give as much certainty.

‘‘And if they do decide to stay . . . we are interested to know what their plans are around decarbonisation and for putting that stake in the ground that shows a commitment to the region in the long term.

‘‘I don’t think Southland wants to play threeyear cycles any longer over its future.’’

NZAS chief executive Chris

Blenkiron said Rio Tinto had been clear it wanted to secure a longterm future for Tiwai and provide certainty to Southland.

‘‘However, the current discussions involves multiple parties in what are very complex potential arrangements.’’

Rio Tinto had committed to a global strategy to be carbon neutral by 2050.

‘‘If we secure a future for Tiwai beyond 2024, we will be a part of that ongoing decarbonisation drive.’’