Rio Tinto: A Green Future for Aluminium

Rio Tinto, a global leader in the mining and metals industry, has received a significant boost with the Australian Government's support for its low-carbon aluminium initiative. This strategic partnership aims to decarbonise the aluminium industry, aligning with the government's "Future Made in Australia Plan" and positioning Rio Tinto as a key player in the global transition to a cleaner energy future.

The Queensland Government and Rio Tinto have signed an agreement to work together, safeguarding the long-term future of Australia's second-largest aluminium smelter, Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL), and the thousands of jobs it supports in central Queensland. The partnership supports Queensland's vision to establish Gladstone as a renewable energy hub and strengthens the electricity grid as Australia transitions to a cleaner energy future.



Economic Support: The Queensland Government's "Energy and Jobs Plan" will support BSL's financial viability from 2029 as the smelter transitions to renewable energy. This support will help BSL maintain its full operational capacity, ensuring it remains a significant contributor to the local, Queensland, and national economy.

Operational Commitments & Employment: Rio Tinto will invest to maintain BSL's full operational capacity, supporting Australia’s ambition to remain a major exporter of aluminium. This ensures BSL, which has an annual production capacity of more than 500,000 tonnes of aluminium and directly employs more than 1000 people, will continue to be a significant contributor to the local, Queensland and national economy. Rio Tinto will also work to expand its coastal shipping capacity, to add a fifth domestically crewed vessel to its existing fleet of four. These ships transport bauxite from the company's Gove and Weipa mines to operations in Gladstone.

Renewable Energy Investment: Rio Tinto commits to additional sustainable energy investments in Queensland, building on its existing commitments to Australia's largest solar and wind projects across the State. This will help to transition BSL to renewable energy sources, reducing its carbon footprint and lowering operational costs.

Gladstone Transformation: Support for Queensland's vision to establish Gladstone as a renewable energy hub, with BSL to develop capabilities to manage power consumption during times of peak demand and strengthen the electricity grid.

The agreement remains contingent on the completion of Rio Tinto's energy contracting activities, relevant joint venture approvals, and the establishment of an Australian Government pathway for a decarbonised aluminium industry. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Australia Kellie Parker stated, "This agreement with the Queensland Government represents one of the most significant partnerships in our long history of operations in the State. It paves the way for a competitive, green-energy powered BSL, supporting employment and lowering Australia’s carbon footprint. The partnership will support Australia’s status as a leading, global supplier of aluminium at a time when the world needs the metal for the green energy transition."

In conclusion, Rio Tinto's partnership with the Queensland Government is a significant step towards a greener future for the aluminium industry. By investing in renewable energy and committing to operational excellence, Rio Tinto is positioning itself as a leader in the global transition to a cleaner energy future. As the world increasingly demands low-carbon aluminium, Rio Tinto's strategic partnership with the Queensland Government ensures that Australia remains at the forefront of this critical industry.