Partnership to support Gladstone’s Boyne Smelters

A pact between Rio Tinto and the Queensland Government will see the major aluminium player continue to invest in Boyne Smelters Limited in Central Queensland while receiving support for its decarbonisation journey. The State Government has agreed to provide a support package, accessible from 2029, to ensure the smelter’s economic competitiveness as it shifts to cleaner and renewable energy sources. Rio Tinto will be required to operate the smelter at full capacity until the end of 2040, commit to ongoing maintenance capital expenditure and meet employment requirements. “This partnership with Rio Tinto will use firmed renewables to safeguard jobs at Boyne Smelters for the future," Premier Steven Miles said. “We know that Central Queensland is key to the state’s economy, which is why we are acting to protect anchor manufacturers like Boyne Smelter because they support jobs and supply chains well beyond their own operations." Related: Rio Tinto backs major CQ solar development Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL), on Boyne Island, has been operating since 1982 and is Australia’s second largest aluminium smelter, employing more than 1000 people. Key points of the agreement between the Queensland Government and Rio Tinto include: Economic support: The Queensland Government will support BSL’s financial viability through its Energy and Jobs Plan from 2029 as the smelter transitions to renewable energy. Operational commitments & employment: Rio Tinto will invest to maintain BSL's full operational capacity. This ensures BSL, which has an annual production capacity of more than 500,000 tonnes of aluminium, 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 solar and wind projects. 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. Rio Tinto said the agreement remained 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. "This agreement with the Queensland Government represents one of the most significant partnerships in our long history of operations in the state," Rio Tinto chief executive Australia Kellie Parker said. “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. “While this is a critical part of the puzzle, we have more to do. We will continue to engage with the Federal Government on supportive industry policy to help sustain Australia’s green aluminium sector for the future." You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/rio-tinto-and-bhp-trial-battery-electric-haul-trucks/

Partnership to support Gladstone’s Boyne Smelters

Industry Queensland

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