Rio Tinto plans to restart NZAS potline
Rio Tinto plans to restart the idle Line 4 potline at the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) in Tiwai Point, Southland.
A letter of intent has been signed by Rio Tinto and Contact Energy for a power purchase agreement (PPA), which could see the potline restart in 2030.
Once fully operational, the line would produce an extra 30,000 tonnes of aluminium per year.
The line has been idle since 2020.
Rio Tinto estimated its reopening could generate an extra NZD 100 million (approximately USD 59 million) in annual export revenue for the country.
In addition, the smelter would become a long-term customer for Contact Energy's recently consented Southland Wind Farm.
