Rio Tinto says Tiwai Pt has long-term future - a podcast by RNZ

Staying in the regions the murky future of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter just got murkier.
Amid historically high aluminium prices, the smelter's majority owner, Rio Tinto, has issued a statement saying it believes there's a long-term future for the operation.
In 2020 the mining giant threatened to close Tiwai Point over electricity costs.
After securing a cut-price power deal it agreed to keep it open until 2024.
Minister of Energy and Resources, Megan Woods, told RNZ yesterday the ongoing will-they-won't-they uncertainty is creating frustration for Southlanders, but whatever Rio Tinto decides the government will not be offering taxpayer-funded subsidies.
Last week the government announced a Just Transition work plan for the region.
Southland Chamber of Commerce president Neil McAra told our reporter Timothy Brown that yesterday's statement from Rio Tinto is good news for the workers at the smelter and the region.

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