Rio Tinto said it has reached agreements with the Australian and Tasmanian governments to keep its Bell Bay Aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania operating through the end of 2031, with Hydro Tasmania supplying electricity until December 2031.

The support package follows government backing for energy-intensive metals assets, including a A$2.5 billion pledge for Rio Tinto-backed Tomago Aluminium beyond 2028.

Bell Bay Aluminium, fully owned by Rio Tinto and operating since 1955, produces roughly 190,000 tons of aluminium annually, employs about 550 full-time workers, indirectly supports more than 1,200 jobs and spends about A$260 million a year with 180 suppliers.