Rio Tinto says agreements with the Australian and Tasmanian governments will support continued operation of Bell Bay Aluminium through the end of 2031. Hydro Tasmania will keep supplying electricity until December 31, 2031, replacing an arrangement that expires at the end of 2026.
Bell Bay began operating in 1955 and produces about 190,000 tonnes of aluminium annually. The company reports roughly 550 direct employees at the smelter.
The announcement says government support will help the operation remain competitive as Tasmania’s electricity system changes, but does not disclose the support’s financial terms.
This brief is based on Rio Tinto’s announcement of October 1, 2026. Company statements and forecasts are attributed to their source. This is a summary of the announcement, prepared by Mining Brief, rather than independent on-site reporting.
