Alexander Chudaev/Adobe Stock
This morning in metals news: Rio Tinto and Meridian Energy have reached a deal that will allow New Zealand’s Aluminum Smelter to continue operating the Tiwai Point aluminum smelter; BHP unveiled plans to build a new wind fence; and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts U.S. oil and natural gas production will fall this year.
Rio Tinto, Meridian Energy reach deal on Tiwai Point aluminum smelter
Miner Rio Tinto announced it had reached a deal with Meridian Energy that will allow New Zealand’s Aluminum Smelter to continue operating the Tiwai Point aluminum smelter until 2024.
“The extension provides certainty to employees, the local community and customers while providing more time for all stakeholders to plan for the future,” Rio Tinto said in a release.
The agreement with Meridian helps make the smelter “economically viable and competitive,” Rio Tinto added.
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BHP plans to build wind fence
On Thursday, BHP announced plans to build a wind fence as part of its Pilbara Air Quality Program.