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Rio Tinto's Tomago Smelter Saved by Government Power Deal

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rio Tinto's Tomago aluminium smelter will remain open after a government deal.
The agreement provides billions in subsidised power from the Snowy-Hydro project and other renewable sources, backed by gas.
Months of negotiations aimed to prevent the closure, which would have cost at least 1,000 jobs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Industry Minister Tim Ayres announced the deal at the smelter near Newcastle, New South Wales.

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Story summary

Rio Tinto's Tomago aluminium smelter will remain open after a government deal.
The agreement provides billions in subsidised power from the Snowy-Hydro project and other renewable sources, backed by gas.
Months of negotiations aimed to prevent the closure, which would have cost at least 1,000 jobs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Industry Minister Tim Ayres announced the deal at the smelter near Newcastle, New South Wales.