Rio Tinto said that it is seeking ways to continue the operation of its majority-owned aluminum smelter in Tiwai Point, New Zealand after the current electricity contract ends in 2024.

The smelter is the largest electricity consumer in New Zealand, using around 13% of the country's electricity supply.

Rio Tinto had planned to close this aluminum smelter in August 2021 but continued the operation until 2024 after gaining cheaper electricity prices.