Wedoany.com Report-Dec.13, The Australian Government, together with the New South Wales Government and Tomago Aluminium, has outlined a collaborative framework to ensure continued operations of the Tomago smelter beyond 2028.

Established in 1983, the Tomago Aluminium smelter manufactures up to 590,000tpa.

This arrangement supports employment in the Hunter region and advances domestic aluminium production incorporating renewable energy sources.

Operational since 1983, the Tomago facility produces up to 590,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, representing close to 40% of national output.

The smelter functions as a joint venture with ownership distributed as Rio Tinto holding 51.55%, Gove Aluminium Finance at 36.05%, and Norsk Hydro at 12.40%.

As the country's primary aluminium production site, Tomago currently addresses energy procurement matters, with its present supply agreement concluding in 2028.

The joint effort focuses on establishing stable and appropriately priced electricity access, facilitating sustained activity and contributing to local economic strength.

Tomago Aluminium CEO Jerome Dozol said: "We are grateful to both the Federal and NSW governments for their commitment and partnership in working to address our energy challenges. Today's development represents a significant milestone in our ongoing engagement with many stakeholders working towards this shared goal.

"It reflects our collective recognition of the importance of maintaining local manufacturing capability in Australia. We look forward to working collaboratively with government on this next phase."

In forthcoming discussions, Tomago Aluminium will coordinate with authorities to develop a durable, fixed-price power purchasing agreement.

The collaboration includes supportive financing measures to expedite renewable energy projects and storage capacity expansion in New South Wales.

Tomago Aluminium intends to allocate at least A$1 billion toward facility upgrades and essential upkeep during the coming decade.

These funds will also explore further opportunities to enhance environmental performance at the site.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "We want to ensure that Tomago continues to forge Australia's prosperity, and it continues to create and sustain good, skilled jobs. I want to thank the workers and the Hunter community who have faced uncertainty in recent weeks.

"My government is working together with the NSW State Government and Tomago Aluminium on a new energy agreement that will secure the future of the facility. Tomago has a proud place in Australia's history – and we will ensure it has a central place in Australia's future."