Bell Bay aluminium smelter

The Bell Bay smelter commenced production in 1955 as a joint venture between the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments. The smelter was the first built in the Southern Hemisphere primarily to overcome difficulties importing aluminium during wartime. Bell Bay was chosen as the location because of the available hydroelectric power and deep water facilities.

Rio Tinto Aluminium purchased the smelter in 1960, when production was about 12,000 tonnes per year. Since that time, the Bell Bay smelter has undergone many changes, continually striving for excellence. Significant investment in new technology and plant expansions has increased production capacity to its current production capacity.

Like many export-oriented industries, the Bell Bay smelter competes in a highly competitive global market. The price Bell Bay receives for metal is set by the London Metals Exchange. Competitively priced power therefore remains the sole reason for smelting aluminium in Tasmania, as almost all other raw materials are shipped in and virtually all product has to be shipped out. The Bell Bay smelter has a long term take-or-pay contract for 286MW of electricity.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Bell Bay produces primary aluminium products for domestic and export markets. The smelting process is the third stage in the aluminium production process. Click here to read more about the smelting process.

Location

Rio Tinto Aluminium Bell Bay is located on the Tamar River near George Town in Northern Tasmania. George Town is Australia's oldest town. It was settled on 11 November 1804 and was Australia's third permanent settlement after Sydney and Hobart.

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