Rio Tinto will increase production at its 335,000 tons/year Tiwai Point aluminum smelter in New Zealand starting June 16, with an aim to reach full capacity by August. This early ramp-up ended a power reduction agreement with Meridian Energy.

The decision was made after a strong rebound in New Zealand's hydroelectric lake levels after significant rainfall in April-May, easing earlier energy supply concerns.

The Tiwai Point smelter had operated at a reduced rate since late June 2024 due to electricity shortages, low hydroelectric flows, and gas shortages affecting its national grid, producing 290,000 tons in the 2024 calendar year.

All of Tiwai Point's electricity is supplied by hydroelectric plants, resulting in zero Scope 2 emissions.