Rio Tinto’s subsidiary Rio Tinto Alcan is planning to close its Alcan Lynemouth aluminium smelter in Northumberland, England.

The firm said that the smelter is no longer a sustainable business due to the increasing energy costs and emerging legislation.

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Rio Tinto will provide support to all affected employees, including re-training and job search assistance, in order to mitigate the impact of any closure.

Rio Tinto Alcan CEO Jacynthe Côté said that the decision follows a thorough strategic review that explored every possible option for continuing to operate the smelter.

 

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