Governments to Back Struggling Aluminium Smelter in Return for $7 Billion Green Energy Push

A flood of cheap Chinese commodities have put already-strained refining facilities on the ropes.

Workers move rolls of aluminium at a factory in Zouping in China's eastern Shandong province on April 7, 2018. AFP/Getty Images

The Queensland and federal governments will provide mining giant Rio Tinto with a $2 billion boost in subsidies to help shore up the future of its North Queensland aluminium smelter.

In exchange, the company will support around $7 billion worth of green energy initiatives in the state.