New Zealand Aluminium Smelter releases environmental monitoring reports; Compliant with all environmental rules

The New Zealand Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point is confident in its environmental record after releasing 25 years of monitoring reports on Tuesday, May 18, to prove its commitment toward transparency and collaboration. The company has confirmed that it expects to release the contamination of soil and groundwater report by mid of this year.

Last month, the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter issued the reports on key environmental issues at Tiwai smelter ahead of its closure scheduled in 2024, along with a sampling plan with details of the areas determined where extra testing as part of a close study should be conducted.

The reports last month also showed how sea water started creeping into an area where NZAS stored a highly toxic substance.

The smelter in a press release said, "Based on the review work done and the interaction with regulators to date, NZAS is confident it is currently compliant with all of its consents and environmental obligations."

Chief executive and site general manager Stew Hamilton said the smelter took environmental responsibilities serious and that its environment monitoring programme exceeded the requirements set by the regional council.

"Our monitoring systems give us ample warning of any issue and enable us to alter processes wherever necessary,” said Hamilton.