The NSW Government has been called upon by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) to conclude the financial support with consideration of the Tomago aluminium smelter. The union warned that any hold-ups could jeopardise jobs and weaken Australia’s industrial strength.

Within the recently released news, the union highlighted that the firm's smelter is one of the largest single employers in the Hunter Valley energy precinct. Further emphasis was made on the local businesses, supply chains and communities that rely heavily on the assurance of its ongoing operation.

Moreover, they also indicated that backing the smelter does not mean only saving jobs, but also ensuring that Australia can process bauxite into aluminium domestically, instead of exporting raw materials and bringing in finished products.

Also read: Tomago Aluminium in finalisation of a model for low-carbon industrial transition

In major economies, the aluminium production is deemed to be vital for actively maintaining the domestic supply capacity and by focusing on the growing green aluminium, the union claims that the smelter may lead to low-carbon aluminium production.

The demand for verified green aluminium is rising rapidly due to sectors like automotive, technology and construction. Tomago poses the chance to enter as one of the first smelters worldwide to be powered mainly by renewable energies. As per the AWU statement, preservation of the firm's current operations is important for adapting with the necessary skills and streamlining the future supply chains.

Recently, the firm announced its investment of AUD 1 billion (USD ) for extending the operations beyond 2028, which directly aligns with its commitment to long-term procurement as well as the successful inclusion of renewable energy.

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The smelter is a major player in terms of NSW's electricity consumption, as it makes use of a hefty chunk of the state’s power. It’s crucial for backing up large-scale wind, solar and battery storage initiatives in the Hunter region, acting as a solid foundation for investments in renewable energy.

The NSW Government has pointed out the rising trade and investment opportunities, aiding in boosting industrial growth. With the recent Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy and critical minerals are set to receive a desired advantage.

Meanwhile, the union has raised concerns that failing to support the smelter could not only diminish the current industrial capacity but also limit Australia’s competitiveness in the rapidly growing global green aluminium market.

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