Environment Minister David Parker said it was "disgraceful" that Rio Tinto had reneged on the deal. Environment Minister David Parker says it is "disgraceful" that aluminium manufacturer Rio Tinto has backed out of a deal to remove a hazardous substance from a building in Mataura. READ MORE:* Deal struck to fast track ouvea premix removal from Mataura* Prime Minister says long-term solution needed for Mataura residents and stored ouvea premix* Ouvea premix will still be moved if the Tiwai smelter closes* $4m deal to remove ouvea premix from Southland signedRio Tinto have been contacted for comment. Last week Parry announced a deal in principle had been agreed to remove 9500 tonnes of ouvea premix from the former paper mill in Mataura. "We have been working with Rio Tinto for the last three years and have bent over backwards to keep them engaged.

Source: Stuff February 11, 2020 22:30 UTC