Photo: Gregor RichardsonThe government offered to pay millions of dollars to Rio Tinto just months after promising in the election campaign it would not give a direct subsidy. Robertson's spokesperson said the government "was seeking certain commitments from Rio Tinto in return for a proposed payment". The payment offer set a deadline to hear back from Rio Tinto of just three days later, 18 December. In January, despite not getting the transmission deal, Rio Tinto nevertheless agreed to keep the smelter open until late 2024. Vella stopped short of saying Rio Tinto would excavate the landfill.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 01, 2021 19:18 UTC