The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) warns any move by Rio Tinto to close Tomago Aluminium would gut one of the region’s key industrial employers.

It follows the multi-national company’s plans to start consultations with its workers on the future of the Port Stephens smelter.

In a letter to its workforce this week, it stated it “must contemplate ceasing operations at the end of our current electricity supply agreement in late 2028”.

ETU NSW/ACT secretary Allen Hicks stated it was imperative Rio Tinto fully explored all available alternatives.

“They need to engage constructively, and in good faith, with unions and governments to deliver a solution that keeps the smelter open, protects Tomago, its workers and Australian taxpayers,” he said.

“Thousands of families are rightfully concerned a

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