Australia: Minister Mills Continues Talks with Rio Tinto Concerning Gove Refinery

Chief Minister, Terry Mills continued critical negotiations with Rio Tinto CEO, Sam Walsh, in London concerning the future operation of the company’s alumina refinery in Gove.

Information gained through these and other negotiations and analysis will be presented to cabinet on Monday, where it is expected a decision will be made concerning the Territory’s energy security and gas availability for the Gove operation.

Mr Mills said he will return to Darwin to advise cabinet colleagues of further developments, issues and options around securing the future of Nhulunbuy and releasing 300PJ of gas over ten years.

“In today’s talks, I again emphasised the importance of planning for the long-term energy needs of the Northern Territory and Australia by establishing a national energy policy framework, which would see a stronger focus on domestic gas supply through connecting infrastructure to build a national pipeline grid,” Mr Mills said.

“The Territory is already an attractive location for energy companies to explore and invest, and a national pipeline grid will see an inflow of investment to stimulate exploration and production effort both on and offshore, and improve the options for supply of the domestic energy market both within the Territory and nationally.

“This Government is serious about creating an attractive investment environment in the Northern Territory, whilst also looking after the broader long-term interests of Territorians.”

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, February 08, 2013; Image: nt.gov.au