New Zealand’s Aluminum Smelter (NZAS) is halting activity on Line 4 as it ramps down production in accordance with a government decree intended to combat the spread of COVID-19.
According to Stewart Hamilton, chief executive officer and general manager, NZAS, the company has adjusted to new economic realities by reducing production. Over the next week, Line 4’s 50MW electricity will be lowered and its existing 35-person team will be dispersed among the thee other lines’ production teams.
NZAS, which is a subsidiary of the global miner Rio Tinto, has also segregated its remaining employees so that they don’t come into contact with each other during shift changeovers, while its non-operational employees are working remotely. New Zealand is under a four-week lockdown at present.