Rio Tinto questions Coega

摘要

The construction of an aluminium smelter at the new integrated port and industrial zone at Coega in South Africa is expected to be delayed following talks between project developer, Rio Tinto Alcan, and the South African government. The smelter would be the Coega scheme's anchor tenant and so any delay could undermine the success of the entire port venture. Doubt was first cast on the project when original developer Pechiney was bought out by Alcan but years of negotiation with Pretoria and power utility Eskom saw the Canadian firm agree to proceed with development. However, Alcan has now been taken over by Rio Tinto, which does not appear to be as committed to the smelter.