Rio Tinto has appointed Chris Blenkiron as chief executive and general manager of New Zealand's Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) at Tiwai Point. 

He replaces Stew Hamilton, who left in July after three years in the hot seat and 22 years with the mining giant.

Blenkiron will step into the role early next year and will likely oversee the decommissioning of the smelter, near Bluff. It is expected to close at the end of 2024 with the loss of about 1000 jobs.

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The New Zealander, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Otago University, is currently the President of NS BlueScope Indonesia and has previously held the role

of GM Market, Sales and Business Development at New Zealand Steel.

Chris Blenkiron

Rio Tinto Acting Managing Director Pacific Operations Dan van der Westhuizen said: "Chris has demonstrated a strong people-focused approach to delivering business outcomes and I

believe he is the right fit to lead the excellent team at Tiwai. 

"His depth of experience in forming lasting partnerships with key stakeholders will be important for NZAS, as we work with our community on the future of the Southland region.

"Under Chris' leadership the team will build on Tiwai’s fifty-year legacy of producing the world's lowest carbon, highest purity aluminium.

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"Chris will play a vital role in managing important relationships and overseeing the company’s obligations and wider role in New Zealand."

The facility uses electricity equivalent to 776,000 households per year, spends around $394m in NZ per year and generates $660m in export earnings annually, according to the company's website.