The Tiwai Point plant employs a thousand workers directly, and has created 1600 jobs in the wider community.
Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie told Kerre McIvor thousands of people will lose their livelihoods.
"Rio contribute are large amount towards our regions GDP, so Southland is go through some tough times."
But Dowie says there are plenty of promising industries in the south.
She says aquaculture's her personal favourite - because it's both sustainable and creates lots of jobs.
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