Rio Tinto Alcan inaugurates new AP60 aluminum smelter in Quebec

A view of the Arvida Aluminium Smelter in Quebec. (Photo: Rio Tinto)

MONTREAL — Rio Tinto Alcan has inaugurated their US$ 1.1 billion Arvida Aluminum Smelter, in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec. The AP60 Technology Centre is a new plant that has an installed capacity of 60,000-tonnes of aluminum and is among the most advanced aluminum smelters in the world.

"Today's milestone is the result of years of work by our research and development teams. The innovative new AP60 technology platform will also allow for the development of a series of next generation technologies permitting further improvements in productivity, and reductions in energy and environmental footprint," stated Jacynthe Côté, Chief executive of Rio Tinto Alcan.

The Arvida Aluminum Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre will produce 40 per cent more aluminum per cell than the previous generation of AP technology. The 60,000-tonne plant employs nearly 135 people and reached full capacity in December 2013.

"The new AP60 plant clearly illustrates Rio Tinto Alcan's commitment to innovation and our strategy to focus on projects that will increase our competitiveness through productivity and that leverage our unparalleled hydro power position, further reducing our environmental footprint", concluded Mrs. Côté.

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Rio Tinto Alcan's Arvida Research & Development Centre and R&D teams will continue supporting the new smelter and the further development of the AP60 technology platform.

Rio Tinto mines and processes aluminum, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.

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