Name of the Project
AP60 low-carbon aluminium smelter expansion.

Location
Complexe Jonquière, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto.

Project Description
The AP60 smelting technology, when combined with the hydropower used at Rio Tinto’s operations in Canada, generates one-seventh of greenhouse gases per tonne of aluminium, compared with the industry average, and half of the emissions when compared with the technology currently used at the Arvida smelter.

The investment will add 96 new AP60 pots, increasing capacity by about 160 000 t/y of primary aluminium, enough for 400 000 electric cars. As a result, there will be 134 AP60 pots for a capacity of about 220 000 t/y.

This new capacity will offset the 170 000 t of capacity lost through the gradual closure of potrooms at the Arvida smelter from 2024.

In addition, Rio Tinto will add 30 000 t of new capacity through the commissioning of a recycling facility at Arvida in the first quarter of 2025.

Potential Job Creation
The project will generate up to 1 000 jobs during the peak of construction and about 100 permanent jobs will be maintained as a result of the expanded smelter.

Capital Expenditure
C$1.4-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction will run over two-and-a-half years, with commissioning of the new pots expected to start in the first half of 2026, and the smelter fully ramped up by the end of 2026.

Latest Developments
The AP60 expansion project remains on schedule. 

Construction activities progressed during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, with assembly of the gas treatment centre. 

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, tel +1 514 848 8000