Rio Tinto: 25 years of partnership and success in research and development for bauxite and tailings processing technologies

The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC) and Rio Tinto have announced a renewed partnership for the next three years. In concrete terms, the company is investing more than two million dollars over three years for the pursuit of research and development work in bauxite and tailings processing technologies. This commitment thus marks the symbolic milestone of 25 years of partnership for the two organizations, specifically in terms of bauxite treatment technologies, process residues and the manufacture of alumina.

The scientific director of the partnership, researcher Guy Simard of the University Center for Research on Aluminum (CURAL), is very proud of this collaboration which evolves over time: “The challenges of tomorrow are the challenges of the students and researchers of today. The very tight network woven with Rio Tinto over the years has enabled us to work on research projects on the recovery of residues, thus permitting our students to be imbued with academic and industrial reality, while ensuring that we train the next generation. highly qualified, supporting the aluminum industry of tomorrow. “

Josette Ross, Director of the Arvida Research and Development Center for Rio Tinto, indicates: “We are very pleased to renew this exclusive research and development partnership with the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, which has been the source of great achievements since almost 25 years of collaboration. The alumina manufacturing process and the upgrading of by-products are essential to the production of low-carbon aluminum in Quebec. Our partnership allows us both to continuously improve our techniques and equipment used in this process and to train the next generation of researchers. “

In addition to ensuring the continuity of its collaboration until 2023, this partnership allows UQAC to strengthen its position and that of the region among the world leaders in aluminum research and development. According to the vice-rector for research, creation and innovation of UQAC, Mohamed Bouazara: “such a partnership guarantees a certain stability in the development of our research on aluminum and helps to maintain infrastructures of avant-garde research and laboratories equipped at the cutting edge of technology. ”