Rio Tinto: Rio Tinto invests to increase production of low-carbon AP60 aluminum in Canada

Rio Tinto is investing US $ 87 million to increase its production of low carbon aluminum in Canada with 16 new cells at its AP60 electrolysis center in the Saguenay region of Quebec.

The investment will increase the plant’s production by approximately 45%, or 26,500 metric tonnes of primary aluminum annually, to reach a capacity of 86,500 metric tonnes, and secure the future of approximately 100 jobs within the facility.

Rio Tinto predicts that the global aluminum market will grow at an average rate of 3.3% per year over the next decade, with strong demand driven by energy tra nsition and decarbonization.

Rio Tinto Aluminum CEO Ivan Vella said: “Rio Tinto is committed to strengthening its leadership position in the production of low carbon aluminum made from hydropower in order to meet the demand of our customers in North America and Europe. Our AP60 technology is one of the most energy efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective available today. It produces aluminum with one of the lowest carbon content in the world thanks to renewable hydroelectricity from Quebec. We are currently evaluating popportunities for additional investments, as we progress in the development of ELYSIS carbonless electrolysis technology with our partners. “

The new tanks will be built in the existing building of the AP60 technology center at Complexe Jonquière, which currently has 38 tanks. Work will begin in spring 2022 and should be completed at the end of 2023. Rio Tinto will simultaneously study the possibility of adding additional AP60 tanks at the same site.

The AP60 technology was pioneered by Rio Tinto’s research and development teams, including the Arvida Research and Development Center, and generates seven times less greenhouse gases than the industry average. Since their commissioning in Saguenay in 2013, AP60 technology tanks have produced more than 465,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminum.