Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. : Rio Tinto Alcan inaugurates its leading-edge AP60 aluminium smelter in Canada

16 January 2014

Rio Tinto Alcan inaugurates its leading-edge AP60 aluminium smelter in Canada

Rio Tinto Alcan inaugurated the US$ 1.1 billion Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre, in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec. The new plant has an installed capacity of 60,000-tonnes of aluminium and is the most technologically advanced aluminium smelter in the world.

Jacynthe Côté, Chief executive of Rio Tinto Alcan said: "Rio Tinto Alcan is very proud to inaugurate the new Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre. It is an honour to share this achievement with the men and women who made it possible - our employees. Today's milestone is the result of years of work by our Research and development teams, particularly the teams that first conceived, developed and tested the AP60 technology at the Laboratoire de recherche des fabrications (LRF) in France. 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.

"It is also important to recognize the valued support from all our employees, customers, suppliers and stakeholders from across our host community. The new Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre represents the next chapter in our over 100 year history as a leading aluminium producer.

"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.

About the Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre

The Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre will produce 40 per cent more aluminium 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.

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.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

For further information, please contact:

Media relations, Rio Tinto Alcan

Bryan Tucker
T: [phone]
[e-mail]

Media relations, Rio Tinto Alcan

Claudine Gagnon
T: [phone]
C: [phone]
[e-mail]

Rio Tinto Alcan inaugurates its leading-edge AP60 aluminium smelter in Canada [PDF: 28 KB]