Alma smelter capacity expansion, Canada

30th September 2022 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Alma smelter capacity expansion, Canada

Name of the Project
Alma smelter capacity expansion.

Location
Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto.

Project Description
The project will increase production capacity for low-carbon, high-value aluminium billets at the Alma smelter to 202 000 t.

The existing casting centre will be expanded to accommodate new, state-of-the-art equipment, including a casting pit and furnaces, allowing for a larger portion of the aluminium produced to be converted to higher-value billets.

Aluminium billets are extruded through a die and the resulting profiles are used to make various products, such as bumpers and roof rails for cars, as well as doors and window frames.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
$188-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction will begin in May 2023, after completing detailed engineering and preliminary work, and commissioning is expected in the first quarter of 2025.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto media relations, email media.enquiries@riotinto.com.