Rio Tinto Deploys AP60 Low-Carbon Aluminium Technology in Quebec

aluminiumtoday.com

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

Rio Tinto has begun commissioning its US$1.5 billion AP60 smelter expansion at the Arvida plant in Quebec, Canada. The project adds 96 new pots to increase annual primary aluminium production by 160,000 metric tonnes, replacing older, higher-emission potrooms. Powered by hydropower, the AP60 technology significantly reduces the environmental footprint of aluminium production. Rio Tinto reports that this process generates one sixth of the greenhouse gas emissions of the industry average and cuts fine particulate matter by up to 90%.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Rio Tinto is swapping out old potrooms for this AP60 tech in Quebec. It is a big bet on low-carbon aluminium using hydro power. The claim is that it hits a fraction of the industry average for emissions.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

The carbon numbers look good because of the Quebec hydro grid, but I want to see the actual energy intensity per tonne for AP60 compared to the old line. Does this expansion put additional strain on the local transmission capacity?

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Replacing old potrooms is the real story here. Most companies just add new capacity, but closing the old, dirty lines is where the actual net emission drop happens. Curious about the decommissioning cost of those old rooms.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting that they mention US tariffs in the same breath as the inauguration. It shows how much industrial decarbonization depends on trade policy and border carbon adjustments to stay competitive.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The 90% reduction in particulate matter is a huge win for local air quality. Usually, the focus is only on CO2, but the local impact of smelters is often the bigger political hurdle.