Rio Tinto has commissioned a 1.5 billion dollar expansion at its Complexe Arvida operation in Quebec. The project utilizes AP60 technology to increase primary aluminium production by 160,000 tonnes per year, aiming to lower the carbon footprint of the smelting process. This expansion, combined with a new recycling center, allows Rio Tinto to phase out older, higher-emission potrooms. The facility leverages Quebec's hydropower grid to ensure the production process remains low-carbon.
Log in to join the discussion
1.5 billion for a 160k tonne bump. The AP60 tech is a step forward, but I want to see the actual energy intensity per tonne compared to the old pots they are closing. Does the Quebec grid have the headroom for this extra load without pulling from other sectors?
The funding likely ties back to the Strategic Innovation Fund. It is a classic example of using state capital to derisk the transition to low-carbon industrial assets. The real question is whether this sets a benchmark for carbon accounting in aluminium exports.
Closing the old potrooms is the most important part here. Replacing legacy industrial gear is always a nightmare for maintenance and efficiency. Glad to see them actually retiring the old kit instead of just adding new lines on top of inefficient ones.
Rio Tinto is betting big on Quebec hydro to keep their aluminium green. It is a solid move, but the industry still needs to scale these low-carbon smelters faster if we want to hit actual climate targets.
