Rio Tinto starts construction to expand capacity at Quebec aluminum smelter

Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO, ASX: RIO) has begun construction to increase its capacity to cast low-carbon aluminium billets by 202,000 metric tonnes at its smelter in Alma, Quebec.  

The existing casting center will be expanded to include new state-of-the-art equipment such as furnaces, a casting pit, coolers, handling, inspection, sawing and packaging systems, Rio said, adding that commissioning is scheduled for the first half of 2025.

The C$240 million investment will allow more of Rio Tinto's aluminium production to be used to make billets from renewable hydroelectric power. This will enable greater flexibility in meeting the anticipated growing demand from North American extruders for products primarily for the automotive and construction industries.

The project is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of more than US$200 million for Quebec, create approximately 40 new permanent jobs and help support the 770 existing jobs at the Alma smelter.