Rio Tinto to invest in Canadian hydro plant for aluminium production

Rio Tinto is to to modernise a hydroelectric power plant which powers low-carbon aluminium production

It will invest US$1.2 billion (CA$1.7 billion) in its Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant, commissioned in 1926 in Alma, Quebec, Canada.

The power plant modernisation is essential to secure the future of low-carbon aluminium production in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and support the jobs of employees across the region.

It will allow Rio Tinto to protect its assets for the long term, ensure a more efficient, safe and reliable power supply of renewable energy to smelters, casting houses and other facilities, and maintain safe operations for its employees and the community.

The project will run until 2032, with an estimated 300 people working on the site at its peak.

It includes replacing eight turbine-alternator groups, rehabilitating their water intake and hydraulic passage.

It will also build an extension and mechanical workshop to the north of the power station, replace electrical and mechanical equipment, and modify a spillway so that it can be used reliably in winter.

Rio Tinto Aluminium’s Managing Director for Atlantic Operations, Sébastien Ross said the investment would ensure the long-term future and competitiveness of its low carbon aluminium for its Canadian and American customers.

The investment is in addition to previously announced projects worth a combined $183 million (CA$252 million) for the refurbishment of butterfly valves and work on two other turbine-alternator groups at the plant.

Source: www.aluminiumtoday.com