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Français28 October 2008
Rio Tinto to invest US$228 million in clean hydropower upgrade in Quebec
Rio Tinto is to invest US$228 million in the construction of a new 225 megawatt high-efficiency turbine at Rio Tinto Alcan's Shipshaw power station in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. The project is expected to be completed in December 2012.
"This modernisation and upgrading of the Shipshaw power generating station underscores the importance we place on secure, competitively priced energy resources, which are key to realisation of the long term Quebec investment programme announced in December 2006," said Tom Albanese, Chief executive officer of Rio Tinto, speaking at the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal luncheon. "Rio Tinto remains committed to sustainable, value creating investments in Quebec and the rest of Canada."
The Shipshaw power station is a major component of Rio Tinto Alcan's extensive hydroelectric network, which has a total installed capacity of approximately 2,900 megawatts in Quebec. The new turbine is expected to replace four hydro generator units at the Chute-à-Caron power station and will thereby promote more efficient water use.
"This investment complements other projects in Quebec, such as our pilot plant using groundbreaking AP 50 smelting technology and the proposed expansion of our world class Alma smelter. The Shipshaw upgrade reinforces our longstanding commitments to Quebec," said Dick Evans, Chief executive, Rio Tinto Alcan. "This project strengthens Quebec's position as a global leader in aluminium production and clean renewable energy, with a solid network of local suppliers, world-class engineering capabilities and an exceptional foundation for innovation, research, and technology."
Rio Tinto has already committed more than US$430 million to the AP 50 pilot project. To date, there are approximately 200 construction workers on the AP 50 pilot plant site in addition to more than 150 technicians and engineers working on this project throughout Quebec. Onsite workers are currently focused on infrastructures, site preparation, and installation of the necessary substation.
The plant is currently undergoing construction of its first phase, and detailed environmental reviews are already underway for possible second and third phases. When completed, the plant will serve as the platform for future development of this new generation of Rio Tinto Alcan's proprietary AP technology, the most cost-effective, energy efficient, and environmentally-friendly smelting technology available.
Also in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, the Alma smelter is one of Rio Tinto Alcan's most modern and efficient facilities. The potential expansion project, currently in pre-feasibility, would add approximately 170,000 tonnes to the current production of slightly more than 400,000 tonnes, making it one of the largest smelters in North America.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.
For further information, please contact:
Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Canada
Stefano Bertolli
Tel.: +1 514 848 8151
stefano.bertolli@riotinto.com
Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Saguenay
Claudine Gagnon
Tel.: +1 418 699 4005
claudine.gagnon@riotinto.com