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Our vision is to become the leading supplier of green materials to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
With our CAN$1.4 billion investment, we will build one of the world’s most advanced, efficient and cleanest aluminium smelters at the Complexe Jonquière in Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean. This comes in addition to our previous CAN$240 million investment to increase our billet production capability at Alma.
The new smelter makes use of AP60 technology, developed by our R&D teams. It generates 7 times less greenhouse gases per tonne of aluminium produced than the industry average. This expansion will help Rio Tinto meet consumers’ growing demand for low-carbon aluminium for use in transportation, construction, electrical and consumer goods.
This new facility will have significant economic impact for the community of Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean.
Construction will run over 2 and a half years with the commissioning of the new smelter expected to start in the first half of 2026 with full ramp-up by the end of that year. These new jobs will complement the thousands of existing jobs on site, and spur further economic activity in the area.
Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials in the world. In fact, 75% of the aluminium ever produced is still in use in some capacity. As our economies move to consume less and recycle more, demand for aluminium is growing rapidly. By 2050, demand is projected to grow by 40–50% and will outstrip supply by 20%.
We are working to meet this demand by investing USD$700 million in the production and marketing of recycled aluminium products. This initiative reflects our belief that responsibly-sourced aluminium is key to a more sustainable future.
We will continue our commitments to support First Nations, education, environment, health and well-being, and community-building non-profit organisations in the region through the Rio Tinto Aluminium Canada Fund.
To stay up to date on Rio Tinto projects, be sure to follow us on social media, and visit our Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean Facebook page.