Employees

Our Commitment to Quebec

Our CAN$1.4 billion investment to expand our facilities will generate up to 1,000 jobs during peak construction and approximately 100 permanent jobs to spur increased economic activity. But that’s just the start of our engagement here.


Last updated: 18 December 2023

 

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.

Our commitment to aluminium recycling

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.

Ongoing investment in Saguenay

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.

Related content

Official aluminium partner of the Montreal Canadiens

One Team, One Goal

Providing sustainable aluminium to fans of the Montreal Canadiens
RTFT

Amid chaos and uncertainty, Canada has an opportunity for industrial leadership

Jakob Stausholm, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto
Elysis aluminium

Carbon-free aluminium smelting is a step closer

Revolutionising the way aluminium is made