Rio Tinto PLC has announced the successful commencement of commissioning for the AP60 expansion project at its Arvida complex in Quebec. This $1.5 billion investment represents a significant advancement in the company's deployment of its leading low-carbon aluminum smelting technology.
Commissioning activities began in March of this year and are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, at which point all 96 new electrolysis cells will be operational. The expansion will increase the plant's annual primary aluminum production capacity by approximately 160,000 metric tons, bringing the total capacity using AP60 technology to 220,000 metric tons.
The AP60 technology is among the most efficient and lowest-carbon emitting technologies available at a commercial scale. Leveraging Quebec's hydroelectric power, this technology produces greenhouse gas emissions per ton of aluminum that are just one-sixth of the industry average and half that of the adjacent, older Arvida smelter, resulting in an annual reduction of about 290,000 tons of carbon emissions. It is also projected to reduce fine particulate emissions by up to 90%.
The AP60 expansion is being developed in synergy with the planned Arvida aluminum recycling center, which will offset the capacity loss from the closure of the old Arvida electrolysis hall, scheduled for completion in June of this year. The project will create approximately 100 permanent, high-quality jobs locally and generated over 1,500 jobs at the peak of construction, contributing over CAD $1 billion to Quebec's economy.
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