Rio Tinto has successfully started commissioning its USD 1.5 billion AP60 smelter expansion at Complexe Arvida in Quebec, marking a major milestone for the deployment of its state-of-the-art, low-carbon aluminium smelting technology.
The start-up, which began in March, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 with all 96 new pots operating. This will increase the plant’s production capacity by approximately 160,000 tonnes of primary aluminium annually for a total of 220,000 tonnes produced with the AP60 technology.
The AP60 expansion, together with the planned aluminium recycling centre at Arvida, will more than offset the loss of production associated with the closure of the older Arvida potrooms, which is expected to be completed in June.
The expansion will directly support approximately 100 permanent high-quality jobs locally and help consolidate positions across the supply chain. During its peak construction period, more than 1,500 jobs were created and the project generated more than USD 1 billion in economic benefits for the province of Quebec through spending with contractors and suppliers.
Representing the next chapter of Rio Tinto’s century-long history in Quebec, it strengthens its ability to supply customers in North America with low-carbon, high-quality aluminium for transportation, construction, electrical applications and consumer goods.