Name of the Project
AP60 low-carbon aluminium smelter expansion.

Location
Complexe Jonquière, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto.

Project Description
The AP60 smelting technology, when combined with the hydropower used at Rio Tinto’s operations in Canada, generates one-seventh of greenhouse gases per tonne of aluminium, compared with the industry average, and half of the emissions when compared with the technology currently used at the Arvida smelter.

The investment will add 96 new AP60 pots, increasing capacity by about 160 000 t/y of primary aluminium, enough for 400 000 electric cars. As a result, there will be 134 AP60 pots for a capacity of about 220 000 t/y.

This new capacity will offset the 170 000 t of capacity lost through the gradual closure of potrooms at the Arvida smelter from 2024.

In addition, Rio Tinto will add 30 000 t of new capacity through the commissioning of a recycling facility at Arvida in the first quarter of 2025.

Potential Job Creation
The project created more than 1 500 jobs during peak construction and will support about 100 permanent jobs locally.

Capital Expenditure
$1.5-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Startup started in March 2026 and commissioning is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Latest Developments
Rio Tinto has started commissioning its $1.5-billion AP60 smelter expansion at Complexe Arvida, in Quebec. Startup began in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with all 96 new AP60 pots operating.

The expansion will add about 160 000 t/y of primary aluminium capacity, increasing total AP60 production capacity to about 220 000 t/y. Together with the planned Arvida recycling centre, the new capacity will more than offset the loss of production from the closure of the older Arvida potrooms, which is expected to be completed in June 2026.

During peak construction, the project created more than 1 500 jobs and generated more than $1-billion in economic benefits for Quebec through spending with contractors and suppliers. The expansion will support about 100 permanent jobs locally.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, tel +1 514 848 8000.