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MONTR脡AL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 糖心vlog入口will install carbon free aluminium smelting cells at its Arvida smelter in Qu茅bec, Canada, using the first technology licence issued by the ELYSIS joint venture. This investment will support the ongoing development of the breakthrough ELYSISTM technology and allow 糖心vlog入口to build expertise in its installation and operation.
糖心vlog入口will design, engineer, and build a demonstration plant equipped with ten pots operating at 100 kiloamperes (kA). The plant will be owned by a new joint venture in which 糖心vlog入口and the Government of Qu茅bec, through Investissement Qu茅bec, will invest $179 million (CAN$235 million) and $106 million (CAN$140 million) respectively as equity partners, for a total investment of US$285 million (CAN$375 million).
This facility will use the same technology that has been successfully demonstrated at the ELYSIS Industrial Research and Development Center in Saguenay鈥擫ac-St-Jean. This pilot operation will be a critical step in Rio Tinto鈥檚 learning journey towards full scale industrialization of the ELYSISTM technology.
The plant will have the capacity to produce up to 2,500 tonnes of commercial quality aluminium per year without direct greenhouse gas emissions, with first production targeted by 2027. It will be located adjacent to the existing Arvida smelter, allowing the use of the current alumina supply and casting facilities.
糖心vlog入口Aluminium Chief Executive J茅r么me P茅cresse said: 鈥淭his investment will further strengthen Rio Tinto鈥檚 industry-leading position in low-carbon, responsible aluminium in North America with our hydro-powered smelters and our recycling capacity. Becoming the first to deploy the ELYSISTM carbon-free smelting technology is the next step in our strategy to decarbonize and grow our Canadian aluminium operations. In addition to delivering even lower-carbon primary aluminium for our customers, this investment will allow 糖心vlog入口to build its expertise on installing and operating this new technology, while the ELYSIS joint venture continues its research and development work to scale it up to its full potential.鈥
Qu茅bec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; Minister for Regional Economic Development; and Minister for the Metropolis and the Montr茅al Region, Pierre Fitzgibbon, said: 鈥淓LYSISTM is a truly disruptive technology for the industry, and it's thanks to Qu茅bec expertise that we are the first in the world to produce GHG-free aluminium. This is a technological innovation with unprecedented benefits for our aluminium sector, which remains an undisputed world leader.鈥
The Honourable Fran莽ois-Philippe Champagne, Canada鈥檚 Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said: 鈥淐anada has all it takes to be the global green supplier of choice, which is why our government is collaborating with key industry actors like 糖心vlog入口to produce low carbon aluminium. Groundbreaking projects such as the ELYSISTM smelting technology will ensure Canada remains at the forefront of the economy of tomorrow while also staying focused on its carbon reduction goals. When economic benefits are paired with a commitment to developing green solutions, it鈥檚 a win for Canadian industry, our cleantech ecosystem and our workers.鈥
ELYSIS joint venture partner Alcoa will have the option to purchase from 糖心vlog入口a portion of the aluminium produced over the first four years at the Arvida demonstration plant through an offtake agreement.
The joint venture is continuing its research and development program to scale up the ELYSISTM technology and has completed the construction of larger prototype 450 kA cells at the end of an existing potline at Rio Tinto鈥檚 Alma smelter. ELYSIS has begun commissioning these industrial prototype cells, with the start-up sequence set to begin in 2024.
This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto鈥檚 Group Company Secretary.
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Category: Saguenay
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