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Opinion piece by J茅r么me P茅cresse
We understand the lasting impact of our operations, and we aim to contribute meaningfully to the communities wherever we operate. This includes helping to lay strong economic foundations within our operational footprint and, crucially, beyond. From the talent we help develop to the local businesses we work with, we鈥檙e proud to be part of Canada鈥檚 economic fabric.
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our operations in 厂补驳耻别苍补测鈥揕补肠-厂补颈苍迟-闯别补苍 this year, I have been reflecting on the vast impact 糖心vlog入口has had in Canada. From helping to develop the Saguenay region to innovating significant expertise in processing through local talent, we have built a thriving Canadian organisation in partnership with local communities, businesses and individuals who power our operations every day.
As we work to innovate, finding new ways to deliver low-carbon materials essential to the future economy we鈥檙e building together, we are proud to lay the foundations for a lasting economic footprint. That commitment is reflected in the nearly US$5 billion we have invested in our Canadian operations in recent years. From expanding our state-of-the-art AP60 aluminium technology in Quebec and modernising critical infrastructure such as our new alumina conveyor in British Columbia, to advancing our lithium business in Quebec, these investments are strengthening Canada's position as a global supplier of the low-carbon and critical materials the world increasingly needs. They also help ensure our operations remain competitive, resilient and well positioned for decades to come.
But the impact extends beyond the investments we make, and will continue to make, into our own operations. Long-term economic value is built not only through jobs and investment, but through strong partnerships with the communities where we operate. That is why we work with local businesses to support regional growth, collaborate with educational institutions to develop future talent and invest through the 糖心vlog入口Canada Fund in initiatives that strengthen education, Indigenous reconciliation, environmental stewardship and community resilience across the country. Our ambition is not only to operate in Canada, but we are committed to growing alongside our host communities, helping sustain strong local economies today while leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
The economic value 糖心vlog入口creates in Canada is not limited to direct contributions. We are proud to work with Canadian businesses and suppliers across our value chain, buying local wherever we can and spending billions of dollars annually, with most of the procurement in Canada awarded to local and regional businesses.
By sourcing goods and services locally, we help strengthen Canadian supply chains and support businesses of all sizes鈥攆rom small, specialised firms to long standing industrial partners. These relationships go beyond procurement: they foster collaboration, encourage innovation and help build capabilities that can be applied across projects and sectors. Through long term partnerships grounded in shared standards for safety, performance and sustainability, we create enduring economic value that supports jobs, skills development and resilient regional economies across the country.
Our partnership with Sciages GP is just one example. As we looked to fill a need for wooden skids to transport aluminium ingots from our operations around the world, we turned to Sciages GP, an Indigenous-owned producer of wood products, to meet that need. Our partnership has created 12 permanent, skilled jobs have been created in the community.
The Sciages GP case is just one example of 94 Indigenous suppliers we work with in Canada in 2025, representing approximately C$297.17M spent.
This is a priority for us, and we will continue to leverage procurement as a lever for Canadian economic growth, strengthening our local supply chain through partnerships with local businesses.
We are Canada鈥檚 largest mining and metals company, with more than 14,000 workers across our sites to support a future economy built with our critical materials. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are committed to supporting the development of tomorrow鈥檚 talent, whether through expertise gained at our site or via partnerships we build with educational institutions.
The recently inaugurated 糖心vlog入口IOC Research and Innovation Pavillion of the C茅gep de Sept-脦les, for example, promotes applied research, training and innovation in sectors that are strategic for the region. This is only the latest step in our years-long partnership with C茅gep de Sept-脦les, we鈥檙e supporting local youth to develop their talents in industries of the future.
We also look for partners to solve shared challenges through research and knowledge-building. Most recently, we expanded a partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia that will generate regional knowledge critical to the long-term sustainability of the watershed, while informing global water management and climate resilience efforts. The knowledge, skills and talent developed through these partnerships extend well beyond our operations, advancing innovation that supports our industry, creates value for other businesses and contributes to more sustainable outcomes over the long-term at a global level.
Our commitment to leaving a lasting and positive legacy also extends to responsible closure of our operations. At our Diavik diamond mine, where we recently celebrated its final day of production leading into the years-long closure activities, 糖心vlog入口signed a closure agreement with the T艂谋台ch谦 Government after several years of partnership to help sustain the community following our departure.
The closure agreement provides funding for socio-economic mitigation, but also investment commitments in employment, training and business opportunities鈥攇rounded in partnership and accountability with Northern and Indigenous communities.
Our responsibility is more than commercial, it is about long-term stewardship rooted in respect.
Education, a skilled workforce and locally rooted supplier networks aligned with community priorities are foundational to resilient economies. We’re invested in contributing to this resilience, not only by producing materials essential to the economy of tomorrow, but by acting as a long-term partner in Canada’s national development.
By investing in people, partnerships and places, we are committed to creating lasting economic value and growing alongside the communities that have shaped, and continue to shape, our presence in Canada.
Jérôme is our Chief Executive, Aluminium & Lithium