Rio Tinto invests C$ 250 million to extend operations at Vaudreuil alumina refinery
SAGUENAY, Feb. 12, 2018 - Rio Tinto will invest C$250 million to extend operations beyond 2022 at the Vaudreuil alumina refinery, in the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada. The project includes the construction of a filtration plant and the optimisation of the Jonquière complex bauxite residue site. Managing director Atlantic Operations Gervais Jacques said: "Today is an important milestone in the Vaudreuil plant's 80 year history. It will continue to supply our world class aluminium smelting operations, support more than 1,000 jobs and generate significant economic benefits for the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region."
"Our fully engaged employees and their representatives have given it all so that this plant can continue to operate."
"The Vaudreuil refinery can now look to the future and this C$250 million investment will allow us to plan for the coming years. The high quality alumina produced at our Vaudreuil plant allows us to remain competitive in terms of costs and increase value for our customers."
General manager Jonquière complex Jean-François Nadeau said: "I would like to recognize our employees and partners for their hard work. Without them, this pivotal step would not have been possible. I would also like to thank the community members whose contributions have enhanced the project."
In addition to this investment, Rio Tinto is continuing its work to identify pathways for the valorisation of bauxite residues. Operations at the Vaudreuil plant support over 1,000 jobs in the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region and generate annual regional economic benefits of around C$135 million.
In 2015, Rio Tinto began a community consultation process, which allowed the company to improve and supplement the Vaudreuil 2022 project. The company is committed to continueing its collaboration with the community, employees and their representatives.
Commissioned in 1936, the Vaudreuil plant transforms bauxite into alumina, an essential component of aluminium production. It is a leader in environmental performance in its industry. In 2017, the plant imported 3.7 million tonnes of bauxite from Africa and Brazil.
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SOURCE RIO TINTO ALCAN - EN
Contact
Xu n-Lan Vu, Communications and Media Relations, Aluminium, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, +1 418 718 4005, xuan-lan.vu@riotinto.com
Claudine Gagnon, Manager, Media Relations and Communications, Rio Tinto Canada, +1 514 377 4014, claudine.gagnon@riotinto.com
