Rio Tinto has started commissioning its $1.5 billion AP60 smelter expansion at Complexe Arvida in Quebec, according to a company statement. The commissioning process began in March and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 with all 96 new pots operating.

The expansion will increase the plant's production capacity by approximately 160,000 metric tonnes of primary aluminum annually, bringing total AP60 technology production to 220,000 metric tonnes. The project will directly support approximately 100 permanent jobs locally and created more than 1,500 jobs during peak construction. The company states the project generated more than $1 billion in economic benefits for Quebec through spending with contractors and suppliers.

The AP60 expansion, combined with a planned aluminum recycling center at Arvida, will offset production losses from the closure of older Arvida potrooms, which is expected to be completed in June. The AP60 technology generates approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of aluminum produced, compared to approximately 3.2 tonnes for the current Arvida smelter technology and 10.9 tonnes for the industry average, according to the company.

"The newly expanded AP60 smelter reinforces our competitiveness and increases the efficiency of our Quebec operations and reduces our carbon emissions by approximately 290,000 tonnes per year compared to the old Arvida smelter," said Jérôme Pécresse, Rio Tinto Aluminum & Lithium Chief Executive.

The expansion supports the transition to carbon-free aluminum electrolysis technology being developed by ELYSIS, a partnership that includes Rio Tinto. A demonstration plant is being built in Quebec with support from the Government of Canada through the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Government of Quebec through Investissement Quebec.