B-Roll is available by Video On-Demand web download at
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7570551-cnw-vod/
MONTREAL, July 7, 2015
/CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto is preparing its first shipments of metal
from its world-class Kitimat
aluminium smelter in Canada
following an extensive modernisation of the facility.
The modernisation of the aluminium smelter will increase
production capacity by 48 per cent and result in Kitimat becoming one of the lowest cost
smelters in the world. Having achieved first production in
June 2015, Rio Tinto is now focused
on safely ramping up towards its annual production rate of 420,000
tonnes.
The modernised smelter, which was delivered in line with the
revised schedule and budget, is powered exclusively by Rio Tinto's
wholly owned hydro power facility and uses the company's
proprietary AP40 smelting technology which will effectively halve
the smelter's overall emissions.
Aluminium chief executive Alf
Barrios said "The modernisation of Kitimat will fundamentally transform its
performance, moving it from the fourth quartile to the first decile
of the industry cost curve. At full production, Kitimat will be one of the most efficient,
greenest and lowest-cost smelters in the world.
"Positioned in British Columbia
on the west coast of Canada,
Kitimat is well placed to serve
rapidly growing demand for aluminium in the Asia-Pacific region and to serve the North
American market."
Rio Tinto Alcan's first hot metal event
Haisla Nation
"The Haisla Nation congratulates Rio
Tinto on the completion of the Kitimat Modernization Project. We
supported this Project because it would allow the aluminum smelting
operations to continue but with significantly lower levels of
environmental contamination. The Project also created employment,
training and contracting opportunities for our community. These
have always been, and remain, key Haisla Nation priorities. Now
comes the hard part: the Haisla Nation and Rio Tinto must continue
to build on the momentum created by the Legacy Agreement and the
Modernization Process. This will require diligent hard work on
issues that will sometimes be difficult, including long term
employment of Haisla Nation members at Rio Tinto, continued
environmental diligence and collaborative development
opportunities. We have taken some significant steps ahead with Rio
Tinto: we look forward to continuing this journey together"
– Haisla Nation Council
District of Kitimat
"The District of Kitimat is very excited to be a part of Rio
Tinto's First Hot Metal celebrations for its new Kitimat smelter. The Kitimat Modernization
project has been a great economic stimulus for the community for
the past number of years and the start-up is a key milestone that
will provide certainty to the community for another 50 or 60 years.
Rio Tinto's modernization project has provided Kitimat with valuable knowledge. As a
result of this modernization project, Kitimat has current experience on the
construction of a large industrial project within its
boundaries. As the community prepares for LNG development we
will use these lessons learned to prepare for LNG projects.
It is a very exciting time for Kitimat.
Congratulations Rio Tinto Alcan for achieving this significant
milestone."
– Mayor Phil Germuth, District
of Kitimat
City of Terrace
"Rio Tinto Alcan's first hot metal
event at the smelter is a historic occasion. The new modernized
facility brings economic stability and employment that benefits the
entire region. Terrace has strong ties with Rio Tinto Alcan and I'm
pleased to be here on behalf of Terrace to witness this event.
"
– Carol LeClerc, City of
Terrace Mayor
Kitimat Chamber of
Commerce:
"The start of aluminum production with the
arrival of first hot metal marks a tremendous milestone for Rio
Tinto and for the community of Kitimat. The investment by Rio Tinto into the
Kitimat Modernization Project, much like the original Kitimat smelter of the 1950's, has
provided the community of Kitimat with a solid
foundation from which to grow and prosper and enable the next
generation of Kitimat to take
shape.
On behalf of the Kitimat
Chamber of Commerce I would like to congratulate Rio Tinto and the
Kitimat team as they mark the
start-up of the new Kitimat
smelter and mark the next generation of aluminum production in
Kitimat."
– Derick Stinson, Chair
Kitimat Chamber of Commerce
Kitimat Economic Development Authority
"With the
start-up of Rio Tinto Alcan's new smelter, and its First Hot Metal
event, we feel that it is a strong signal to other potential
investors that Kitimat and the
region is now ready for another MEGA project. Through Rio Tinto's
construction the company has been committed to support local
businesses and working hard to hire as many local people as
possible. Their initiatives to help develop local businesses and
train local people has not only provided an economic stimulus, but
has set the stage for local businesses to take advantage of any new
opportunities coming to the area. Investing $4.8 billion dollars in the new plant
will ensure Kitimat will have
anchor industry for decades to come."
– Kitimat Economic Development Autority
Terrace Chamber of Commerce
"Terrace & District
Chamber of Commerce is pleased to hear of Rio Tinto Alcan's
celebration of this hot metal milestone. This project has had a
significant economic impact in our region bringing new jobs to the
communities as well as a substantial amount of business that spins
off from their activity. The investment they are making in their
facility brings certainty and stability to our economic future.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone!"
– Terrace Chamber of Commerce
Terrace Economic Development Authority
"On behalf of
the Terrace Economic Development Authority, it gives me great
pleasure to congratulate Rio Tinto on the historic event of
recognizing the First Hot Metal Celebration. The tremendous
efforts of company officials, staff, and contractors to complete
this project in a safe, professional manner have set the standard
for excellence and quality. Your support of local employment and
procurement has been very beneficial to the surrounding area and
helped to create thousands of man-hours in employment and benefits
while supporting many local businesses with service opportunities.
Thank you for the continued support and may you continue to
flourish for the next 50 years of operation."
– Rob Dykman, Chair - Terrace
Economic Development Authority
SOURCE RIO TINTO ALCAN - EN