Rio Tinto Revolutionizes Aluminum Smelting with Carbon-Free Technology in Canada

Rio Tinto is set to deploy Carbon-free Aluminium smelting cells at its Arvida facility in Québec, Canada, marking a milestone as the first licensee of ELYSIS technology. This strategic investment supports the advancement of ELYSIS technology while enhancing Rio Tinto's capabilities in installation and operational expertise.

Rio Tinto plans to undertake the design, engineering, and construction of a demonstration plant featuring ten pots operating at 100 kiloamperes (kA). This facility will be established through a newly formed joint venture, with Rio Tinto and the Government of Québec, represented by Investissement Québec, serving as equity partners. Rio Tinto's investment in the joint venture amounts to US$179 million (CAN$235 million), while Investissement Québec will contribute US$106 million (CAN$140 million), totaling US$285 million (CAN$375 million).

This facility represents a replication of the proven ELYSIS technology showcased at the Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean Industrial Research and Development Center, playing a crucial role in Rio Tinto's strategic roadmap towards achieving full-scale industrialization. The initiative not only aims to validate the scalability and operational feasibility of carbon-free aluminium production but also underscores the commitment to advancing sustainable technology solutions within the aluminium industry.

Scheduled for initial production by 2027, the plant aims to produce up to 2,500 tonnes of Aluminium annually, achieving commercial quality without direct greenhouse gas emissions. Positioned adjacent to the Arvida smelter, it leverages existing alumina supply and casting infrastructure for operational efficiency.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive Jérôme Pécresse emphasized that the investment in ELYSIS carbon-free smelting technology will reinforce Rio Tinto's leadership in low-carbon, responsible aluminium production in North America. With hydro-powered smelters and strong recycling capabilities, this move underscores Rio Tinto's commitment to decarbonization and expansion of its Canadian aluminium operations. Being the first to adopt ELYSIS technology, Rio Tinto aims to deliver even lower-carbon primary aluminium while enhancing its expertise in deploying and managing innovative technologies. The investment aligns with ELYSIS joint venture's ongoing efforts to advance and scale up the technology, positioning Rio Tinto at the forefront of sustainable practices in the aluminium industry.

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Québec's Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, along with Minister for Regional Economic Development, and Minister for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region, hailed ELYSIS™ as a groundbreaking technology that promises to revolutionize the industry. He attributed Québec's expertise as instrumental in achieving the milestone of producing greenhouse gas-free aluminium, making it a global first. Fitzgibbon emphasized the transformative impact of this technological innovation on Québec's aluminium sector, reinforcing its position as a world leader with unparalleled advantages.

François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, emphasized Canada’s potential to lead as a premier global supplier of green products. He highlighted government collaboration with industry leaders like Rio Tinto to advance low-carbon aluminium production. Champagne underscored the significance of pioneering initiatives such as the ELYSIS™ smelting technology in maintaining Canada's competitive edge in tomorrow's economy while advancing ambitious carbon reduction targets. By coupling economic gains with a dedication to sustainable innovation, he asserted that these efforts benefit Canadian industries, foster growth in the cleantech sector, and support employment opportunities across the country.

Alcoa, a partner in the ELYSIS joint venture, has been granted the option to procure a share of the aluminium output from Rio Tinto's Arvida demonstration plant during the initial four years under an offtake agreement.

Meanwhile, the joint venture is actively advancing its research and development agenda to scale up the ELYSIS™ technology. Construction of larger prototype cells operating at 450 kA has been completed at Rio Tinto's Alma smelter, marking a significant milestone. ELYSIS has commenced the commissioning phase for these industrial-scale prototype cells, with full operational startup scheduled for 2024.