Rio Tinto re-opens modernized Kitimat aluminum smelter

Rio Tinto Alcan Kitmat Aluminum Smelter during the modernization project — Photo courtesy Rio Tinto

CBC is reporting that Rio Tinto re-opened its Kitimat aluminum smelter on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 -- after an extensive expansion and modernization program. The B.C. government approved plans to allow an increase the plant's sulphur dioxide emissions because of increase production targets.

CBC also reports that Rio Tinto says reduces greenhouse gases, fluorides and hydrocarbons by 36 to 98 per cent.

"With the older smelter, there was lots of problems, lots of sickness. And now, with the modern smelter, hopefully, we get rid of all those problems that we can have better air quality," said 36 year employee, Raymond Raj, in an interview with CBC.

Permits allow Rio Tinto Alcan to increase sulphur emissions by 56 per cent, but it could take up to two years before it reaches that level as increased production ramps up.

Facts about the Kitimat Modernization Project

• The Kitimat Modernization Project (KMP) is a multi-billion dollar project to modernize the BC Operations aluminium smelter in Kitimat with state-of-the-art Aluminium Pechiney (AP) technology to achieve a leading edge, safe and reliable world-class operation for decades to come.
• On 1 December 2011, Rio Tinto Alcan formally announced full Notice to Proceed for KMP, guaranteeing a significant financial investment to complete the project.
• Modernization offers significant environmental, health and safety improvements. Rio Tinto Alcan is working with government, businesses, First Nations, community stakeholders, and our employees to ensure that modernization is done responsibly and sustainably.
• Modernization will mean more aluminium production than ever before by increasing the output by up to 420,000 tonnes annually.
• The introduction of the latest evolution of AP Technology will make the Kitimat facility one of the most modern smelters in the world and among three of Rio Tinto Alcan’s largest smelters.
• Modernization will result in a more environmentally responsible production process, reducing overall emissions by nearly 50 per cent.
• Modernization will secure about 1,000 highly skilled, highly paid sustainable jobs for decades to come.
• Rio Tinto Alcan has been and will continue to work diligently with the region, businesses, economic groups and First Nations to stimulate new job creation through economic development and diversification.
• As of 31 December 2014, it is estimated that KMP has generated over $561 million in direct project spend in the northern BC region through the construction phase of the project and has created significant employment opportunities with a construction peak of about 3,500 workers on site during mid-2014.

Source: CBC and Rio Tinto