Rio Tinto's $1.5B Low-Carbon Aluminum Expansion in Quebec Nears Completion, Targets 2026 Full Production

Published: Jun 24, 2026 09:29

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According to foreign media reports, mining giant Rio Tinto's $1.5 billion expansion project at its Arvida aluminum smelter in Quebec has now entered the commissioning phase. The project adopts AP60 low-carbon aluminum technology and is expected to reach full production by the end of 2026. By then, 96 new-type electrolysis cells will be added, boosting annual primary aluminum capacity by 160,000 mt, and the AP60 process will be capable of producing up to 220,000 mt of low-carbon aluminum per year.

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