Rio Tinto Alcan and the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada launch partnership in aluminium extrusion research

MONTREAL, Feb. 28, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto Alcan has announced a new research program in aluminium extrusion with the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada. The five-year partnership will bring together the aluminium transformation expertise of Rio Tinto Alcan and the NRC while meeting the needs of each, including the development of new skills and technical support within the industry in Quebec and Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean.

"One of the goals of the partnership is to design new aluminium components in an effort to make ground-transportation vehicles - such as cars, trains, trucks, RVs, buses and vans -- lighter. By working upstream of industry needs, we continue to develop new extrusion skills," said Étienne Jacques, Chief operating officer, Rio Tinto Alcan ‒ Primary Metal North America. "For many years now, research and development has been key for us; it is a way to gain a competitive edge within the industry, and to boost the performance and widespread use of high-value-added extruded products," continued Mr. Jacques.

The total value of this agreement is an estimated $3.25 million, with Rio Tinto Alcan's participation being valued at close to $1.4 million. The project's research and development work will be conducted jointly by Rio Tinto Alcan and the NRC, mainly at the NRC-Saguenay research facilities and Rio Tinto Alcan's Arvida Research & Development Centre (ARDC). This collaboration relies on synergy between the two organisations, as well as existing expertise and equipment, which will allow for the establishment of an aluminium extrusion centre of excellence.

About ARDC

ARDC is located in the heart of Rio Tinto Alcan's Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean aluminium production facilities and covers all industrial aspects of Rio Tinto Alcan's business. Aiming to quickly deliver technological solutions to all its clients, ARDC continually interacts with a network of partners that includes Canadian and international universities, expert laboratories and centres, as well as equipment manufacturers.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

SOURCE: RIO TINTO ALCAN - EN

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Claudine Gagnon
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