Rio Tinto Alcan celebrates the first metal produced from its leading-edge AP60 aluminium smelter in Quebec, Canada

MONTREAL, Sept. 7, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto Alcan celebrates the first metal produced at its new US$ 1.1 billion Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre, in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec. This important milestone marks the transition from a world-class construction project to a 60,000-tonne technology development centre unparalleled in the aluminium industry. The gradual ramp-up to full capacity will continue over the coming weeks.

"Rio Tinto Alcan is proud to commemorate the first aluminium produced in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, from the world's most productive reduction cells," declared Arnaud Soirat, President and chief executive officer of Rio Tinto Alcan, Primary Metal. "It is important to salute the ingenuity of Rio Tinto Alcan's Research and Development teams that first developed and tested this technology at the company's Laboratoire de Recherche des Fabrications (LRF) in Saint-Jean de Maurienne, France, which paved the way for the  Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre in Quebec."

Étienne Jacques, Chief Operating Officer, Rio Tinto Alcan, Primary Metal, North America, added: "I want to recognise the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by the Rio Tinto Alcan and Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre teams throughout the plant's start-up process over the past several months. While much work remains before the Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre can be brought to full capacity, this is a significant milestone showcasing Rio Tinto Alcan's technological advantage."

About the Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre

The Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre will produce 40 per cent more aluminium per cell than the previous generation of AP technology. The cells will also yield improved environmental performance and energy efficiency. The Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre currently employs nearly 135 people and will have a capacity of 60,000 tonnes of aluminium. Rio Tinto Alcan's Arvida Research & Development Centre and R&D teams will continue supporting the new smelter and the further development of the AP60 technology platform.

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

Media relations, 
Rio Tinto Alcan 
Claudine Gagnon
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