Rio Tinto Alcan to immediately curtail 50,000 tonnes of aluminium production at its Shawinigan smelter in Quebec

MONTREAL, Aug. 7, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto Alcan will immediately curtail 50,000 tonnes of production at its Shawinigan smelter in Quebec and will progressively curtail the remaining 50,000 tonnes of capacity by the end of November 2013.

"This decision follows a strategic review that explored every option for continuing smelting operations; due to dated technology and continued weakness in aluminium prices, Shawinigan's primary aluminium capacity is not currently sustainable," said Arnaud Soirat, chief executive officer of Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal. "We will work closely with our valued customers to limit the impact of this decision."

Étienne Jacques, chief operating officer, Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal North America stated: "Rio Tinto Alcan understands that the Shawinigan aluminium smelter is an important part of the  Canada's industrial history and we will work with our key stakeholders to ensure that we manage any impact caused by this curtailment has in the most sensitive and respectful way."

Located in Quebec, Canada, the Shawinigan smelter was commissioned in 1942 and employs 425 people. Rio Tinto Alcan will provide any employees impacted as a result of the curtailment of production with re-training and job-search assistance through the company's comprehensive employee assistance program and through collaboration with regional and provincial partners.

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) 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
T: [phone]
[email protected]

Media relations, Rio Tinto Alcan
Bryan Tucker
T: [phone]
[email protected]

www.riotintoalcan.com