ELYSIS, the Canadian joint venture between Alcoa and Rio Tinto, has successfully initiated its 450 kiloampere (kA)-designed inert anode cell at the Rio Tinto smelter in Alma, Québec.

This development is described as a defining moment for large-scale, low-carbon aluminum production, marking the first time inert anode technology has been implemented at a commercial scale.

The successful testing confirms that aluminum can be produced at high amperage without generating direct carbon emissions from the smelting process. ELYSIS said the technology also offers the potential for enhanced worker safety and increased productivity. Testing will continue to gather data for future commercial deployment.