Rio Tinto announced that it invest US$188 million (C$240 million) to increase the production capacity by 202,000 tons for low-carbon, high-value aluminum billets at its Alma smelter in Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec. With the introduction of new equipment, including a casting pit and furnaces, most of the company’s aluminum production could be increased to a higher value.

The construction was expected to be started in May 2023, and the commissioning will be in the first quarter of 2025.

Rio Tinto said that this investment was estimated to generate nearly US$160 million (C$200 million) in economic benefits for Quebec.