Rio Tinto Alcan signs long-term agreement allowing for further greenhouse gas emissions reductions

Rio Tinto Alcan's Vaudreuil alumina plant in Jonquière, Quebec could see a reduction of about 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually following the signing of a steam supply agreement with Elkem Metal Canada. This agreement will also reduce the plant's energy supply costs over the long term.

"Reducing GHG emissions is one of our core objectives. Although our companies use different processes, Rio Tinto Alcan and Elkem Metal are like-minded when it comes to responsible energy consumption. Both organisations agree that the diversity within this industrial partnership will generate greater benefits for the project," said Gervais Jacques, Head of Atlantic Operations, Bauxite & Alumina, Rio Tinto Alcan. "This announcement also demonstrates the openness and flexibility needed for our facilities to remain among the industry's best. It confirms our desire to seek out groundbreaking ways to cut our costs and GHG emissions."New infrastructure will be required to accommodate the steam supplied by Elkem, including a heat capturing and recovery system and a three-kilometre pipeline to carry steam to the Vaudreuil Works Energy Centre.

Work has already begun and is scheduled to continue over the next 18 months, and the project will adhere to the highest safety and environmental protection standards. The initial steam supply from Elkem is scheduled for the first quarter of 2012.

Vaudreuil Works is the largest inorganic chemicals centre in Canada, with an annual production of 1.5 million tonnes of alumina and specialty chemicals. Most of the alumina produced is smelter-grade alumina and used for production of primary aluminium.

Vaudreuil Works is a known as a world leader in energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions. The Vaudreuil Works Energy Centre produces steam from natural gas, oil or electricity. It is responsible for natural gas distribution and compressed air production for the Rio Tinto Alcan's entire Jonquière Complex, which also includes the Arvida aluminium smelter and the Spent Potlining Treatment plant.