Rio Tinto announced it will invest $165 million to upgrade its Grande-Baie aluminum smelter in Quebec. The project will involve the refurbishment of two anode baking furnaces, including rebuilding their concrete shells and refractory linings. The restoration is scheduled to be completed within two years.
The company will also conduct feasibility studies for the potential replacement of scrubbers and overhead bridge cranes at the anode production center.
To reduce carbon emissions associated with the construction, Rio Tinto plans to implement various environmental initiatives, such as planting trees near the smelter.
Martin Lavoie, director of the Grande-Baie and Laterrière operations, stated that this investment will ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of aluminum production in the region.
Rio Tinto aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 
