Rio Tinto continues to position itself as a key player in the global low-carbon economy
JONQUIÈRE, QC, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Decarbonizing the production of critical minerals and metals is essential to achieving Canada's climate goals. Canada is the fourth-largest producer of primary aluminum in the world. As a long-standing supplier of strategic metals to the United States and across the North American industrial supply base, Canada must ensure that it can continue to provide aluminum products to critical sectors such as automotive and transportation, energy, and infrastructure. By supporting clean technologies and advanced manufacturing, the government will continue creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening our economy and building a greener future for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, welcomed Rio Tinto's plan to expand production capacity for low-carbon aluminum in Canada. This project is another key step in the implementation of the groundbreaking ELYSIStm smelting technology across Rio Tinto operations in the province of Quebec.
Once fully developed and implemented, the ELYSIStm technology would eliminate almost all emissions associated with the Canadian aluminum industry's smelting carbon footprint. The world-leading net-zero aluminum smelting technology will reinvent the chemistry of aluminum production by removing carbon from the chemical process and producing only oxygen as an output.
Today's announcement represents another significant step forward as the Government of Canada continues to position Canada for success with a cleaner, stronger and better-prepared economy?one that is competitive in a low-carbon world.
Quotes
"Canada has all it takes to be the global green supplier of choice, which is why our government is collaborating with key industry actors like Rio Tinto to produce low- carbon aluminium. Groundbreaking projects such as the ELYSIStm smelting technology will ensure Canada remains at the forefront of the economy of tomorrow while also staying focused on its carbon reduction goals. When economic benefits are paired with a commitment to developing green solutions, it's a win for Canadian industry, our cleantech ecosystem and our workers."
? The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"At the heart of our government's economic plan is building an economy where Canadian workers benefit. That is why we're seizing the opportunities to decarbonize Canada's critical minerals and mining sector, create good-paying jobs?especially union jobs?and ensure Canadian workers and industry remain at the forefront of the global economy."
? The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
"ELYSIStm is truly a disruptive technology for the industry, and it's thanks to Quebec's expertise that we are the first in the world to produce aluminum that is free of greenhouse gases. It's a technological innovation with unprecedented benefits for our aluminum industry, which remains an undisputed world leader."
? Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region
"This investment will further strengthen Rio Tinto's industry-leading position in low-carbon, responsible aluminum production in North America with our hydro-powered smelters and our recycling capacity. Becoming the first to deploy the ELYSIStm carbon-free smelting technology is the next step in our strategy to decarbonize and grow our Canadian aluminum operations. In addition to helping us deliver even lower?carbon primary aluminum for our customers, this investment will allow Rio Tinto to build its expertise in installing and operating this new technology, while the ELYSIS joint venture continues its research and development work to scale it up to its full potential."
? Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto Aluminium
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