Usine smelter in Alma, Quebec. Reference image from Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) announced Thursday it is investing C$1.7 billion ($1.2bn) to modernise its Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant, first commissioned in 1926 in Alma, Quebec.
This is Rio Tinto’s largest single investment in its hydroelectric assets since the 1950s, the miner said.
The power plant modernisation is essential to secure the future of low-carbon aluminium production in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, supporting jobs across the region, Rio said, adding that the refurbishment will also protect its assets for the long term, ensure a more efficient, safe and reliable power supply of renewable energy to smelters, casting houses and other facilities.
The project will run until 2032, with an estimated over 300 people working on the site at its peak. It includes replacing eight turbine-alternator groups, rehabilitating their…
