Rio Tinto's strategic initiative at its Arvida facility in Québec, Canada, marks a significant milestone in the aluminium industry. As the first licensee of ELYSIS technology, Rio Tinto is poised to deploy carbon-free aluminium smelting cells. This move underscores their commitment to advancing sustainable technology solutions within the sector.

The project involves Rio Tinto undertaking the design, engineering, and construction of a demonstration plant featuring ten pots operating at 100 kiloamperes (kA). A newly formed joint venture, with Rio Tinto and the Government of Québec represented by Investissement Québec, will oversee this endeavor. Rio Tinto's investment totals US$179 million (CAN$235 million), complemented by US$106 million (CAN$140 million) from Investissement Québec, amounting to US$285 million (CAN$375 million).

Scheduled for initial production by 2027, the plant aims to produce up to 2,500 tonnes of aluminium annually, achieving commercial quality without direct greenhouse gas emissions. Positioned adjacent to the Arvida smelter, it leverages existing infrastructure for operational efficiency.

Jérôme Pécresse, Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive, emphasized that this investment in ELYSIS carbon-free smelting technology will strengthen Rio Tinto's position in low-carbon aluminium production in North America. The initiative aligns with ELYSIS joint venture's efforts to scale up technology, positioning Rio Tinto at the forefront of sustainable practices in the aluminium industry.

Québec's Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, hailed ELYSIS as groundbreaking technology that promises to revolutionize the industry, reinforcing Québec's leadership in greenhouse gas-free aluminium production. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, highlighted Canada's role in advancing low-carbon aluminium production and fostering growth in the cleantech sector.

Moreover, Alcoa, a partner in the ELYSIS joint venture, has secured an offtake agreement to procure a share of aluminium output from Rio Tinto's Arvida demonstration plant. The joint venture is actively advancing its research and development agenda, with significant milestones achieved in scaling up ELYSIS technology.