Alcan to build huge smelter in Quebec — Costs pegged at US$1.6 billion

Montreal-based Alcan Aluminium will construct a 375,000-tonne aluminum smelter in Alma, Que.

The facility will replace the Isle-Maligne smelter, also in Alma, which has an annual production capacity of 75,000 tonnes. Once opened, it will raise the company’s total primary aluminum production capacity to 1.9 million tonnes per year.

The new smelter is being designed to ensure environmental protection and reduce energy costs. About 650 people will be employed at the plant; 425 of them will be transferred from Isle-Maligne. At the peak of construction, more than 2,000 workers will be employed.

Construction will commence shortly and extend over a period of 40 months at a projected total cost of US$1.6 billion.

“After 18 months of studies and consultations, I am pleased that all of the required elements are in place to ensure the project’s long-term success,” states Alcan President Jacques Bougie.

“I am confident in the continuing growth in demand for aluminum. Use of existing infrastructure and the size of the facility will make this smelter highly competitive internationally, thereby advancing our objectives in generating value for shareholders.”

He says Alcan’s “excellent” financial position will enable the company to complete the project efficiently, and notes that the project has the “full support” of Alcan employees and the people of the Alma area.

Alcan Aluminium is a multinational company engaged in all aspects of the aluminum industry. It has operations and sales offices in more than 30 countries, and ranks as the largest producer of flat-rolled aluminum products in the world.