A Total of $110 Million Invested to Add 16 Pots to the AP60 Smelter
Pictured: Jean-François Leblanc, Operations Manager at Arvida-AP60; Sébastien Ross, acting Managing Director at Atlantic Operations; Julie Dufour, Mayor of Saguenay; the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; Ivan Vella, Chief Executive of Aluminium Group; Donat Pearson, President of the Syndicat National des Employés de l’Aluminium d’Arvida; Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation; Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
An important milestone in the development of our industry in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean was reached this morning with the announcement of the construction of 16 new pots at the AP60 smelter. This CAD$110 million investment will make it possible for us to produce an additional 26,500 tonnes of primary metal per year, an increase of approximately 45% over the smelter’s current capacity.
The 16 new pots will be built in the existing AP60 smelter building, which currently has 38 pots. This growth project will make it possible to consolidate some 100 jobs within the facility and create 12 additional positions.
The AP60 technology, which was developed by our researchers, generates seven times less greenhouse gases than the industry average.
“This is the first time in over a decade that an aluminium business announces an investment in new pots in North America,” said Sébastien Ross, acting Managing Director at Atlantic Operations. “We are very proud that this is happening here in Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean, where we have over 4,000 skilled employees in our world-class facilities. It’s a great vote of confidence for them, and it sends a message that Quebec has a key role to play in shaping the future of our industry.”
Work will begin in the spring of 2022 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. The Regional Economic Development Office team and the Procurement team will play a role in supporting regional contractors to maximise regional benefits.
Launch of a study for additional pots
A team is already working on the next steps of the project with the launch of a preliminary study for the potential addition of more pots to the AP60 smelter in the coming years.
The addition of pots at AP60 is the ideal solution for the current transition phase as we continue to work with our partners at ELYSIS to develop carbon-free smelting technology.
“We are well positioned to benefit from the improving market for aluminium, which is a key material in the transition to a greener economy,” said Ross. “As new opportunities arise, we will continue to work with our employees, governments, and communities to improve our operations.”
