- Modernization of Kitimat Works is a US$1.8 billion project to expand Kitimat Works aluminum smelter with state-of-the-art AP technology to achieve a leading edge, highly efficient and world class operation in British Columbia.
- Modernization offers significant environmental, and health and safety improvements. Alcan will work with government, business and First Nation leaders to ensure that modernization is done responsibly and sustainably.
- Modernization will mean more aluminum production than ever before by increasing the output tonnage up to 400,000 tonnes annually.
- The introduction of the latest evolution of Alcan’s world leading AP technology will make Kitimat Works one of the most modern smelters in the world, and among Alcan’s largest wholly owned smelters. (At roughly 400ktpy, Kitimat will be the same size as Alma, currently Alcan’s largest wholly owned smelter.)
- By construction end, modernization will secure about 1,000 highly skilled, highly paid sustainable jobs for 35-40 years. Natural attrition, mainly through retirements, will ensure a smooth transition for the workforce.
- The proposed agreement with BC Hydro will include a “smelter first provision”, so that Alcan cannot be forced to shut down aluminum production to deliver power to BC Hydro. Any final agreement will be subject to review and acceptance by the BC Utilities Commission.
- Alcan and BC Hydro have entered into an Agreement-in-Principle under which Alcan will sell power not required for the Kitimat smelter directly to BC Hydro, signaling an end to sales of power to Powerex as of December 31st, 2006.
- According to BC Hydro, the utility currently imports about 10 – 13 per cent of its annual electricity supply requirements to meet domestic demand.
- According to BC Hydro, the utility currently imports about 10 – 13 per cent of its annual electricity supply requirements to meet domestic demand.
- The modernized smelter will use more power for aluminum production than ever before (up to 100 per cent of all reliable energy). “Reliable is defined as available 24/7, 365 days a year, even during low water years)
- Alcan has been and will continue to work diligently with the region, businesses, economic groups and First Nations to stimulate new job creation through economic development and diversification, as well as leveraging modernization to also create new economic opportunities.
- In the short term, economic activity generated by the construction phase of the project is expected to create significant employment opportunities.
- In the short term, economic activity generated by the construction phase of the project is expected to create significant employment opportunities.
- Alcan is the largest employer in the manufacturing sector in B.C. employing roughly 1,500 people and contributing over $268 million annually to the province of BC, including $209 million to the northwest economy of BC.