Media Materials

This section of our Kitimat Modernization Project Media Centre site features current releases, backgrounders, images, and other materials that media may find helpful in covering announcements pertaining to Rio Tinto Alcan’s US$2.5+ billion modernization and expansion of our aluminum smelter in Kitimat B.C.

Please feel free to download and use information and images posted here.

August 28, 2008: Project Labour Agreement - Media Release

August 28, 2008: Project Labour Agreement - Highlights

August 28, 2008: Rio Tinto Alcan in BC - Backgrounder

Click on images below to view/download hi-res versions.

Old Technology: VS Söderberg technology was state-of-the-art when it was introduced to the brand new Kitimat aluminum smelter more than 50 years ago. Through continuous improvement over the years, Rio Tinto Alcan has kept its aging Kitimat smelter safe and productive … so much so that Rio Tinto considers it a candidate for re-investment to the tune of US$2.5 billion.

New Technology: Rio Tinto Alcan’s AP technology is the best smelting technology in the world today.  The conversion of Kitimat Works to AP technology will make it the greenest aluminum smelter in the world when the new capacity comes on stream. The new Kitimat smelter will be among the three lowest-cost aluminum smelters in the world.  Production will increase by as much as 40%, even as greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by a similar amount.