Vice President's Message
A message from Brent Hegger, VP Major Projects, Execution.
Brent Hegger
Welcome to our Kitimat Modernization Project website.
Rio Tinto Alcan’s commitment to invest (US) $2.5 billion to modernize our aging (50+ year old) Kitimat Works smelter is the most exciting news since the announcement of the original Kitimat-Kemano Project in 1950.
The smelter modernization will feature:
- An investment of (US) $2.5 billion by Rio Tinto Alcan.
- Our production capacity would increase by 125,000 tonnes per year using clean, renewable hydroelectric power from the Kemano power station.
- About 1,000 stable, technically enriched jobs.
- Workforce restructuring through natural attrition, primarily retirements.
- A significant investment in employee training.
- Healthier, safer working conditions for employees.
- Significant reduction in the environmental footprint of Kitimat Works, particularly:
- PAHs and Fluorides
- Greenhouse Gas reduction by 400,000 tonnes per year
- Enhances Kitimat Work’s operations to world class status, as one of the three largest smelters in North America.
We are proud of Rio Tinto Alcan’s affirmation to its long standing commitment to northwest British Columbia and to the community of Kitimat. The modernization ensures the sustainability of the aluminum business for the next 35+ years and beyond, stimulating economic growth and investor confidence in the northwest region.
The modernization will offer major economic benefits to the community of Kitimat during the construction period. And this is why we are committed to working with the region, businesses, economic groups and First Nations to stimulate new job creation through economic development and diversification opportunities.
For community businesses, contractors, service providers and material / equipment suppliers, modernization means taking advantage of the many unique opportunities during all phases of the Kitimat Modernization Project. Visit our Supplier and Employment Opportunities section of this website.
While preliminary site and earthworks for the construction camp has begun, an official construction start date is subject to the approval of the Rio Tinto Board of Directors. We have already obtained three key conditions for investment, including assurances on environmental permitting, BCUC acceptance of our Energy Purchase Agreement (2007 EPA) and a long term labour agreement with the Canadian AutoWorkers (CAW), Local 2301 to ensure stability during planning.
We will strive, at every opportunity, to communicate the highlights of the many activities taking place now, and in the future. Our expectation is to enhance our communication activities about the modernization project to promote and develop closer relationships with our employees, the community and stakeholders in our operating area.
To facilitate our face-to-face communication efforts, we opened our Kitimat Modernization Project Community Office, located ‘in the heart of the community’ – Kitimat’s City Centre Mall. Please drop in and visit our office administrator and / or our regional industrial development representative. We are ‘Building the Future Together’ and welcome your questions and feedback. Visit us regularly!
