Rio Tinto Alcan announces C$36 million investment at its Laterrière smelter in Quebec

"This is very good news for the Laterrière plant," said Étienne Jacques, vice president, Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. "Replacing the plant's cell control system will bring the plant into the digital age will help secure a bright future for years to come. This investment will also allow the plant to maintain its equipment at the leading edge of technology, reduce operational costs, and conserve its enviable position as a low-cost aluminium producer."The project is an opportunity for the Laterrière plant to modernise its electrolytic process control system, enhance plant energy efficiency, and support greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts. Moreover, it will eventually lead to an increase in production.Located in Saguenay, Laterrière Works was first started up in 1989. Designed with P155 technology, the plant has 432 prebake cells. It produces 235,000 tonnes of primary aluminium and 225,000 metric tonnes of sheet ingot annually for its main clients - Novelis, Oswego, Logan, Arco and Alcan Cable.www.riotintoalcan.com