Rio Tinto has commissioned a new alumina conveyor at its BC Works smelter in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada, marking a key milestone in its C$135 million investment to strengthen the reliability of its operations.
The 1.1-kilometer system will transport approximately 800,000 tonnes of alumina per year, ensuring a steady supply of the raw material used in aluminum production. Designed with a 50-year operational life, it replaces infrastructure dating back to the 1960s.
“This project is a key milestone for Kitimat and a strong signal of our confidence in the future of our operations,” Rio Tinto BC Works General Manager Simon Pascoe said.
“The new alumina conveyor strengthens a critical part of our smelter and is built to support reliable performance for decades to come. It is also a testament to the expertise, rigor and commitment of the teams who delivered this complex project safely and successfully.”
The new conveyor represents a step change in environmental performance for raw material management at BC Works. By using a sealed pipe design, there was a 40% reduction in particulate emissions from containing the transported alumina, reducing the number of transfer points, and using high-efficiency dust collectors. Maintenance and operations are simplified and the alumina recovered is reintroduced into the process, supporting more efficient material handling.
Rio Tinto has operated in Kitimat for more than 70 years and continues to invest in the long-term future of its aluminum operations in British Columbia.
Source: Rio Tinto