Hatch selected as integrated delivery partner for Rio Tinto’s AP60 Aluminium Smelter Expansion Project

Saguenay, Canada— Hatch has been selected as Rio Tinto’s integrated delivery partner for the C$1.4-billion AP60 aluminium smelter expansion project, which will increase the smelter’s capacity by approximately 160,000 metric tonnes of primary aluminium per year for a total of 220,000 tonnes per year from the smelter’s 134 cells.  

The AP60 electrolysis technology was developed by Rio Tinto and is currently the most efficient and among the lowest-carbon electrolysis technologies available on the market on a large scale, generating seven times less direct greenhouse gases per tonne of aluminium than the industry average when combined with hydroelectricity, as in Rio Tinto's Canadian operations. This low direct carbon emission, high-quality aluminium is used in transportation, construction, electrical, and consumer goods. 

Hatch will act as Rio Tinto’s integrated delivery partner, providing engineering, procurement, construction management, and pre-operational services. This partnership is a continuation of the preceding prefeasibility, feasibility, and early works phase currently underway. The project will extend the existing potrooms and includes the installation of 96 additional cells, new pot tending machines, and a new state-of-the-art gas treatment center, along with modifications to existing anode rodding and casting facilities. 

Hatch is recognized as a world leader in the delivery of aluminium smelter projects and studies in green and brownfield environments. Hatch and Rio Tinto also have a long history, working together on projects around the world for more than 60 years. This includes the AP60 phase I project, which included construction of the smelter’s initial 38 pots, and represented the first commercial implementation of Rio Tinto’s proprietary AP60 smelting technology. The project was delivered on schedule and on budget, earning the prestigious Project Management Institute International Project of the Year Award.  

“We are thrilled that Rio Tinto has selected us to continue work on this important project. We have been working together on AP60 for many years and are thankful to Rio Tinto for their confidence in our experts,” shared Nabil Habib, project sponsor and regional managing director for Hatch’s Eastern Canada region.  

“We share in Rio Tinto’s desire to decarbonize the aluminium value chain and recognize the important role of aluminium in the energy transition. We commend Rio Tinto for their leadership in bringing to market lower-carbon products the world so greatly needs,” shared Andrea De Mori, global managing director, Metals, at Hatch.

For more information, please contact: 
Lindsay Janca 
Global Director, Public Relations 
Tel: +1 905 403 4199 
Email: media@hatch.com

About Hatch

Hatch is a global engineering, project delivery, and professional services firm. Whatever our clients envision, our teams can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and innovative. We draw upon our 10,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.

Find out more on www.hatch.com/About-Us