(Updates to add stock movement in the last paragraph)
Rio Tinto Group (ASX:RIO) started commissioning its $1.5 billion AP60 aluminum smelter expansion at Complexe Arvida in Quebec, with start-up work having commenced in March and full 96-pot operations targeted for completion by the end of year, the company said on May 29 after hours.
The project will increase AP60's annual aluminum capacity by about 160,000 tonnes to around 220,000 tonnes while replacing output from older Arvida potrooms scheduled for closure in June.
The expansion is expected to support about 100 permanent jobs, generate over 1,500 construction jobs, and contribute more than $1 billion in economic benefits to Quebec.
The company's shares rose past 1% in recent Monday trade.