Rio Tinto is on its way to slash aluminium production by 8000 tonnes at the Jonquière complex. At this time, less than 20 pots have been closed for maintenance and did not get restarted. The plan is not to restart pots that need maintenance up to a maximum of approximately 100 pots at Arvida.
Rio Tinto management confirms that the current situation has led them to make this decision.
Rio Tinto has stated that the depressing market conditions in the aluminium sector have made Rio Tinto impose certain measures to maintain its competitive position. Among other measures aimed at improving competitiveness and adapting to market demand in North America, Rio Tinto Aluminum will continue the non-restart of tanks at the Arvida plant, gradually reducing its production this year.
As per the confirmation of the National Union President of Aluminum Employees of Arvida Donat Pearson: “The union is confident that this decision will have no impact on jobs.” He is not surprised by this decision because of the difficulties in the aluminium market since the beginning of the pandemic.
He added: “In the short term no, we have no impact and it is not worrying, but if it continues yes it can become worrying, it has to improve.”
The City of Saguenay, for its part, is worried about the significant loss of income. Saguenay city councillor Michel Potvin specifies that the closure of precooked vats if it becomes final, will deprive the city of a million dollars in tax revenue.
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