Rio Tinto reported 3% hike in its aluminium production as the Becancour smelter, Quebec operating at full capacity and Kitimat, British Columbia nearing the end of its pot relining cycle. The output grew to 0.8 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2021.
The company achieved good production stability and operational performance across the remaining smelter portfolio.
“We are seeing improved demand in automotive, packaging and more recently construction and electronics. Value-added product volumes have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels at 51% of primary metal sold (2019 full year: 51%),” Rio said.
Rio Tinto in February announced an agreement had been reached on an amended power contract that will allow the ISAL smelter in Iceland to continue operating with an improved competitive position.
As far as alumina is concerned, the production stood at 2.0 million tonnes in the first quarter, an increase of 1% year-on-year, as a result of stable operations at both its Pacific refineries.
Responses
