Alcan set to expand in Canada

Alcan Aluminum of Canada is moving forward with long-term aluminium projects in Quebec which will expand its production capabilities.

Understanding that acquiring affordable electrical power is the key to long term aluminum development in Quebec, Alcan recently formed an alliance with Hydro Quebec to optimise hydroelectric resources and solidify long term electrical supply for its planned expansion of the recently opened, "State-of-the-Art" Alma aluminum smelter.

The company completed construction of the 375,000 ton per annum smelter at a cost of $1.6 billion (€1.7bn). At some point in the future, Alcan would like to expand the new Alma primary aluminum smelter by 155,000 tons annually. It is estimated that the expansion will cost $500.

Alcan also recently acquired a 20 per cent interest in Aluminerie Alouette Incorporated, which is planning a $780 million expansion of its primary aluminum smelter located in Sept-Iles, Quebec. Aluminerie Alouette recently won a 500 MW block of Hydro Quebec power to support the expansion.

Alcan is also studying the construction of a $31 million aluminum wheel foundry in a joint venture with Amcast. Aluminum would be supplied from Alcan's Saguenay smelter.