Rio Tinto celebrates seven decades of successful operations in Kitimat aluminium smelter

Rio Tinto, the world's second-largest metals and mining corporation, commemorates the 70th anniversary of its BC Works operation, honouring seven decades of notable contributions to the aluminium industry and the Kitimat community. As the sole aluminium smelter operator in British Columbia, Rio Tinto has solidified its position as a pivotal player in the local economy while championing responsible and top-tier aluminium production.

Celebrating 70 glorious years

In honour of its 70th anniversary, Rio Tinto hosted a grand celebration on June 1st at the Kitimat smelter site, drawing over 1,800 attendees, including four generations of employees and retirees. The event was vibrant, featuring bus tours of the smelter operations, live music, kiosks, displays, inflatable games, and a photo booth. It was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to employees, business partners, and the community. It offered insights into the responsible low-carbon aluminium production process and Rio Tinto's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The celebration, which coincided with the beginning of National Indigenous History Month, included a significant event-the unveiling of a special commemorative structure by Haisla artist Paul Windsor. Crafted from aluminium, the totem serves as a powerful symbol of unity, adorned with two of the original Haisla traditional Clan Crests: the Beaver at the base and the Eagle at the apex. In the centre stands the representation of an Elder. This project, a testament to Rio Tinto's respect for Indigenous Peoples and their culture, underscores the deep connection between shared history and Rio Tinto's profound relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Rio Tinto BC Works General Manager Simon Pascoe said, "As we celebrate 70 years of operations, we reflect on our rich history and the strong relationships we've built with the community. For the occasion, we paused to contemplate our journey, acknowledging the transformations undergone along the way and our enduring legacy. As future generations are upon us, we remain dedicated to producing high-quality, responsible, low-carbon aluminium while continuing to build authentic relationships with communities, the union, and business partners, all of which play a significant role in the sustainability of our smelter."

About the Kitimat smelter

Rio Tinto's BC Works operation in Kitimat, British Columbia, encompasses an aluminium smelter alongside the Kemano Powerhouse, which derives energy from the Nechako reservoir. Since its establishment, Kitimat has been steadfast in its commitment to producing top-tier aluminium, adhering rigorously to the highest international standards.

Its endeavours support the global shift towards cleaner energy and catalyse decarbonisation efforts. The impact of the smelter extends beyond mere production figures; in 2023 alone, it injected $517 million into the British Columbia economy and allocated $3.2 million towards local community initiatives. With a workforce of 1,100 employees and 400 indirect contractors in Kitimat, Rio Tinto stands as an indispensable economic catalyst and steadfast community ally.