The federal government is investing $100 million in Rio Tinto Alcan’s Elysis low-carbon aluminum manufacturing pilot-plant project in Quebec’s Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

The will help Rio Tinto advance the development and future commercialization of the Elysis emissions-free aluminum-smelting technology in Canada while also supporting the construction of the demonstration plant, said the government.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced Ottawa’s investment in the $440-million project, which aims to advance industrial-scale deployment and future commercialization of Elysis aluminum electrolysis technology as Canada seeks to strengthen domestic supply chains and bolster strategic industries amid global trade uncertainty.

The demonstration facility is also intended to help position Canada as a leader in low-carbon aluminum manufacturing while supporting industries including defence, aerospace, automotive, energy and infrastructure.

Ottawa said the investment is expected to maintain 5,000 full-time jobs in Quebec and across Canada while also supporting 20 co-op student placements across Rio Tinto’s Canadian operations.

“In the face of rising tariffs and global trade uncertainties, we are taking action to protect good jobs for Canadians,” said Joly. “Aluminum is a strategic industry that is critical to sectors like defence, aerospace and automotive, supporting workers and communities across the country. By investing in this project, we are bringing world-leading, sustainable technology to markets here at home, strengthening our competitiveness abroad and ensuring Canadian workers lead in the industries that will shape our future.”

Rio Tinto said the project builds on Quebec’s long-standing role in aluminum production while supporting decarbonization efforts.

“For 100 years, Quebec has played a central role in the aluminum industry,” Jérôme Pécresse, head of aluminium and lithium at Rio Tinto.. “Through its Elysis technology demonstration plant, Rio Tinto is showcasing its leadership in developing low-carbon solutions to help secure the industry’s future for the next hundred years.”

The project is being supported through the federal Strategic Response Fund, which backs large-scale projects designed to improve economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and support key industrial sectors.

Rio Tinto Alcan is Canada’s largest producer of primary aluminum and produces roughly half of Rio Tinto Group’s aluminum output in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Photo: Rio Tinto Alcan