The company begins the reconstruction of two anode baking furnaces

SEPT-ÎLES, February 15, 2023 - In front of a hundred members of the Sept-Îles Uashat mak Mani-utenam Chamber of Commerce, Aluminerie Alouette announced a $170 millions investment for the refurbishment of two of its anode baking furnaces. The project, which is part of the company's sustainability vision, will result in an impressive construction project involving no less than 300 workers as of March 2023.

The announcement of the implementation of this project, the largest for the smelter since phase 2, represents good news for its future and that of the entire community. "By making the decision to continue producing anodes locally, we secure hundreds of quality jobs," says Jules Côté, the vice-president specially assigned to the major project. The main interested party also aims to improve performance following the modernization that will be brought about by a new design.

Essential components in the electrolysis reaction to produce aluminum, the carbon anodes made in Sept-Îles must be baked for several days before their main use. For this purpose, Aluminerie Alouette operates 4 anode baking furnaces continuously, 2 of which are the oldest from phase 1, more than 30 years ago. Each year, over 370,000 anodes are used. The coordination of the work represents a major challenge, while aluminum production will be maintained throughout.

Specialized workforce

To carry out the work, various trades are called upon to contribute, including over 100 masons who will build the furnace partitions on site, made of refractory bricks. In addition, apprentices from the first cohort of the Mitshapeu Katshishkutamatsheutshuap Adult Education and Vocational Training Center will have the opportunity to develop their skills as part of the project.

Proud of the confidence given by shareholders through this investment, the message from Aluminerie Alouette President and CEO Claude Gosselin to the business community was clear: continue to develop to ensure sustainability. "We have important challenges ahead of us for the next decades, we need to work together and bring the winning conditions for the deployment of other investments necessary for our sustainability," he emphasized. Improving health and safety, decarbonization and long-term securement of supply contracts are at the top of the list of essential elements.