AP60 Technology Pilot Plant

Jonquiere, Québec

The Ganotec, Maçonnerie Thibeault and Électricité Grimard (GTG) joint venture constructed a 60,000 tonnes per annum aluminum smelting demonstration plant at Complexe Jonquière. This pilot plant was built to test and continue developing Rio Tinto Alcan’s proprietary AP60 smelting technology, which increases metal production by 40 percent using the same footprint at a lower cost.

This first-of-a-kind project involved highly confidential intellectual property that was kept under constant surveillance to ensure its integrity. Kiewit affiliate, Ganotec, was responsible for mechanical and piping work, pot construction and major lifts. Only a few members of the GTG team were able to view the designs and then share those plans with the team in the field. GTG respected Rio Tinto Alcan’s request for total confidentiality and overcame communication challenges to successfully deliver the plant.