Rio Tinto and LNG Canada have just opened a newly expanded wharf that will increase the capacity of Rio Tinto’s port facilities in and support economic diversification in northern British Columbia.
The new jetty was built for Rio Tinto at its existing Terminal A by LNG Canada. The multinational will use the new dock to import alumina, anodes and other inputs for its operations, and for exports of low-carbon aluminum produced at its BC Works smelter. The first ship was berthed on December 6 at the dock, which can now accommodate larger vessels between 200 and 250 meters in length.
Rio Tinto Aluminium’s Acting Managing Director, Atlantic Operations, Sébastien Ross says: “Rio Tinto has been operating in the port of Kitimat since 1954. This new dock offers new safety features for our people, additional metal storage capacity and the ability to accommodate larger ships. We look forward to continuing our work with LNG Canada, First Nations partners and the local community to support a diverse economy in British Columbia through this strategically located port.
LNG Canada CEO Peter Zebedee adds, “LNG Canada is committed to ensuring that the benefits of our project flow to local and indigenous communities across British Columbia and Canada. Rio Tinto’s Terminal A extension demonstrates this commitment in action, with more than 20 local and BC-based businesses and nations committed to the project during more than 36 months of construction.”
It further notes that “as of December 2021, LNG Canada and its contractors and subcontractors have awarded C$3.5 billion in contracts and procurements to companies in British Columbia. Of this amount, approximately $3 billion has been given to First Nations owned and local businesses.”
The quay construction that began in December 2018 involved the construction of a 20,000 m³ concrete pad supported by more than 400 steel piles to extend Terminal A and add a ramp for deepwater hydraulic barges.
