In a significant step towards more environmentally friendly production methods, Rio Tinto’s Arvida smelting complex in Quebec, Canada is set to adopt new Elysis carbon-free technology. As reported by Interesting Engineering on July 1, this innovative technology aims to replace traditional aluminum production methods and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The pilot plant, which will be designed and built at Rio Tinto’s Arvida complex, will use a process that separates aluminum from its compounds and emits only oxygen. Unlike conventional electrolysis chambers that use a carbon anode to separate aluminum and oxygen compounds, Elysis technology uses an inert anode, eliminating the carbon component entirely. By removing carbon from the process, the separation of aluminum from oxygen results in the emission of oxygen only.
This new technology is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with the production of everyday goods like consumer products, construction materials, transportation components, and electricity industry products. In Canada alone, this new technology could potentially reduce approximately 7 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. This is equivalent to removing 1.8 million cars from the road and shifting to more sustainable practices.
In addition to reducing carbon emissions, Elysis technology is touted to enhance occupational health and safety, lower capital and operating costs, and boost productivity levels. This new technology has the flexibility to be retrofitted onto existing as well as new smelting facilities. Rio Tinto anticipates the pilot plant to begin operations in 2027, capable of producing up to 2500 tonnes of commercial-quality aluminum without any direct greenhouse gas emissions. The company is also developing larger 450kA test chambers using Elysis technology at its Alma smelter for further research and advancements in environmentally friendly aluminum production.
Overall, Rio Tinto’s adoption of Elysis technology represents a significant shift towards more sustainable practices in the mining industry. With potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in productivity levels and occupational health and safety standards across multiple industries worldwide, this innovation has far-reaching implications for our planet’s future sustainability efforts.
