Rio Tinto chooses Jérôme Pécresse to steer the decarbonization of its aluminum sector
Jérôme Pécresse to lead Rio Tinto’s transformation towards sustainable Quebec aluminum
Rio Tinto invests $1.1 billion in green expansion of its Quebec aluminum smelter
Aluminium is Rio Tinto’s second largest business, employing 15,000 people in 7 countries. In June, the Group announced a $1.1 billion investment to expand and green its aluminum plant in Quebec, the first major aluminum production project in North America in a decade.
At the end of July, Rio Tinto acknowledged that it was unlikely to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets by 2025. However, the Group is committed to promoting decarbonization across its global operations with a view to achieving “carbon neutrality” by 2050.
Why does it matter?
Rio Tinto’s appointment of Jérôme Pécresse to lead decarbonization efforts in its aluminum sector reflects the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. As aluminum production is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, this initiative is of great importance in the context of sustainability and environmental concerns.
Rio Tinto’s investment in the greening of its aluminum smelter in Quebec is also indicative of a broader industry movement towards more environmentally-friendly practices.