ALUMINERIE ALOUETTE SECURES ITS POWER SUPPLY
A new contract through 2045 and $1.5 billion in investments to ensure long-term sustainability
Sept-Iles, July 4, 2025 — Quebec Premier Mr. François Legault and Mr. Claude Gosselin, President and CEO of Aluminerie Alouette, announced today, a landmark agreement in principle that will guarantee a long-term power supply for Aluminerie Alouette through 2045. As part of this milestone, the company also announced a $1.5 billion investment to modernize its facilities, strengthening its competitiveness and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable industrial development for decades to come.
The announcement was made before hundreds of employees and regional stakeholders, in the presence of Ms. Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, and Ms. Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Employment and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region.
“Today’s announcement, which we have been working on for several months, paves the way for the coming decades for our current and future employees, our communities and our business partners. We sincerely appreciate the collaboration of the Quebec government and Hydro-Quebec, for their unwavering confidence in the essential role that primary aluminum plays in the economic vitality of both our region and the province,” said Mr. Gosselin with pride. Although the global geopolitical situation is extremely challenging for investors, Shareholders’ Committee Chair Mr. Kunitake Minami emphasized that “we are committed to investing in the future of our Sept-Îles plant with a long-term vision.” The entire industry is currently under increasing pressure due to customs tariffs, and Aluminerie Alouette is no exception.
After 33 years of operation and with the current contract expiring in 2029, the company faced a critical need to modernize. This new long-term power agreement provides a solid foundation for transformative investments, securing Aluminerie Alouette’s global competitiveness in an increasingly complex and uncertain market.
An Agreement with Multiple Positive Outcomes
While still grounded in a risk-sharing pricing model, the revised formula will allow for increased returns to Hydro-Québec when aluminum market conditions are strong, without increasing financial exposure during more difficult periods. These adjustments will come into effect at the conclusion of the current contract in 2030. In addition to this, significant economic benefits are expected from the company’s ambitious $1.5 billion investment program.
The project portfolio is strong and strategically aligned around automation, innovation, value creation, and decarbonization, all key pillars in the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. For example, the company is exploring various opportunities such as both anodes and electrolysis efficiency. Also, the modernization of the casthouse, version 4.0, will maximize the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The company is actively involved in research and development, leveraging its pilot plant to develop the next generation of pots, with a focus on improving the energy efficiency of the electrolysis process.
Aluminerie Alouette, a long-standing community partner, will also invest an additional $15 million over the next ten years to further support causes, organizations, and structuring initiatives in the communities of Sept-Îles, Port-Cartier, and Uashat mak Mani-utenam.
“Today, we reaffirm that we are not only among the world’s most responsible aluminum producers, but also a trusted partner, fully committed to our mission and determined to ensure its long-term benefits for all Quebecers,” concluded Mr. Gosselin.
About Aluminerie Alouette
Founded in 1992, Aluminerie Alouette is an independent aluminum producer owned by a consortium of international shareholders: AMAG Austria Metall AG (Austria, 20%), Hydro Aluminium (Norway, 20%), Marubeni Metals & Minerals (Japan, 13.33%), QUALIUM (Canada, 6.67%), and Rio Tinto (Canada, 40%).
With approximately 950 employees and an annual production capacity of over 630,000 tonnes of primary aluminum, it is the largest private employer in Sept-Iles and the biggest aluminum smelter in the Americas. The Sept-Iles facility places sustainability and innovation at the core of its operations.
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Media Contacts :
Maxime Lelièvre Marie-Claude Guimond
Advisor | Communications Director | Communications
Aluminerie Alouette Aluminerie Alouette
Phone: 418-964-7340 Phone: 418-964-7335
maxime.lelievre@alouette.qc.ca communications@alouette.qc.ca
