Rio Tinto Q3 Aluminium Output Slips 2% on Arvida Smelter Closure
Aluminum | 2026-10-15 06:01:17
At Kitimat, higher pot and amperage levels, supported by better operating conditions and reservoir levels, contributed to increased output. Boyne also benefited from improved operational stability.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Rio Tinto recorded a modest decline in aluminium production in the third quarter of 2026. The company noted that the planned closure of its Arvida smelter offset gains at several other facilities.
The mining major produced 842,000 tonnes of aluminium during the quarter, down 2% from the corresponding period last year. Improved operating performance at its Kitimat smelter in British Columbia and Boyne facility in Queensland helped limit the decline.
At Kitimat, higher pot and amperage levels, supported by better operating conditions and reservoir levels, contributed to increased output. Boyne also benefited from improved operational stability.
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Meanwhile, commissioning activities continued at Rio Tinto's AP60 smelter in Quebec, where construction is nearing completion. Further ramp-up work is scheduled for 2026, with full production capacity expected by 2027.
The company's alumina business delivered stronger results, with quarterly production rising 10% year-on-year, supported by improved performance at Queensland Alumina Limited. Output also increased 3% from the second quarter as reliability improved at QAL, Yarwun and Vaudreuil.
However, Yarwun's production is expected to fall 40% in the fourth quarter of 2026 because of tailings constraints. The adjustment is projected to reduce annual output by approximately 1.2 million tonnes, but extend the refinery's operating life to 2035.
POLL
By how much did Rio Tinto’s aluminium production decline year-on-year in Q3 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much aluminium did Rio Tinto produce in the third quarter of 2026?
Rio Tinto produced 842,000 tonnes of aluminium in Q3 2026, representing a 2% decline from the corresponding quarter of 2025. The planned closure of the Arvida smelter offset production improvements at its Kitimat and Boyne facilities.
- Which facilities helped limit the decline in aluminium production?
The Kitimat smelter in British Columbia and the Boyne facility in Queensland contributed to improved operating performance. At Kitimat, higher pot and amperage levels, supported by better operating conditions and reservoir levels, boosted output, while Boyne benefited from greater operational stability.
- When is Rio Tinto’s AP60 smelter expected to reach full production capacity?
The AP60 smelter in Quebec is undergoing commissioning, with construction nearing completion. Further ramp-up activities are scheduled for 2026, and the facility is expected to reach full production capacity by 2027.
