Rio Tinto Alcan will immediately curtail 50,000 tonnes of production at its Shawinigan smelter in Quebec and will progressively curtail the remaining 50,000 tonnes of capacity by the end of November 2013.

Mr Arnaud Soirat CEO of Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal said that "This decision follows a strategic review that explored every option for continuing smelting operations; due to dated technology and continued weakness in aluminium prices, Shawinigan's primary aluminium capacity is not currently sustainable. We will work closely with our valued customers to limit the impact of this decision."

Mr �tienne Jacques COO of Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal North America said that "Rio Tinto Alcan understands that the Shawinigan aluminium smelter is an important part of the Canada's industrial history and we will work with our key stakeholders to ensure that we manage any impact caused by this curtailment has in the most sensitive and respectful way."