Rio Tinto hires SNC-Lavalin, Hatch for AP60 smelter job

MONTREAL—SNC-Lavalin is embarking on a 50/50 joint venture with Mississauga, Ont.-based design/build/engineering services firm Hatch during the first phase of Rio Tinto Alcan’s AP60 project in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Que.

The duo will will provide project management, engineering, procurement, construction management and pre-commissioning services to implement the energy-efficient and cost-effective aluminum smelting technology touted as providing a 40 per cent higher output per pot than existing smelters.

SNC-Lavalin has been involved in the project since the initial development phase, which began in 2007. In addition to funds already invested, Rio Tinto Alcan has approved $758 million to complete the first phase of the AP60 plant, which will include 38 pots for an aluminum production capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year. The project also includes associated infrastructure for Phase 1 and future phases.

Design and construction activities are underway for Phase 1 and will be accelerated for an expected completion date of 2013.

SNC-Lavalin is a global engineering and construction firm and infrastructure owner based in Montreal that also provides operations and maintenance services.

Hatch is an employee-owned multidiscipline firm providing custom process design, business strategies, technologies, and project and construction management from 65 offices around the world for clients in the metals, infrastructure, and energy markets. Hatch was recently named one of the 50 Best-Managed Companies in Canada, and has won more than 30 project-excellence and safety awards.