Rio Tinto links Kitimat aluminium to new B.C. supply chain
Published 3:00 pm Monday, October 5, 2026
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RevoCast deal will not change production or jobs at Kitimat smelter
New Langley operation will combine Kitimat aluminium with recycled metal, but Rio Tinto says BC Works production and staffing will remain unchanged
Rio Tinto has announced a long-term agreement with RevoCast Aluminum Billets Ltd. that will see aluminium from its Kitimat smelter used in a new B.C.-based supply chain producing billet for North American manufacturers.
Under the agreement, announced Sept. 28, Rio Tinto will exclusively market billet produced at RevoCast’s newly commissioned Langley casting facility, where primary aluminium from BC Works will be combined with recycled material processed by RevoCast.
The agreement will not increase production at BC Works or result in additional jobs, shifts or contractor work in Kitimat, a Rio Tinto spokesperson said. Asked what the agreement changes for BC Works beyond supplying aluminium to RevoCast, the spokesperson said there would be no other changes.
“By combining Rio Tinto’s low-carbon aluminium production in British Columbia with RevoCast’s recycling and casting capabilities, we can provide North American manufacturers with a reliable supply of high-quality billet produced closer to their operations,” said Matt Schicke, vice-president of aluminium sales and marketing at Rio Tinto. “This partnership strengthens our ability to help customers increase the recycled and low-carbon content of their products and build more resilient value chains.”
Rio Tinto produces the primary aluminium using hydropower at its Kitimat operations. The companies say combining it with recycled aluminium in Langley will increase the recycled content of the finished billet while bringing production closer to customers and strengthening regional supply chains.
RevoCast commissioned its Langley facility in August.
Rio Tinto did not disclose how much BC Works aluminium is expected to be supplied to RevoCast or over what timeframe, saying those details are commercial information. The company said it began supplying RevoCast in 2026.
The Langley facility uses recycled aluminium and remelting technology designed to maximize energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
“Our partnership with Rio Tinto marks an important milestone for RevoCast, bringing together our advanced remelting capabilities with Rio Tinto’s global expertise, market knowledge and reach,” said Thomas Martini, president and chief executive officer of RevoCast. “Together, we are expanding access to reliable, high-quality, low-carbon billet with recycled content for extrusion customers across North America, while helping strengthen the region’s aluminium supply chain.”