Project Summary

Client
IDL Projects

Budget
$4.8 billion

Services
Construction Management

Market
Infrastructure

Project Description

The Kitimat Modernization Project (KMP) is a new multi-billion dollar fully modernized aluminum smelter located in Kitimat, British Columbia that will utilize the latest in AP Technology to make it one of the most modern smelters in the world and one of the three largest owned by Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA). The new smelter will increase the output to up to 420,000 tonnes annually. RTA provided full notice to proceed in December 2011, and it is expected to be in operation in early 2015.

RAM’s Role

RAM was retained by IDL Projects to work on their general civil contract, which included site-wide general earthworks and excavations, as well as underground utility systems (storm, sanitary, water, and electrical duct banks). RAM primarily worked on project scheduling, reporting, and costing.

Project Highlights

  • Through utilizing the latest in AP Technology, overall emissions will be reduced by 50 percent
  • Construction labour forces at the peak, which is planned for Fall 2014, was approximately 3,400 (including 1,000 local employees)
  • Once operational, the smelter created employment opportunities for approximately 1,000 people.
  • Once complete, Kitimat was one of the lowest cost smelters in the world