Project Summary

Client
IDL Projects

Budget
$4.8 billion

Services
Construction Management

Market
Infrastructure

Project Description

The Kitimat Modernization Project (KMP) is a multi-billion dollar, fully-modernized aluminum smelter located in Kitimat, British Columbia that utilizes the latest in AP Technology to make it one of the most modern smelters in the world.  It is one of the three largest owned by Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA).

The new smelter has increased the output to up to 420,000 tonnes annually. RTA provided full notice to proceed in December 2011, and was in operation by Spring 2015.

Our Role

RAM’s construction management team was retained by IDL Projects to provide services on their general civil contract.  Our responsibilities included:

  • Site-wide general earthworks and excavations;
  • Underground utility systems, including storm, sanitary, water, and electrical duct banks;
  • 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