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“Decarbonization is at the heart of Rio Tinto’s strategy, and the Évolys joint venture offers us a unique opportunity to produce local biocarbon and reduce our carbon footprint within our operations in Québec.”
Sophie Bergeron,
Executive Director for iron, titanium, and diamonds,
Rio Tinto.
In a bold step towards a greener future, Rio Tinto and California-based bio-products manufacturer Aymium have embarked on a pioneering project to reduce carbon emissions in industrial processes. This collaborative effort aims to produce a renewable metallurgical product that can significantly cut down the carbon footprint of large-scale operations.
The joint venture, known as Évolys Québec, will revitalize the site of a former pulp and paper mill in Thurso, Québec. By transforming biomass residues into biocarbon, this facility will offer a sustainable alternative to the anthracite currently used in Rio Tinto’s ilmenite reduction process at their Sorel-Tracy metallurgical complex.
Supported by the government of Québec, Évolys Québec is set to become a leader in industrial decarbonisation. The facility will utilize Aymium’s proprietary technology to produce high-quality biocarbon locally, aligning with Rio Tinto’s decarbonization goals. Early tests using Aymium’s materials at Sorel-Tracy have already shown promising results, highlighting the potential of this innovative partnership.
From a broader perspective, this venture is more than a technological innovation but it is a story of regional revitalization and environmental stewardship. In a statement, Sophie Bergeron, Rio Tinto’s Executive Director for iron, titanium, and diamonds, emphasized that, “Decarbonization is at the heart of Rio Tinto’s strategy, and the Évolys joint venture offers us a unique opportunity to produce local biocarbon and reduce our carbon footprint within our operations in Québec.” This vision is shared by Pierre Fitzgibbon, Québec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, who views the project as a cornerstone for sustainable industrial renewal.
Furthermore, this collaboration is poised to deliver substantial environmental benefits while also revitalizing the economy of Thurso. Bergeron expressed her excitement about engaging with local communities and Aymium, emphasizing the dual impact of the project: environmental sustainability and regional economic growth.
In conclusion, the Évolys Québec project stands as a significant milestone towards a sustainable future, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to environmental and economic rejuvenation. As Bergeron aptly put it, this collaboration is about “giving a second life” to the former Fortress plant site, marking a new chapter for both the industry and the community.