Rio Tinto and LNG Canada have opened a newly extended wharf in the northern British Columbia town of Kitimat.
The new wharf will be used to import alumina, anodes, and other supplies for Rio Tinto's operations. It will also export aluminium produced at its BC Works smelter.
The wharf can now accommodate larger vessels with lengths ranging between 200 and 250 meters. The extended wharf welcomed its first ship on Dec. 6.
"The new wharf offers new safety features for our people, additional metal storage capacity and the ability to host larger ships."
The new wharf is located at the existing Terminal A facility, and was built for Rio by LNG Canada. It said it awarded C$3.5 billion in contracts and procurement to more than 20 local and First Nation-owned businesses over the three-year construction period.
Contractors from the Haisla, Kitselas, and Kitsumkalum First Nations provided a variety of services, such as IT support, marine transport, industrial construction, and security services.
Wharf construction kicked off in December 2018, requiring the erection of a 20,000 cubed meter concrete deck to extend Terminal A, while also adding a deep-sea hydraulic barge ramp.
