The construction to convert Orbite Aluminae’s pilot plant in Québec into a processing plant of high-purity alumina was launched with a ceremony that was attended by the Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Yves Bolduc.
The estimated value of the project before tax credits is Canadian $45 million. Dr. Bolduc, who is the Minister for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions, graced the occasion on behalf of Sam Hamad, the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. Dr. Bolduc expressed pride on the level of aluminum expertise in Québec and highlighted the support extended by the Government to Orbite on many occasions by way of tax credits for research and development, funding of $150,000 by the Department of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy from the Fonds d'intervention stratégique régional, a $2 million refundable loan from the Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade for pilot plant construction and an additional backing of $50,000 for carrying out a feasibility study on the conversion to a alumina processing plant.
Orbite’s move will spur the region’s economy by bringing in attractive business and create opportunities by way of 30 to 40 specialized jobs in addition to consolidation of existing 10 jobs. Minister Hamad stated that Orbite was perfectly aligned with Plan Nord’s goals of wealth generation by development of economic potential of Québec. Orbite explores mining properties for commercial production value. It is involved in alumina and other by-products extraction from aluminous clay by employing eco-friendly techniques. High-purity alumina finds applications in environment-friendly technology versions of electronics and optics.
Richard Boudreault, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbite, stated that the expected daily output from the plant is 10 tonnes. The company has recently inked a deal with Russian aluminum producer, Rusal, for Orbite’s smelter grade alumina project expected to be commissioned in 2014.
Source: www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/rss
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