Landmark Labour Agreement Advances Rio Tinto Alcan Kitimat Modernization Project

Landmark Labour Agreement Advances Rio Tinto Alcan Kitimat Modernization Project

Friday, August 29th 2008

Rio Tinto Alcan marked the signing of a one-of-a-kind labour agreement with sixteen labour unions for the construction of the Kitimat Modernization Project at a ceremony in Vancouver. This agreement between the Kitimat Modernization Employer Association and the unions facilitates access to the qualified British Columbia building trades workforce, with joint commitments to local and First Nations hiring.

“As these unions work together to provide the necessary skilled labour, with an absolute commitment to safety, quality and environmental excellence, our confidence in successful project execution is stronger than ever,” said Jean Simon, President, Primary Metal North America. “The tight construction market has been a concern for the Kitimat Modernization Project, and this agreement directly addresses that key issue as we go forward for final board approval.” The Kitimat Modernization Project is expected to go before the Rio Tinto Board of Directors later this year.

Brent Hegger, the project’s Managing Director, added, “This agreement contains all the fundamentals for sound site operations and excellent relations with our all-important construction labour force. I couldn’t be more thrilled about this achievement that brings us one step closer to project realization.”

Rio Tinto Alcan recently awarded Bechtel a contract to complete engineering, procurement and construction management of the Kitimat Modernization Project. The Kitimat Modernization Employer Association was formed by Bechtel, contractors participating in the agreement, and a coalition of Building Trades Unions including:

– Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union Local 1611 (Labourers) – International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers Union Local 97 – International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union Local 118 – International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers Local Lodge 359 – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 993 – International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union Local 213 – International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Union Local 2 – International Union of Operating Engineers Union Local 115 – International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 38 – Millwrights, Machine Erectors and Maintenance Union Local 2736 – Operative Plasters’ Cement Masons Union Local 919 – Pile Drivers, Divers, Bridge, Dock and Wharf Builders Union Local 2404 – Sheet Metal Workers International Association Union Local 280 – Unite Here! British Columbia, Canada Union Local 40 – United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of United States and Canada Union Local 170 – United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America- British

Columbia Regional Council of Carpenters

The Kitimat Modernisation Project will upgrade the facility using state-of-the-art AP technology and increase its aluminium production capacity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. First metal from the modernized smelter is expected in 2011.

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

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