Feasibility

The project team will have completed the feasibility study by the end of 2012. This step will bring into realization the various selected elements of the prefeasibility scenario (choice of technology, required equipment and infrastructures, work sequence) to progress towards the construction phase. The goods and services supply strategy will also be completed during this phase.

For a project carried out on a site already in production, rigorous planning between modernization work and operation is one of the main elements of project design.

Tests

Tests are carried out at the same time; data from these tests are collected to integrate some elements to optimize the project.

The development of the BC240 technology is an example of tests that helped optimize the modernization project at the Baie-Comeau smelter. The pilot project was carried out on 11 prebaked cells in the North Plant since 2009 and helped test the behaviour and robustness of the cells submitted to the high amperage. Results were conclusive and guided the technological choice for the new series. The modernized plant will only use one technology, a definite advantage from an operational standpoint.

Other tests are ongoing, namely on low-profile roof ventilators on an 18-m section of the D series. If these tests are conclusive, the new F series could be equipped with this type of ventilator, replacing the current conventional 'tulip' type system.

Already completed

Dismantling the C series

In November 2010, close to 70 employees completed the dismantling of the production equipment and materials of the C-Series; this series was decommissioned due to the 2008 economic downturn.

Check the retrospective video on the dismantling (only available in french).