Aluminum Mining in Canada: 12 Facts & Statistics

Aluminum Mining in Canada: 12 Facts & Statistics

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Aluminum Mining in Canada Facts and Statistics

Did you know that Canada is a global leader in aluminum production? Canada is currently the fourth-largest producer of primary aluminum in the world - despite not mining any bauxite ore within its borders [1].

The aluminum mining (or smelting) sector in Canada supports 29,500 direct and indirect jobs. Nine operating plants—one in British Columbia and eight in Quebec—generate exports of more than $12 billion annually, helping Canadians pay for imports of goods and services [1].

Aluminum is used in a full spectrum of applications including many day-to-day consumer products. The lightweight metal is a crucial component in vehicles, planes, appliances, cans, kitchen utensils, smartphones, computers, beer kegs, and window frames, to name just a few examples.

Below, we look at facts about aluminum mining in Canada and its history and uses. Also see:

12 Canadian Aluminum Mining Facts

Canada is the fourth-largest producer of primary aluminum in the world - Aluminum mining in Canada

#1 - Canada is the world’s fourth-largest aluminum producer and top aluminum exporter [1]

#2 - Aluminum mining supports 9,500 direct jobs in Canada, with 7,600 of those jobs located in Quebec [1]

#3 - Aluminum mining supports another 20,000 indirect jobs in Canada [1]

#4 - Aluminum mining supports 30,000 jobs in the processing industry in Quebec [1]

#5 - Canada exported a total of $18.2 billion of aluminum products in 2022, a 20% increase year-over-year and a reflection of higher commodity prices [2]

#6 - The United States was Canada’s largest export destination for aluminum products in 2022, accounting for 92% of total exports, followed by Mexico (3%), then Hong Kong (1%) [2]

#7 - Canada imported $10.4 billion of aluminum products in 2022 [2]

#8 – Canada is home to three aluminum producers that operate nine smelters [1]

#9 - Quebec is home to 2,400 suppliers and 1,700 manufacturers part of the broader aluminum industry [1]

#10 – One smelter is in British Columbia, while the remaining eight are located in Quebec [1]

#11 – Canada produces approximately 3.3 million tons of aluminum every year [1]

#12 – Aluminum production in Canada is almost entirely powered by hydroelectricity; 96% of Canadian aluminum production is powered by hydro [1]

Where is Aluminum Found in Canada?

aluminum mining in Canada - where does aluminum smelting happen in Canada

Aluminum Mining in Canada - Natural Resources Canada

Canada's aluminum smelters are mainly found in Quebec, with eight out of nine located within the province. The largest aluminum smelter in Canada is also in Quebec; the Alouette facility in Sept-Îles produces roughly 623,000 tonnes annually [3].

Kitimat, British Columbia, also has the province’s sole aluminum smelter. The BC Works facility is an important part of the B.C. mining industry and province as a whole, contributing $517 million to the economy and $3.2 million to local community initiatives in 2023 [4]. The facility also employs 1,100 workers and 400 indirect contract in Kitimat, making it an invaluable job creator and economic contributor in northern B.C.

What Is Aluminum Used For?

aluminum foil - uses of aluminum

Aluminum is known for being lightweight and durable, making it an ideal material to manufacture countless products. It is used in several everyday and industrial applications, including (but not limited to):

  • Motor vehicles
  • Kitchenware
  • Power lines
  • Medicine and food packaging
  • Furniture
  • Aircraft
  • Power lines
  • Spacecraft
  • Trains
  • Consumer electronics
  • Ships
  • High-rise buildings
  • Household and industrial appliances

what is aluminum used for

According to Natural Resources Canada, the most prominent uses of aluminum globally in 2022 were:

  • Automotive and transportation: 29%
  • Construction: 22%
  • Foil and packaging: 16%
  • Electrical engineering and electronics: 11%
  • Machinery and equipment: 8%
  • Consumer goods: 4%
  • Other applications: 9%

Global Aluminum Demand Growth

Aluminum mining in Canada and elsewhere around the globe is also here to stay. Projections show global aluminum demand may increase by nearly 40% between 2020 to 2030.

According to a report by International Aluminum, electric vehicle production, renewable energy projects and urbanization within Asia are key growth drivers of demand.

For example, CRU analyst James Wren estimates that EVs use on average 30% more aluminum in production than internal combustion (ICE) vehicles. Additionally, as of 2020, aluminum accounted for more than 85% of most solar panel components.

History of Canadian Aluminum Mining

Shawinigan Falls btw 1903-1920 - Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec

Shawinigan Falls - Quebec Government Archives

Canada's aluminum industry began in Quebec, near Shawinigan Falls on the Saint-Maurice River. The Pittsburgh Reduction Company, known today as Alcoa, poured Canada's first ingot of aluminum in October of 1901.

Looking west, in 1951, Alcan started a $500 million project, the most substantial public-private partnership ever in Canada at the time near the Kitimat River. An aluminum smelter in Kitimat began production three years later in 1954.

Over the years, many major aluminum projects have been developed in Quebec. Public and private trust in the sector is evident through upgrades, expansions, and the Québec Aluminium Development Strategy 2015-2025.

Learn a more detailed past at the Aluminum Association of Canada's historical timeline.

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SOURCES:

1 - https://aluminium.ca/en/the-industry/

2 - https://natural-resources.canada.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/mining-data-statistics-and-analysis/minerals-metals-facts/aluminum-facts/20510

3 - https://www.alouette.com/en/our-company/history

4 - https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-marks-70-years-of-operations-in-kitimat