Aluminerie Alouette, 40% owned by Rio Tinto, planned a C$1.5 billion modernization of its northern Quebec smelter, according to Bloomberg. Before that, the company had reached a new electricity supply agreement with state-owned power utility Hydro-Quebec.

An official announcement is expected Friday. The aluminum industry is now facing 50% US tariffs on imported aluminum, impacting American businesses such as beer and alcohol producer Constellation Brands.

Canada is the primary aluminum exporter to the US, supplying 70% of North America's aluminum. Christine Fréchette, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, said the US needs Quebec's production.

Aluminerie Alouette operates a smelter in Sept-Îles, Quebec, with a 630,000-ton annual capacity, employing around 900 people.