The plant was commissioned 95 years ago and is the oldest in Rio Tinto`s hydroelectric network.

The miner said this week that work would begin this summer and take place over two years, with one turbine-alternator group being replaced and major maintenance work undertaken on another. The plant would be upgraded with state-of-the-art instrumentation and information management technologies to deliver improved operational efficiencies.

“This work at the Isle-Maligne power plant represents a major investment by Rio Tinto in the region that will enable us to continue our hydroelectric operations and maintain our low-carbon footprint aluminium production in Quebec,” said Rio MD for its Quebec operations Sébastien Ross.

The project is expected to generate C$75-million in economic activity in Quebec and more than 100 workers will be involved at the peak of the work.

The investment adds to a C$160-million maintenance project announced in October last year to replace valves in the Isle-Maligne station.