Rio Tinto, together with the Cheslatta Carrier and Haisla First Nations, today celebrated the launch of the tl'ughus tunnel boring machine, a key milestone towards completing the Kemano Second Tunnel project.
The 1300 tonne machine was named by the Cheslatta Carrier nation after a legendary giant monster snake and is decorated with artwork by Haisla Nations students.
It will dig 7.6 kilometres of tunnel through a mountain as part of a project to enhance the long-term security of a clean power supply for the BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, British Columbia.
Rio Tinto Aluminium managing director Altantic Operations Gervais Jacques said "Launching the tl'ughus in partnership with the Cheslatta Carrier and Haisla Nations is an important milestone for our world class aluminium operations in British Columbia. Our smelter in Kitimat produces some of the world's lowest carbon aluminium and this project will enhance the long-term security of its supply of clean, renewable hydropower."
BC Works general manager Gareth Manderson said "We want to thank all of our partners who are supporting this important project – from our employees, to contractors, First Nations, government and community members. It will ensure our operations continue to make a significant contribution to British Columbia's economy into the future."