Alcan Inc. is building a $180 million aluminum waste recycling plant in Quebec that will process about 80,000 metric tons of aluminum annually starting in the second quarter of 2008.

The industrial-scale pilot facility will employ 50 workers. Alcan will recycle the leftover material in pots following the aluminum smelting electrolysis process, known as spent pot lining. Aluminum smelters normally treat and dispose of the spent pot lining, which is made up of carbon and other inert elements, in a landfill.

Alcan hopes its process becomes the standard for the industry, said Cynthia Carroll, president and CEO of Alcan Primary Metal Group. The recycling plant eventually may process spent pot lining for other Quebec aluminum producers. The plant will be capable of recycling 80,000 metric tons, or about 88,000 tons of material per year.

Montreal-based Alcan posted revenue of $20.3 billion in 2005 and employs 65,000 in 61 countries and regions. The company manufactures an array of aluminum products.

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