Brazil federal court lifts one of two production embargoes on Hydro Alunorte alumina refinery

A Brazilian federal court has lifted one of two production embargoes on Hydro Alunorte alumina refinery under the civil lawsuit on Wednesday, May 15, though full production will not restart until the production embargo under the criminal case is lifted.

“Alunorte is still subject to a production embargo imposed by the same court in a parallel criminal lawsuit, but Alunorte is expecting an extension of the civil decision to the criminal case shortly,” Hydo said in a statement.

The embargo on the use of the newly developed bauxite residue disposal area (DRS2) remains in force. The company continues to utilize the DRS1 depository based on state-of-the-art press filter technology.

“Alunorte estimates a remaining lifetime of 8-18 months in DRS1, depending on production volume. Further geotechnical studies will be conducted, aiming at verifying an extended lifetime of DRS1.”

The decision to lift the production embargo in the civil case against Alunorte came after a conciliatory hearing on April 12. During the hearing, Ministério Público and Alunorte provided the federal court with a joint petition to lift both production embargos.

“I am pleased with the support from local stakeholders and our employees. We are looking forward to be able to resume operations at Alunorte and restart the full alumina value chain, which will be positive for us and the state of Pará,” said John Thuestad, executive vice president of the Bauxite & Alumina business area.

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