Albras aluminium smelter begins to ramp up its output as FC lifts production embargo on Alunorte

The removal of production embargo by the Federal Court on Alunorte alumina refinery has reportedly led Albras aluminium smelter to begun ramping up its output from Tuesday, May 21.

Albras, partly owned by Norsk Hydro, had curtailed its aluminium production by 50 per cent due to lowered raw material supply when Alunorte plant was forced to operate at half capacity. However, by the second half of 2019, the plant is expected to return to its full production, said Norsk Hydro in a statement.

On the news of Albras production raise, its Oslo-listed shares closed 5.6 per cent higher on May 21, after hitting a two-week high of 35.40 Norwegian crowns in early trading. According to Norsk Hydro CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim, Albras’ near-term profit will boost as well on high output resumption.

The Albras smelter, the second largest aluminium producer in Brazil, has an annual capacity of 460,000 tonnes of finished metal.

Hydro added that production at its Paragominas bauxite mine will be increased in line with the ramp-up speed at Alunorte.

Since the Alunorte refinery was forced to cut its capacity due to the emission of untreated water during severe rains, Hydro had been upgrading it to convince authorities to allow it to resume full output.

However, Hydro still awaits a court ruling on whether it will be allowed to use a new bauxite residue disposal area, known as DRS2.

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