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[December 2004]
Alumina Plants On Track or Ahead of Schedule
Suralco, owned by Alcoa's affiliate AWAC, says it now expects to complete the previously announced 250,000 metric tons per year (mtpy) expansion to its Paranam, Suriname alumina refinery in January 2005 - six months ahead of schedule. On completion, the facility's total capacity will be approximately 2.2 million mtpy.
The 600,000 mtpy efficiency upgrade of the AWAC facility in Pinjarra, Australia continues to be on track for completion by the end of 2005. On completion of the upgrade, the facility's capacity will expand to 4 million mtpy, further enhancing one of the world's most successful and cost efficient alumina refineries.
The company has also recently expedited engineering efforts and work toward securing permits for the 2 million mtpy expansion of the Alumar alumina refinery in Sao Luis, Brazil and the Juruti bauxite reserve in that country. Alcoa's board is expected to review these projects and make a final decision to move forward later in 2005. Preliminary design studies have already been completed.
ENDS