Hydro's aluminum, alumina output up in April-May, downstream falls

London — Hydro's primary aluminum, alumina and bauxite production rose year on year in April-May despite the coronavirus outbreak, but extrusions and rolled products volumes were down, the Norwegian producer said June 15.

Hydro produced 341,000 mt of primary aluminum in April-May, up 5% year on year.

"Volumes in April and May have slightly increased compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting increased production at the Albras smelter in Brazil, which was partially curtailed during 2019, partly offset by decreased production at the curtailed Slovalco smelter in Slovakia," the company said.

In December the company announced plans to halt up to 20% of production at the 175,000 mt/year Slovalco plant.

Hydro's bauxite production almost doubled year on year for the first two months of the second quarter, rising to 1.761 million mt from 910,000 mt a year earlier, while alumina output was up 82% at 989,000 mt.

"Volumes in April and May have increased compared to the same period in 2019, as a result of the increased production at the Paragominas bauxite mine and the Alunorte alumina refinery in Brazil, following the lifting of the production embargo," Hydro said.

Volumes at the company's downstream operations were down in April-May, however, "reflecting the weaker market demand in light of COVID-19," Hydro said.

Extruded solutions sales were 138,000 mt, down 42% from the same period of 2019, while rolled products sales were down 21% at 131,000 mt.