Norsk Hydro ASA will prioritize securing alternative sources of alumina to replace reduced supplies at its Alunorte refinery in Brazil, Reuters reported March 15, citing CEO Svein Richard Brandtzaeg.
The company has supplies to last into April but sourcing extra volumes was a priority, he added. Brandtzaeg could not say when Alunorte would resume full production although talks with authorities were "very constructive."
In late February, environment authorities in Pará, Brazil, directed Norsk Hydro to reduce production at Alunorte by 50% over speculation about a leak at the site, and the company declared force majeure at the operation March 2. It was then ordered by the state's public prosecutor to undertake corrective measures within 48 hours following the completion of preliminary investigation in the wake of the leak.
Meanwhile, Norsk Hydro put 400 employees on a compulsory 15-day leave starting April 2.
