trending Market Intelligence /marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/vnptsmivwfof2nd0_bcoww2 content esgSubNav
In This List

Norsk Hydro ordered to conduct repairs at Alunorte refinery within 48 hours

Blog

Insight Weekly: US stock performance; banks' M&A risk; COVID-19 vaccine makers' earnings

Blog

Insight Weekly: LNG exports surge; investors unfazed by inflation; neobanks drive VC funding

Blog

Essential Metals Mining Insights November 2021

Blog

[Infographic]: 2021 World Exploration Trends


Norsk Hydro ordered to conduct repairs at Alunorte refinery within 48 hours

Norsk Hydro ASA was ordered by the public prosecutor of Brazil's Pará state to undertake corrective measures at its Alunorte alumina refinery within 48 hours, after the company's internal task force reported its preliminary findings in the wake of flooding at the site related to heavy rainfall Feb. 16-17.

According to the preliminary findings, there were no indications of leaks or overflow from the bauxite residue deposit areas at the site. However, cracks were found in a pipeline that moves effluent from the DRS1 bauxite residue deposit area to the water treatment station.

"The preliminary findings from the internal task force shows that we do not have the full overview of the situation and the course of events," CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg said in a March 13 statement. "I will evaluate the situation thoroughly and revert with more information in due time."

Norsk Hydro reported that in addition to its recent release of excess rainwater, it also discharged water overflowing from the adjacent wastewater holding pond into the internal open drain.

The full report and the results of the first phase of an independent review will be released the first week of April.

In late February, authorities directed Norsk Hydro to reduce production at Alunorte over speculation about a leak at the site, and the company declared force majeure at the operation March 2.