Alunorte Resumes Full Production After Temporary Deal with Gas Supplier

Norsk Hydro's Alunorte refinery in Brazil has resumed full production of alumina after reaching a temporary agreement with its gas supplier, CELBA.

The refinery had reduced output to 50% of capacity earlier this week due to disruptions in gas availability.

The cut exacerbated concerns over global aluminium supplies, which were already strained by constricted Middle East shipments and low inventories in LME warehouses.

The production loss is estimated to be 100,000 to 120,000 tonnes, Hydro said. The company has also recently received approval from Brazil's oil regulator to become a self-importer of gas and is pursuing a long-term solution for its gas supply.