The global aluminium giant, Norsk Hydro has reported that one of the four production lines at its part-owned aluminium smelter in Brazil, Albras was shut down on the morning of 19th February 2022 due to an internal power distribution failure.
The power distribution failure appeared within one potline at Albras, which accordingly lead to a shutdown of the affected potline. The potline impacted by the power disruption produces 110,000 tonnes of liquid aluminium annually.
However, the other three potlines at Albras were not affected and are functioning normally.
Albras Alumínio Brasileiro S.A., the second-largest aluminium producer in Brazil further stated, “It remains too early to assess financial implications from the incident, as well as timing for restart. Albras will investigate the root cause for the shutdown.”
The total production capacity of Albras is 460,000 tonnes per year. Norsk Hydro holds a 51% stake in Albras, while the remaining 49% is owned by Nippon Amazon Aluminium Co. Ltd. The smelter is located in the city of Barcarena in the state of Pará, northern Brazil, adjoining Hydro’s Alunorte alumina refinery.
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