ReGrowth Kurri Kurri enters Stage 1: Hydro ropes in CMA Contracting for demolishing site

Demolition of the aluminium smelter infrastructure at Hydro's Kurri Kurri site is expected to begin in May. The Norway based aluminium producer announced that they have got on board CMA Contracting to demolish the smelter that will initiate the two-to-three-year project of redevelopment of the site.

Hydro's Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter started production in 1969 and went offline in September 2012. The smelter now remains formally closed. Since the closure, Hydro has been planning to demolish, remediate and redevelop the site – a project which is now finally underway.

The first stage of the aluminium smelter demolition will include most of the buildings on site except the tall chimney stacks and water towers, Hydro Aluminium shared in an official statement. The company is also currently preparing the site and buffer zone for redevelopment that will help in improving the economic condition of the region and create employment opportunities for the local people.

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While announcing the demolition contract Hydro Kurri Kurri managing director Richard Brown said, “The tendering process for this part of the project has taken around 18 months, with key criteria being safety standards, experience with similar large projects, and environmental management, as well as commercial considerations."

Demolition of the smelter site is just one of the many activities planned as a part of the Regrowth Kurri Kurri project. Hydro is working towards a three-to-four-year timeline to have the spent pot lining recycled, having committed to the reuse or recycling of all materials from the site where feasible.