The “Corona” outbreak: Production reduced at Lochaber aluminium smelter in Britain

The Alvance British Aluminium stated that it has designed a plan to keep it staffs safe while continuing to operate at a reduced level of output at its Lochaber smelter and hydropower station.

The production activities of the smelter at Fort William have been reduced to 25% and it is operating at 75% capacity. This will allow a limited level of staffs to join the work and the most essentials.

At the plant site, additional required hygiene measures have been introduced, shift patterns have been adjusted and guidelines have been put in place to maximise social distancing.

The higher management of the Lochaber plant, Britain’s only aluminium smelter, considers that maintaining a minimal level of operation is essential.

The Lochaber produced aluminium is delivered to the food packaging industry and for blister packs to dispense medicines in the pharmaceuticals industry.

Furthermore, continuous running of the smelter, and its associated power station, is critical in regulating water levels from the River Spean through the operation of the Laggan hydro-electric dam.

Brian King, Managing Director of Alvance British Aluminium, said: “The well-being of our people is our top priority, so we are minimising the number of people required on-site and taking every possible step to reduce any risk to health.”

“We are mindful of concerns around reducing non-essential business activity. However, the Lochaber smelter and hydro-electric dam are critical pieces of infrastructure which cannot simply be switched on and off.”

“A minimal level of activity will be required on the site to supply essential industries and to maintain water levels in the local environment safely.”