Alunorte cuts alumina output to 50% as gas disruption threatens up to $100 million Q3 hit

Alunorte has temporarily cut alumina production to 50 per cent after disruptions in natural gas availability affected operations at the refinery.

Natural gas supply constraints have prompted Alunorte to introduce contingency measures at its alumina refinery, as the company works to manage the impact of reduced gas availability on operations.

Following a notification from its gas supplier, Alunorte introduced a series of contingency measures aimed at limiting the impact on production. These include purchasing gas from the spot market, seeking direct access to the Barcarena LNG receiving and regasification terminal, and adjusting alumina output in line with the available gas supply, as communicated by CELBA.

The refinery plans to gradually restore production to full capacity once natural gas availability returns to normal.

According to the company, the gas supplier is working to secure additional volumes for delivery to Alunorte under market terms that are compatible with its current financial position. At the same time, Alunorte is continuing efforts to arrange alternative long-term gas supplies while maintaining its rights under the existing Gas Supply Agreement.

The financial impact of the supply disruption is yet to be determined. However, the company estimates that lower alumina production and the purchase of gas at prices above the contracted rate could result in a Q3 2026 financial impact of around USD 75 million to USD 100 million for its Bauxite & Alumina business.

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Note: This article has been issued by Hydro and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.