Alcoa Corporation announced Nov. 7 it has initiated a partnership with Portland Aluminum to restart 35,000 metric tons per year at its Australian-based aluminum smelter, according to a press release.
"Restarting the idle capacity improves the smelter’s cost structure, competitiveness and longer term sustainability," Michael Gollschewski, Alcoa’s vice president of operations and Alcoa Australia president said, in the press release. "Portland Aluminum has long enjoyed the support of the local community and with this project we are pleased to be able to create further positive social impact through additional employment and local expenditure."
The companies aim to reach 95% of total capacity and 186,000 mtpy of its consolidated capacity upon completing the restart project.
The companies hope the project creates 30 permanent jobs at the smelter and 50 seasonal construction positions. The smelter currently employs nearly 680 people, including contractors.
The project is predicted to cost approximately $28 million, of which, Alcoa Corporation will be responsible for roughly $9 million.
The companies have entered a four-year agreement with power generator AGL to provide energy to power restoration efforts. Five-year agreements have been formed with AGL and Alinta Energy, according to the release.
Metal production is estimated to begin during the third quarter of 2022.