Aluminium News

Boguchansk Aluminium Smelter to produce first batch in 2013

Boguchansk Aluminium Smelter will start aluminium production in 2013. According to the investments plan, the first metalurgical complex will begin operations in 2013 to produce 70 thousand beforel the end of year. The next year plant will produce 150 thousand tons and may reach the design capacity of 600 thousand tons in 2016.

UC RUSAL announces new appointment

UC RUSAL (HKSE: 486, Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium producer, announces the appointment of Ulrich Schridde as the Director of the European Sales.

ARMENAL reaches 100,000 tonne production mark

UC RUSAL Plc (SEHK: 486, EuroNext: RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium producer, announces the release of one hundred thousandth tonne of aluminum foil produced at ARMENAL foil rolling mill in Yerevan, Armenia.

Rusal to expand aluminium sales in Asia

UC Rusal announced that it has signed the Letter of Intent with China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). The document emphasises the intent of Rusal to acquire a stake in a sales and marketing subsidiary of Norinco, which operates on the People’s Republic of China primary aluminium market. It also specifies the intent of Norinco to invest into the high-tech production capacities of Rusal’s Siberian smelters.

Hydro raises conversion prices for General Engineering strip and sheet

Hydro will increase prices for uncoated rolled aluminium products from its General Engineering Product Group (GE) by EUR 100 per tonne, effective January 2011, for all quarterly and monthly negotiated agreements.

Rio Tinto acquires additional shares of Ivanhoe Mines on automatic conversion of credit facility

Rio Tinto confirmed today that it has acquired 40,083,206 common shares of Ivanhoe Mines, increasing its ownership by 5.3 per cent to 34.9 per cent of Ivanhoe Mines' outstanding common shares (1).   The common shares were acquired in accordance with the terms of the US$350 million convertible credit facility Rio Tinto made available to Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. in 2007 which was fully drawn down by mid-2008 and which matured today. The outstanding principal and accrued interest ($400,832,056) under the credit facility automatically converted on maturity into common shares of Ivanhoe Mines at a price of US$10.00 per share.

Alcoa Completes Traco Acquisition

Premier Maker of Windows and Doors Joins Alcoa Building and Construction Systems

Norsk Hydro 2Q Results rise further on higher aluminium prices and solid sales

Hydro had underlying earnings before financial items and tax of NOK 1,110 million in the second quarter, rising from NOK 688 million in the first quarter. Higher realized aluminium prices, continued improvements in alumina operations and higher downstream sales lifted underlying results for the quarter.

Rio Tinto-ANU Partnership to build stronger links with China

The successful Rio Tinto-ANU China Partnership to build strategic understanding of long-term developments in China will be expanded, providing potential for Australia to benefit from greater collaboration and deeper relationships with China.

Second quarter 2010 operations review

Chief executive Tom Albanese said: "2010 continues to shape up well for Rio Tinto and we are driving our operations at close to capacity. Markets for most of our products are strong and the overall long term demand outlook is positive. But in recent weeks, fears about a possible double-dip recession in OECD countries and a slight slowdown in Chinese growth have led to some weakening in sentiment. We believe this pattern of volatility in the global economy is set to continue. 

Aluminium helps Eve reduce carbon footprint — and costs

When the British road access system manufacturer Eve approached Hydro about wanting to reduce its carbon footprint, the British company was expecting strong technical support. They received creativity, too — along with all the benefits of aluminium.

IUCN and Rio Tinto announce three-year relationship — focus on enhanced sustainable development

IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature) and Rio Tinto today entered into a formal collaboration agreement, committing to work together over a three year period.

The relationship aims to help Rio Tinto strengthen its sustainable development efforts, environmental management and delivery of conservation outcomes, while enabling IUCN to increase its awareness and understanding of the conservation and business challenges facing the resources sector.

Alcoa Reports Second Quarter 2010 Results

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) today announced second quarter 2010 income from continuing operations of $137 million or $0.13 per share compared with a first quarter 2010 loss from continuing operations of $194 million, or a loss of $0.19 per share. First quarter 2010 results included restructuring and special charges of $295 million, or $0.29 per share. The second quarter of 2009 showed a loss from continuing operations of $312 million, or $0.32 per share including restructuring charges.

Rio Tinto refers Ivanhoe’s Shareholder Rights Plan to arbitration

Rio Tinto announced today that it has given notice to Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. that it has referred to arbitration Ivanhoe’s breaches of the Private Placement Agreement caused by its adoption of the Shareholders Rights Plan. Before its adoption, Rio Tinto advised Ivanhoe that the Rights Plan would breach Rio Tinto’s contractual rights. However, the board of Ivanhoe nonetheless adopted the Plan on April 6, 2010 over Rio Tinto’s strong objection.

Footbridges highlight advantages of aluminium

Aluminium can stand up to the toughest maritime weather nature can throw at it.

Several pedestrian bridges over rivers and estuaries in England and Wales use aluminium extrusions from Hydro.

RUSAL to submit Norilsk Nickel EGM request by 20 July

UC RUSAL, (HKSE: 486, Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium producer and owner of 25% shares of MMC Norilsk Nickel, intends to submit a request to convene an extraordinary general meeting of MMC Norilsk Nickel by 20 July.

Aluminium at the seaside

Aluminium extrusions from Hydro were chosen for a 1.5-mile-long sea defence railing on the popular seafront in Blackpool in the U.K.

Rio Tinto completes Alcan Packaging divestment with closing of Alcan Beauty Packaging and Medical Flexibles transactions

Rio Tinto has finished the divestment of its Alcan Packaging business with the completion of sales of its two outstanding assets. Medical Flexibles has been acquired by Amcor for US$66 million and Alcan Beauty Packaging has been acquired by Sun European Partners LLP for an undisclosed sum. 

UC RUSAL announces structural changes and new appointment

UC RUSAL, (HKSE: 486, Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium producer, announces a new structure for its Aluminium Division designed to increase specialization and better serve customers.  The division will be focused on two units – East and West. The Aluminium Division West will be headed by Aleksey Arnautov, while Vladimir Polin, formerly the Senior Vice President of OAO Mechel, will lead the Aluminium Division East.

RUSAL intends to convene extraordinary general meeting of MMC Norilsk Nickel

RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium producer and owner of 25% shares of MMC Norilsk Nickel, intends to convene an extraordinary general meeting of MMC Norilsk Nickel following the announcement of the results of the elections to the Board of Directors of Norilsk Nickel.

Alcoa to Acquire Traco

Premier Maker of Windows and Doors Joins Alcoa Building and Construction Systems.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced it has agreed to purchase privately held Traco, a premier maker of windows and doors for the commercial building and construction market. Traco will become part of Alcoa’s global Building and Construction Systems business. Terms were not disclosed.

RUSAL announces structual changes

UC RUSAL, (HKSE: 486, Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium producer, announces structural changes in its marketing and sales division and the appointment of Steven Hodgson as International Sales Director.

RUSAL and FGC UES sign a production agreement for new power cables

On 18 June 2010 UC RUSAL (HKSE 486, Euronext RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest producer of aluminium and the Federal Grid Company of the Unified Energy System, the operator of Russia’s national grid, announce that they have signed an agreement to manufacture new types of cables for overhead power transmission lines.

Aluminium helps cut greenhouse gas emissions

The aluminium industry can be CO2 positive in a decade’s time. Reduced emissions from recycling, as well as the use of aluminium in automotive, buildings and in solar energy, will more than offset CO2 emissions from primary aluminium production.
In his presentation to the international aluminium conference in Oslo Tuesday, Hydro President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg explained how solutions based on aluminium can enhance energy efficiency and cut emissions in key areas of society, such as transport and buildings.

Oslo conference to analyze the future of aluminium

The CRU World Aluminium Conference in Oslo on June 22–23 will ponder hot topics facing the aluminium industry.
Speakers include several from Hydro: President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg; Arvid Moss, head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development; Hans-Joachim Kock, head of Extruded Products; and Kjetil Ebbesberg, head of Metal Markets.

Severe Flooding Forces Temporary Idling of Alcoa’s Aviles, Spain Aluminum Smelter

Alcoa on June14 announced it has temporarily idled its aluminum smelter in Aviles, Spain as a result of torrential flooding in the Asturias region of Spain late last week. The Aviles smelter has a production capacity of 93,000 metric tons per year.

BHP Billiton appoints new President, Base Metals

BHP Billiton announced on 1 June that it has appointed Peter Beaven as President, Base Metals, effective from 1 November 2010. Until that date Mr. Ivan Arriagada will continue as acting President.

BHP Billiton And Eskom Sign An Amended Agreement For The Mozal Smelter In Mozambique

Eskom and BHP Billiton on 30 May announced that they have reached agreement on an amended power supply contract for the Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique. Discussions relating to the contracts for the supply of electricity to the Hillside and Bayside smelters in South Africa will continue over the coming months with the intention of concluding binding agreements before the end of Eskom’s 2010/11 financial year.

Hydro CEO becomes new chair of IAI

Hydro’s President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg has been elected chairperson of International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the global aluminium industry association.

NALCO Q4 Profit Up 371%

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna PSU and India’s largest integrated manufacturer and exporter of alumina and aluminium, reported on 15 May results for the 4th quarter ended March 2010.

RUSAL announces Q1 results

UC RUSAL announced its results for the first quarter 2010 ended 31 March 2010. Revenue increased by 31% to USD2,331 million in the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the first quarter of 2009 due to higher aluminium prices. Net profit was USD247 million compared to net loss of USD638 million for the first quarter of 2009.

Beverage Can volumes in the first quarter were better than expected in Europe and North America — Rexam

Rexam PLC, the global consumer packaging company, issued on 6 May its interim management statement for the period from 1 January 2010. First quarter results for the Group were ahead of  expectations, with improved volumes in Beverage Cans. The company’s cost reduction initiatives remain on track.

Hindalco Q4 net surges 2.5 times

Hindalco Industries, the world`s largest aluminum rolling company, on Tuesday said its net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2010, rose to Rs 663.92 ($147 mln) crore as against Rs 268.87 crore in the same quarter last year.

The biggest manufacturers of aluminium alloys and rolled products will gather in Moscow

In less than 3 weeks Aluminium: Alloys, Rolled Products and Profiles for Construction, 2d International Conference organized by Metal Supply & Sales magazine will begin in Moscow. The conference will be held during Auminium/Non-Ferrous-2010 exhibition.

Hydro takes over Vale’s aluminium business in transforming transaction

Norsk Hydro ASA has signed an agreement to take over Vale S.A’s aluminium businesses to form a resource-rich and fully integrated aluminium company, securing Hydro’s bauxite supplies in a 100-year perspective.

Norsk Hydro publishes first quarter 2010 results

Hydro had an underlying result before financial items and tax of NOK 688 million in the first quarter 2010, improving significantly from a loss of NOK 651 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, reflecting increased aluminium prices, reduced costs and higher volumes in a seasonally stronger quarter.

Alcoa Board of Directors Elects Klaus Kleinfeld Chairman, CEO

Alcoa today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Klaus Kleinfeld, 52, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Kleinfeld succeeds Alain Belda, 66, who previously announced his plans to retire from the Company after more than 40 years of service. The leadership change took place at Alcoa’s annual meeting of shareholders today

BHP Billiton Publishes Its Production Report for the Nine Months Ended 31 March 2010

BHP Billiton published Production report for the nine months ended 31 March 2010. Aluminium production across all operations was in line with comparative periods. Alumina production was higher than all comparative periods due to the continued ramp up of the Alumar refinery expansion and increased volume from Worsley.

UC RUSAL completes the commissioning of potline 5 at its Irkutsk Aluminium Smelter

UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486, EuroNext: RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium producer, announced the completion of the commissioning of Potline 5 at the Irkutsk Aluminium Smelter (IrkAZ). The newly launched potline has a design capacity of 166,000 tonnes. In 2010, Potline 5 will produce 156,700 tonnes of aluminium. The total budget of the project is over USD 600 million.

Alcoa Names Randall Scheps to Lead Company’s Consumer Electronics Market Development Team

Alcoa announced today that Randall Scheps, 42, is appointed to the newly created position of Director, Consumer Electronics Market Development. In this assignment, he is responsible for building Alcoa business globally in the fast-growing consumer electronics market. The appointment signifies Alcoa’s strong commitment to this growing market. Scheps joined Alcoa in 2006 in a marketing leadership role in ground transportation. He has degrees in engineering and business from the University of Texas and the University of Michigan.

Rio Tinto publishes first quarter 2010 operations review

Rio Tinto published its first quarter 2010 operations review. Chief executive Tom Albanese said: "In the first quarter, most of our operations continued to run at capacity. Chinese demand grew strongly and we saw some recovery in OECD markets, but we are still cautious about short term volatility. The long term outlook remains very strong and we are now ramping up our growth projects with sustained investment in our iron ore business and the start of development of Oyu Tolgoi."

Hydro establishing regional sales office in Qatar

Hydro is setting up a regional office in Doha, Qatar, for marketing Hydro’s metal products in the Middle East, the Gulf states and Southern Africa. The office will be a part of Hydro’s business area Metal Markets and its Asian Regional Organization, based in Singapore.

Qatalum opening strikes right note

Political leaders from Qatar and Norway painted a positive picture for the aluminium industry when they spoke at the spectacular opening of Qatalum in Mesaieed on Monday.

Alcoa Reports 1Q 2010 Results

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) today announced a first quarter 2010 loss from continuing operations of $194 million, or $0.19 per share, which includes restructuring and special charges of $295 million, or $0.29 per share. The results compare to a fourth quarter 2009 loss from continuing operations of $266 million, or $0.27 per share, and a first quarter 2009 loss from continuing operations of $480 million, or $0.59 per share.

Aluminum consumption is expected to grow by 21% in 2010 

The Brazilian Aluminum Association – ABAL announces the Brazilian aluminum market performance in 2009. According to the entity, the domestic consumption of aluminum transformed products, last year, was 1,007.9 thousand ton, corresponding to 10.6% drop compared to 1,127 thousand ton consumed in 2008.

Rio Tinto receives binding offer for Alcan Beauty Packaging business

Rio Tinto has received a binding offer from Sun European Partners, LLP (Sun European Partners) to acquire the Alcan Beauty Packaging business. The terms of the offer are confidential.

Alcoa Dedicates Expanded Recycling Operations

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today dedicated a $24 million expansion of aluminum can recycling capacity at the Company’s Tennessee Operations which will increase recycling capability by nearly 50 percent and help secure more than 100 jobs at the facility.

Hydro raises conversion prices for General Engineering strip and sheet

Hydro will increase prices for converting uncoated rolled aluminium products from its General Engineering Product Group (GE) by 75 Euro per tonne, effective July 2010. To make prices more transparent, GE customers can also request a separate calculation of the fluctuating metal premium as of Q3 this year.

Hydro takes aluminium tubing to MCE in Milan

Hydro is going to present many of its innovative aluminium tubing products to HVAC&R industry visitors at the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort in Milan. The week-long exhibition kicks off on March 23.

RUSAL wins appeal in Friguia case in guinean court

RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, has reported that Guinean appellate court ruled in the company’s favor on its appeal regarding the bauxite and alumina complex Friguia.

Advantages of Aluminum for Sustainable Transportation Outlined at Green Truck Summit

Medium and heavy duty commercial truck owners can increase the cargo capacity of their fleets, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, lower their maintenance costs and increase their resale value by using aluminum solutions, said an Alcoa executive who spoke today at CALSTART National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Green Truck Summit in St. Louis.

RUSAL announces restart of idled smelting capacity at Novokuznetsk smelter

UC RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, announces the restart of production capacities at Site #1 of the Novokuznetsk aluminium smelter (NkAZ), which were suspended in March 2009 as part of the anti-crisis Cost Efficiency Leader programme. The restart of the pots proves that the company has fully mastered a technology enabling a rapid response to changes in demand and aluminium prices.

Alcoa Again Named Fortune Magazine’s Most Admired Metals Company

Alcoa Included on Fortune’s “Most Admired” List for 27 Consecutive Years

Rio Tinto divestments reach US$10 billion with completion of Alcan Packaging Food Americas sale

Rio Tinto’s divestment programme has passed the US$10 billion mark with the completion of the sale of its Alcan Packaging Food Americas division to Bemis Company, Inc for a total all cash consideration of US$1.2 billion.

Hydro closes aluminium tubing plant in Michigan

Hydro has discontinued production and closed the doors at its aluminium tubing plant in Michigan, winding up the closure process that started last year and ending 70 years of manufacturing operations at the Adrian site.

New Power Contracts Create a Platform for the Future

Alcoa of Australia Limited and Loy Yang Power today announced new base-load electricity contracts to power Alcoa’s aluminum smelter at Point Henry, Geelong, and the Portland aluminum smelter to 2036.

RUSAL announces new appointment in the Engineering and Construction Division

RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, announces the appointment of Andrey Volvenkin as the head of the Engineering and Construction Division.

Army Appoints Alcoa Defense to Fuel-Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator (FED) Project

Alcoa announced today that it has been appointed by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) to collaborate on the Army’s Fuel-Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator (FED) project. In partnership with Ricardo Inc., Alcoa Defense will produce a tactical wheeled vehicle structure that significantly improves fuel efficiency while also maintaining survivability, performance and payload capability.

Chairman Succession Date

The BHP Billiton Board today announced that Mr Don Argus AC will retire as Chairman and a Non-executive Director on 30 March 2010. As previously announced, Non-executive Director, Jac Nasser AO, will assume the role of Chairman of BHP Billiton from that date.

Rio Tinto expands Mine of the Future™ programme and selects partners for rapid construction of deep underground mines

Rio Tinto is expanding its Mine of the Future™ programme to develop new equipment and systems for deep underground mines and has selected three partners to work on the project. Aker Wirth and Atlas Copco will individually work with Rio Tinto to develop two new tunneling concepts and Herrenknecht will work with the Group on the development of a new shaft boring machine.

John Thuestad Elected Alcoa Executive Vice President and Group President Global Primary Products; Bernt Reitan to Retire

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected John Thuestad, 49, Executive Vice President and Group President of Global Primary Products effective March 1, 2010. He succeeds Bernt Reitan, 62, who will retire after nearly 40 years working in the aluminum industry.

Rusal announces full year production results for 2009

UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486), (EuroNext: RUSAL/RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, announces its key production data for 2009.

Norsk Hydro publishes fourth quarter 2009 results

Hydro had an underlying loss before financial items and tax of NOK 651 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with a loss of NOK 793 million in the previous quarter, firming slightly on higher realized aluminium prices. Hydro reached a major milestone in December with the start-up of the first cell at Qatalum, and production from all 704 cells at the world-leading aluminium plant in Qatar is expected by fourth quarter 2010.

South African Hulamin publishes audited results for the year ended 31 December 2009

South African producer of semi-finished and fabricated aluminium products Hulamin published audited results for the year ended 31 December 2009. Attributable earnings for the year reduced from R268 million to R90 million ($11,6 mln)and headline earnings per share reduced from 124 cents to 42 cents.

Colorful Alcoa Building Material Stands Out in Vancouver Olympic Village

Athletes participating in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games starting Friday in British Columbia will sleep, eat, and watch sporting events in buildings that include Alcoa’s energy–efficient, recyclable and colorful Reynobond® aluminum composite material (ACM).

Rio Tinto announces underlying earnings of $6.3 billion in 2009

Rio Tinto announced results for 2009. In 2009, Rio Tinto Alcan generated a loss of $578 million which was $1,849 million lower than 2008 earnings of $1,271 million. This was principally as a result of lower exchange traded aluminium prices. The overall impact of price was to reduce earnings by $2,577 million
compared with 2008. The erosion in aluminium prices was partly offset by a favourable currency movement of $334 million from the strengthening of the US dollar.

BHP Billiton releases its financial results for the half-year ended 31 December 2009

BHP Billiton delivered a sound financial result, despite significant volatility and continued uncertainty in the global economy. Strong sales volume growth on the back of demand recovery, particularly in the steelmaking raw materials (Iron Ore, Metallurgical Coal and Manganese) and good cost control across the business helped to partially offset the negative impacts of lower prices and stronger producers’ currencies.

RUSAL’S Aluminium Division confirms compliance with health, safety, environment and quality management systems under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 AND OHSAS 18001

UC RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, announces that the company has prolonged certification of the health, safety, environment and quality management systems under the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 international standards for production sites of the Aluminium Division.

Rio Tinto completes sale of majority of Alcan Packaging businesses to Amcor for US$1,948 million

Rio Tinto announced that it completed the sale of Alcan Packaging global Pharmaceuticals, global Tobacco, Food Europe and Food Asia divisions to Amcor for a total consideration of US$1,948 million , on 1 February.

BHP Billiton announces appointments to the Board

The BHP Billiton Board today announced that Mr Paul Anderson and Dr Gail de Planque will retire from the Board on 31 January 2010 and Mr Malcolm Broomhead and Ms Carolyn Hewson will be appointed as Non-executive Directors from 31 March 2010. Mr Anderson has accepted an invitation to become a director of BP plc and Dr de Planque will retire due to her current need for continuous treatment for Lyme disease.

Hindalco announces Q3 FY 2009–2010 results

Hindalco Industries Ltd, an Aditya Birla Group company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2009. With a 5% higher aluminium metal production, a 34% increase in the rolled aluminium production and a 22% higher Copper production, compared to Q3 FY09, the quarter has been amongst the best ever.

Alcoa Announces Dividend and Stock Contribution to Pension Plans

The Board of Directors of Alcoa  declared (a) a quarterly common stock dividend of 3 cents per share payable February 25, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2010 and (b) a quarterly dividend of 93.75 cents per share on Alcoa’s $3.75 cumulative preferred stock payable April 1, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 12, 2010. Alcoa has paid a quarterly dividend on its common stock for more than 60 years.

Hydro selling Hydro Trans to SKA Invest

SKA Invest, a Norwegian investment company, has entered into an agreement to buy Hydro Trans, which has activities in Norway, Finland and Denmark.

Dubai Aluminium Celebrates Major Production Milestone

Confirming its status as a leading player in the global aluminium industry, the Jebel Ali primary aluminium complex owned and operated by Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) produced 1,009,772 metric tonnes of cast aluminium products in 2009. Ranked as the world’s largest modern smelter with a captive power station and widely regarded as the industrial flagship of the UAE, the entirely state-owned enterprise attributes the achievement of this major production milestone to a strategic focus on optimising capacity utilisation, maximising operating efficiencies, continuous innovation and pro-actively meeting market needs.

BHP Billiton publishes Production Report for the Half Year Ended 31 December 2009

During the December quarter we saw strong price recovery across the commodity suite driven by demand in China and restocking in the developed world. Government stimulus measures appear to have supported a gradual return to normalised global trade, albeit from a low base, and most key indicators across the developed economies showed improvement. Going forward the speed of recovery in the developed economies remains uncertain, particularly considering the eventual withdrawal of government stimulus. In China the impact of measures to control loan growth will add another future variable. Consequently we expect some degree of volatility in the short term outlook for our commodities.

Alcoa Defense Hails the Commissioning of New Aluminum Navy Littoral Combat Ship

Alcoa Defense, the defense industry’s leading supplier of aluminum, titanium and other light alloys, today hailed the commissioning of the first General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the USS Independence. Designed and built by a team led by General Dynamics and Austal USA in Mobile, AL, the ship’s all-aluminum trimaran hull allows it to be faster and more agile than a conventional Navy ship. The ship’s amahs, or side pontoons, provide buoyant support on each side of the vessel’s center hull and give it maximum stability, even when turning at high speeds.

Rio Tinto publishes its fourth quarter 2009 operations review

Rio Tinto on Thursday disclosed its fourth quarter 2009 operations review. Production cutbacks were maintained in the Aluminium group in response to market conditions. Bauxite production was down one per cent, alumina down two per cent and aluminium down three per cent, compared with the fourth quarter of 2008.

Hydro aims to take global lead in reducing climate emissions from primary aluminium production

After having already reduced direct emissions from primary production by 70 percent since 1990 – equal to a staggering three tonnes CO2-equivalents per tonne metal produced – Hydro aims to curb emissions even further and take global lead in the aluminium industry within the global fight against climate change.

EMAL produces its first aluminium

Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) energised the first of 756 pots today in time for the United Arab Emirate’s 38th National Day – well ahead of any date that had been earlier predicted. The energising of the first pot means that EMAL smelter has now officially started producing aluminium.

Alcoa Finishes 4Q 2009 Strong; Free Cash Flow Positive, Revenues Up 18%

Alcoa today announced it finished its fourth quarter 2009 free cash flow positive, the first such quarterly achievement since the second quarter of 2008 when the economic downturn began to impact results. The Company is ahead of its key financial goals for 2009, including being free cash flow neutral by the end of the year. In the fourth quarter of 2009, Alcoa generated free cash flow of $761 million, a $947 million improvement from the third quarter of 2009 driven by strong cash from operations performance of $1.1 billion, a $940 million increase from the third quarter of 2009. The Company also surpassed targets for each of its Cash Sustainability Program initiatives in 2009, a major contributor to the strong cash performance.

UC RUSAL announces new appointments in the Aluminium Division

UC RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, announced a management reshuffle in its Aluminium Division. Eugueny Zhukov, who previously held the position of managing director of the Krasnoyarsk aluminium smelter, was appointed general director of the Urals aluminium smelter.  Mr. Zhukov will be replaced by Eugueny Nikitin, the former managing director of the Sayanogorsk smelter. Meanwhile, Boris Smolyanitsky, who had been managing UAZ for nine years, was appointed adviser to Head of the Aluminium Division.