Alunorte reduces alumina production
Brazilian based Alunorte has temporarily reduced its alumina production to 50% due to natural gas supply disruptions. Alunorte was informed of the disruptions to by its supplier, Centrais Elétricas Barcarena (CELBA), who also owns the gas terminal infrastructure in Barcarena, Brazil.
In response, the refinery has implemented contingency measures to mitigate operational impacts.
Measures include purchasing spot gas volumes, requesting direct access to the Barcarena liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving and regasification terminal, and temporarily reducing alumina production to 50% to align with gas availability.
Alunorte will begin ramping up to full production as soon as gas availability normalises.
The supplier has indicated they are seeking to source gas to be delivered to Alunorte on market terms compatible with its current financial situation.
Alunorte will in parallel continue its efforts to secure long-term, alternative gas supplies while preserving its rights under the Gas Supply Agreement.
The financial impact of the gas supply disruptions remains uncertain.
Potential Q3 2026 financial impact for Bauxite & Alumina from the reduced production and purchasing gas at prices above the contract price may be USD 75 to 100 million.
