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| December 22, 2004
Alcoa, Government of Jamaica Agree to Expand Jamalco Alumina Refinery By More Than 1.5 Million Mtpy; AWAC Ownership Moves To 70 Percent
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2004--Alcoa today announced that its Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) affiliate and the Government of Jamaica have signed an agreement in principle to expand the Jamalco alumina refinery in Clarendon, Jamaica by more than 1.5 million metric tons per year (mtpy). The expansion will more than double the refinery's total capacity to at least 2.8 million mtpy. In addition, AWAC ownership in the refinery will move from 50 percent to 70 percent. The government of Jamaica will continue to own the remaining 30 percent.
AWAC will pay approximately 85 percent of the total proposed $800 million for the expansion and movement to 70 percent ownership. The expansion initiative stems from a 2002 agreement with the Jamaican government to remove a nearly 30-year-old levy on bauxite in order to encourage investment. At the time of the initial expansion (completed in 2003), the removal of the levy along with the expansion lowered costs at Jamalco by approximately 30%. This new expansion will place Jamalco among the world's lowest-cost refineries. AWAC is a global alliance between Alcoa and Alumina Ltd, with Alcoa holding 60 percent.
A final decision to move forward on the project is expected to be made in the first half of 2005. Upon approval, it is expected that the expansion project will be completed by the end of 2007.
The Jamalco expansion is one of several key alumina expansion projects being actively pursued by AWAC. The others include:
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Guinea - where Alcoa World Alumina, Alcan and the Government
of the Republic of Guinea have signed a protocol; for
developing jointly a 1.5 million metric ton per year (mtpy)
alumina refinery in Guinea, West Africa. A detailed
feasibility study for the refinery is expected to be completed
by mid-2005, with construction to begin thereafter.
- Suriname-Paranam -- Suralco, owned by AWAC, is now expected to
complete the previously announced 250,000 mtpy expansion to
its Paranam alumina refinery in January 2005, 6 months ahead
of schedule. Upon completion, the facility's total capacity
will be approximately 2.2 million mtpy.
Also, Suralco and BHP Billiton are engaged in bauxite
exploration in western Suriname that could confirm significant
additional reserves, leading to further expansion of alumina
production capability in Suriname via brownfield or greenfield
development.
Suralco and BHP Billiton own 55% and 45%, respectively, of the
Paranam facility. BHP Billiton is the parent company of
Suralco's joint venture partner in Suriname.
- Australia - Pinjarra -- The 600,000 mtpy efficiency upgrade of
the AWAC facility in Pinjarra Australia continues to be
on-track for completion by the end of 2005. Upon completion of
the upgrade, the facility's capacity will expand from 3.4
million mtpy to 4 million mtpy, further enhancing one of the
worlds most successful and cost-efficient alumina refineries.
- Brazil-Sao Luis -- Engineering efforts and work toward
securing permits for the 2-million mtpy expansion of the
Alumar alumina refinery in Sao Luis and the Juruti bauxite
reserve in Brazil were recently expedited. Alcoa's board is
expected to review these projects and make a final decision
late in 2005. Preliminary design studies have already been
completed.
The Alumar refinery is jointly owned by BHP Billiton (36%),
Alcan (10%), Alcoa Aluminio (35.1%) and Abalco S.A. (18.9%).
Abalco is part of AWAC.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses as a single solution to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) aluminum foil, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 120,000 employees in 43 countries. For more information go to www.alcoa.com
Forward Looking Statement
Certain statements relate to future events and expectations and as such constitute forward-looking statements involving known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Alcoa to be different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include changes in environmental assessments, governmental alterations, legislation and other risk factors summarized in Alcoa's 2001 10-K report and other SEC reports.
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