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In May 2007, the Greenland Home Rule Cabinet entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alcoa to cooperate on a feasibility study for constructing an aluminum smelter with a 340,000 metric-ton-per-year capacity in Greenland.
The MOU also encompasses a hydroelectric power system and related infrastructure improvements, including a port. The exact size and cost for the overall venture will be determined when the project plan is finalized. If the viability of the project is proved, groundbreaking for the hydroelectric power system would be expected in 2010, and for the smelter in 2012. The smelter could then commence operation by the end of 2014.
The Greenland Home Rule Government and Alcoa began site selection, environmental studies, engineering assessments, and other aspects of the project in 2007. In May 2008, the Greenland parliament strongly endorsed Greenland Home Rule government's recommendation that the proposed smelter be sited at Maniitsoq and allocated significant funding to support the joint studies. These studies, which will extend through 2009, will delve in detail into the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the proposed facility. The parliament is expected to convene again in 2009 to consider Greenland's ownership position in this project.
Preferred sites for the proposed smelter were collaboratively identified by Alcoa and the Greenland Home Rule Government. The three municipalities selected as potential locations—Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Maniitsoq—supported the project and took an active part in the continued work.
No single factor, such as proximity to potential hydropower sites, was used to determine the ultimate site for the proposed smelter. There were a multitude of geographic, technical, financial, environmental, and social factors that were weighed to make a successful site selection.
Upon completion, the project would represent one of the largest investments in Greenland's history, stimulate economic growth and manufacturing diversity, create around 600 direct, stable jobs, and contribute to increasing Greenland's overall productivity and economic self-support. Alcoa is strongly committed to maximizing local employment and business participation in the proposed project and will invest significant effort and resources in partnerships with local educational, training, and business organizations to achieve this.
The smelter would use world-class smelting technology and work practices to protect workforce and community health. In addition, Alcoa recognizes the critical importance of fishing and hunting to the local community and is committed to the protection of the environments that support these activities as the proposed hydro and smelter facilities are planned, designed, developed, and operated.
Additional information about the project can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
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