Bakki - the site for a possible 250,000 tpy Alcoa smelter
Feasability studies for a possible Bakki smelter continue
Parties to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU, signed in May, 2006) on a possible smelter on Bakki by the town of Húsavík in North Iceland, Alcoa, Nordurthing municipality and the Ministry of Industry, have decided to continue with feasability studies and start on the third and last phase of the MOU in co-operation with Landsvirkjun and Landsnet.
The prospect of adding a new primary aluminum smelter based on renewable geothermal energy, while bringing additional stable long term well paid employment to north Iceland, creates additional incentive to fully explore the possibilities that this unique opportunity represents.
Construction would probably start in 2012 if studies show a positive outcome. The smelter would provide 300-350 direct jobs and 6-800 induced jobs. Calculations show that the inhabitants of Thingeyjar County would increase by 1000 if the smelter is built.
Thorough studies
The first phase of feasability studies finished with a report which was introduced to the public in open meetings in Akureyri and Húsavík on 21 November 2006. Work on the second phase finished in March 2007.
Preliminary studies on environmental issues, geology, sea transport and power availability confirm former indications: that no visible technical obstacles prevent the building of a smelter at Bakki.
Further studies include preparations for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), socio-economic studies, preliminary design of a smelter, profitability analysis, studies on energy sources and power agreements.
The third phase should be finished in 2008, and then a decision on further developments of the project will be made.
Public Meetings in North Iceland in 2006
Public consultation is an essential component of the site selection process. A recently completed comparison study between the three possible locations was introduced and discussed in three public meetings in North Iceland: In Akureyri on 31 January, in Húsavík on the 1st of February and in Sauðárkrókur on the 2nd of February.
Alcoa Presentation by Randy Phillips
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Aluminium Plant in North Iceland -- Comparison Study
This study compares three potential industrial sites in North Iceland. It is a preliminary study designed to identify the site with the best potential for further, detailed, feasibility studies, which will take a year or more to complete, and are required before any final investment decision can be made.
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Alcoa Signs Agreement to Support Geothermal Power Research Project in Iceland
(11 September 2007) Alcoa announced today that it has made a significant contribution to a research and development program in Iceland that if successful could lead to a major step forward in the economics of developing high-temperature geothermal resources worldwide.
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Feasibility studies to continue
(18 April 2007) The parties working on feasibility studies regarding a smelter in Bakki, i.e. Alcoa, Norðurþing municipality and the Ministry of Industry of Iceland, will continue the feasibility studies in close collaboration with Landsvirkjun and Landsnet.
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A majority approval towards a smelter at Bakki
(29 December 2006) According to a new opinion poll by Capacent Gallup 58,2% approve of the planned smelter construction at Bakki. Only 27,7% are against the construction and 14,1% of those who participated were neutral.
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Alcoa opens an office in Húsavík
(24 November 2006) Alcoa recently opened an information center in Húsavík in connection with the ongoing feasibility studies for a new smelter in the area.
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Feasibility study at Bakki promising
(24 November 2006) The results of the first phase of a feasibility study on a new alumininum smelter at Bakki near Húsavík have been introduced to the local public.
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OECD report does not affect plans for smelter at Bakki
(25 August 2006) Akureyri town mayor, Kristján Thór Júlíusson, feels that a recent OECD report on the Icelandic economy does not carry a threat to Alcoa’s plans for an aluminium smelter at Bakki near Húsavík.
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Alcoa hires a community relations manager for North-Iceland
(30 June 2006) Kristján Th. Halldórsson, Management Engineer, has been hired to handle community relations for Alcoa in North-Iceland.
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Development in Bakki – the key to a bright future
(21 June 2006) "A smelter and an environmentally friendly power plant in North-Iceland will determine whether hundreds of families in this part of the country can look brightly towards the future or just give up and move to the capital area. It is as simple as that," says Tryggvi Finnsson, manager of the Development Agency for the Region Thingeyjarsýsla.
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Alcoa, Government of Iceland and Municipality of Húsavík Sign Memorandum of Understanding
(17 May 2006) Alcoa, the Government of Iceland and the Municipality of Húsavík have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to proceed with a feasibility study to develop a new 250,000 mtpy smelter in North Iceland.
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Alcoa and Government of Iceland to Begin Feasibility Studies on a New smelter in North Iceland
(1 March 2006) Reykjavik and New York, March 1, 2006 – Alcoa and the Government of Iceland have agreed to begin detailed feasibility studies for the development of an aluminum smelter based principally on geothermal energy, at Bakki near Husavik in North Iceland.
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