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 on a 250-346 MT smelter and the MOU has been extended to October 1st 2009. The MOU between Alcoa and Landsvirkjun has expired, but the parties are still working closely together on the project.
Alcoa and the power companies have now introduced a draft scoping proposal for the Joint Environmental Impact Assessment for Bakki aluminum plant, power facilities in Krafla II and Theistareykir and the transmission lines to Bakki. The Joint EIA is an „umbrella“ for individual assessments of the four projects. Scoping document for the Bakki aluminum plant has already been accepted by the planning authorities in Iceland and studies are ongoing. Current plans assume finish of the EIA in late 2009.
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 300-450 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.
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Draft joint EIA scoping proposal submitted for Bakki-related projects
(19 February 2009) Alcoa, Theistareykir ehf., Landsvirkjun and Landsnet hf. are now working together on a joint Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a smelter in Bakki by Húsavík, the Theistareykir Power Project, Krafla II Power Project and the transmission lines from the geothermal areas to Bakki.
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Icelandic National Planning Agency agrees initial assessment report on Bakki aluminium smelter
(28 November 2008) In accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, the Icelandic National Planning Agency has reviewed Alcoa's proposed environmental assessment plan for an aluminium smelter at Bakki by Husavik, along with the opinions and comments received by the agency.
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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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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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