In 1952, the first aluminum was cast at Rockdale Operations. This 35,000-acre site has been home to lignite mining, power generation and aluminum smelting operations, ultimately producing the raw aluminum necessary for the manufacture of aluminum consumer and industrial products. At four potline capacity, the smelting plant can produce 1.15 million pounds of aluminum per day.
Rockdale Operations can manufacture 40,000-pound sheet ingot used by fabricating plants in forming plate, sheet and foil, and 1,500-pound primary ingots or "pig", which are sold for remelting. Aluminum powder, produced at Rockdale, is used in a variety of chemical and commercial applications including cosmetics, paint and as a component in solid rocket propellants.
Lines 3 and 4 to be permanently closed at Rockdale smelter Alcoa is announcing the permanent closure of lines 3 and 4 at the Rockdale smelter. The smelter was temporarily curtailed in 2008, and has six lines. These two lines are being permanently closed and decommissioned because current power contracts only allow for the operation of four lines. Lines 3 and 4 are the oldest lines at Rockdale. The remaining 4 lines will continue in a curtailed state. This action will reduce sustaining maintenance costs at the facility.
Environmental Responsiblity
Replenishing the Environment
Rockdale Operations has been recognized by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining for its accomplishments in land reclamation and the environment.
