Shutdown will cut output by 33,000 tpy. Full operation anticipated by end-month. Potlines closed since June. Closure was expected to curtail output by over 7,000 tonnes of metal per month. Cut blamed on depressed aluminium prices.
Company says extensive upgrades and large capital expenditure needed.
Contracted power to be made available to other Alcoa smelters. Will result in loss of not more than 1,360 tpy of metal production. Mozal smelter produces first metal, six months ahead of schedule. Full capacity expected by first quarter 2001. The Dalles plant in Oregon.