The alumina market could move into a surplus once Norsk Hydro's Alunorte refinery in Brazil increases its capacity and market tightness is alleviated, according to research by Fastmarkets analysts.
The refinery, in Brazil's northern state of Par??, has been operating at 50% of its annual capacity since March 2018 due to environmental issues, but could reach 75-80% of capacity within two months of receiving approval from the Federal Court of Belem for an increase in output.A meeting between Hydro and the federal prosecutor's office (MPF) is scheduled for April 4, Norsk Hydro Brazil's executive vice president of bauxite and alumina told Fastmarkets during an interview at Fastmarkets' 25th bauxite and alumina conference in Miami on Wednesday March 27.Global...