Alunorte will again operate in Pará

The Alunorte alumina refinery, Norsk Hydro agreed with the Secretary of State for environment and sustainability of Pará (Semes) resumption of 50% of your production capacity. The decision, according to the company, following the exceptional authorization Brazilian Institute of environment and renewable natural resources (Ibama), which authorized the Alunorte technology of filter press for bauxite residues processing. "The expectation is that the production of the Alunorte can gradually get to 50 percent in two weeks," said the company in a statement. The Executive Vice President of bauxite and alumina area of Hydro, John Thuestad, points out in a statement that the measure must ensure the jobs in the unit. "With consistent documentation, proving the integrity of our system of bauxite waste disposal when based on the use of the filter press, and in alignment with the Semes, we are now able to resume with 50% of the security operations of the Alunorte", stresses the Executive. "This is a very welcome to secure thousands of jobs in Pará, as well as ensure the supply to our customers and global markets," he added. The Alunorte operates with half capacity since March, after State environmental authorities and justice led to the reduced production in 50% after charges of tailings leak in rivers and creeks. The company announced last week total suspension of the operations of the unit, on the difficulties of adopting the new tailings system.