Upgrade in Kurri Kurri

(Sep. 2, 2002) Hydro Aluminium will upgrade the Kurri Kurri aluminium metal plant in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. Nominal production capacity will be increased by 10 per cent to 165,000 tonnes per year and the investments will improve the plant's environmental performance.

The program includes construction of a new anode baking furnace, major repairs to casthouse and potline floors, and installation of new technology on two potlines.

Investments will amount to approximately AUS $ 100 million. Minor work on the project is already under way, and the program will continue until for three years.

Kurri Kurri began operating in 1969. The plant became part of Hydro Aluminium earlier this year as consequence of the acquisition of VAW aluminium AG.